Jul 15, 2025 | Gig Performer
Our partners at Deskew Technologies have introduced Gig Performer Essentials, a streamlined version of their fully-powered Gig Performer 5 plugin host. Check out the details in Marty Wade's new video below!
And for Cherry Audio customers who purchased Synth Stack 5 or Pick 6 with GPFree, you can level-up to either Gig Performer Essentials or the full Gig Performer 5 with the exclusive discount you can find in your Cherry Audio account. Just find Gig Performer in your Library and follow the "Gig Performer 10% Discount" link to get your discount code today!
In this video, singer, keytar player, and Gig Performer community member Marty Wade introduces Gig Performer Essentials — a powerful yet easy-to-use plugin that gives you everything you need at a super low cost. Gig Performer is an audio plugin host (AU, VST3, and VST host) for live performance and session musicians. Click here to try Gig Performer Essentials free for 14 days.
Deskew Technologies has launched Gig Performer Essentials, a new entry-level edition of its well-regarded live performance plugin host. This version is designed for musicians seeking a streamlined, efficient tool for live performances, offering core features of the full version in a simplified package.
David Jameson, co-founder and CEO of Deskew Technologies, explained that Gig Performer Essentials is tailored for musicians who prioritize ease of use without sacrificing essential functionality. It retains the reliability and intuitive workflow of the original Gig Performer, featuring a graphic matrix interface, plugin flexibility, and a robust performance engine. These elements have made Gig Performer a popular choice among touring professionals, and the Essentials version aims to deliver a more immediate experience with a curated feature set.
Originally developed by touring musicians to address the limitations of existing products, Gig Performer has become a trusted tool for thousands of artists worldwide. It serves as an all-in-one VST/AU plugin host, setlist manager, audio mixer, backing track player, sound design tool, and MIDI patch bay. Its visual approach to routing allows musicians to create sophisticated performance setups with ease, compatible with both macOS and Windows.
While many users have explored advanced customization options in the full version, Deskew Technologies recognized that not all performers require such detailed features. Gig Performer Essentials offers a more streamlined experience, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of the flagship platform with a plug-and-play approach. Jameson noted that Essentials users can still upgrade to the full version when ready, with all rackspaces built in Essentials being fully compatible with the full version.
Plugin Hosting (VST/AU): Host unlimited virtual instruments and effects on stage.
Unlimited Rackspaces: Create and switch between reusable sound setups instantly.
Global Rackspace: Maintain key sounds and effects throughout your set.
Multi-Song MIDI Player: Seamlessly add backing tracks, automation, or MIDI control.
Streaming Audio File Player: Load numerous songs into your Gig files without using excessive RAM.
Unlimited Setlists: Organize and switch songs on the fly.
Visual Signal Routing: Use intuitive drag-and-drop connections for audio and MIDI.
MIDI Controller Support: Integrate hardware naturally and efficiently.
Community Access: Engage with an active user base for support and ideas.
Gig Performer Essentials is available now at an entry-level price of USD 59. For more information, visit the Gig Performer blog. To purchase or download a trial version, visit gigperformer.com.