I'm running Cubase SX 2 (latest version) and have downloaded the Sidekick plug-in.

I've tried extracting the .zip elsewhere, and then dragging the .dll file across to my VST folder and I've tried extracting the .dll file straight to the VST plugins folder in case that makes any difference. I've also tried placing the .dll file further in the VST plugins folder. For some reason, I have a VST plugins folder within the original plugins folder, so there are various .dll files in both of these and they all work fine.

Anyway, I've then restarted my computer, loaded up Cubase, but can't find the programme in my insert effects list. I've searched through the lot.

Am I missing something here?

Does the programme only become visible when it can be used?

As far as I understand, I only need to open up 2 stereo channels, and then select an instance of Sidekick on both channels. Correct?

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi dude,

Just started using Sidekick myself.

I'm afraid its there on my insert effects list, and all I did was copy the fully extracted dll file to my vst plugins folder and it works fine.

Few things to try out.

First, get rid of all the copies of it you've placed in the VST plugins folder so far, start from scratch. Should only be a single file so shouldn't be difficult.

Next, go back to the original zip file and re-extract the dll. Make sure you do this via and select extract all, don't just double click on the zip file and drag it out of there by hand. Don't ask me why this is important, all I know is I've found some zipped dll's refuse to work if you use the latter, quicker method, must be something to do with the way the file is compressed, I guess, but sometimes it makes a difference as to whether the extracted file works or not.

Copy the dll into a sub folder in the vst plugins folder, I put mine in with a group of gates and things to keep it organised. Possibly it might be an idea for you to create a whole new folder for it, the reason being, your insert list in Cubase should pick that up as well. If when you run cubase and find that it can see the new folder, but not the dll, then there is a problem with the dll itself - best bet, download a new zip file, yours must have got corrupted somehow. If Cubase fails to even register the existance of the new folder you created within the insert list, then it must be something to do with how cubase is looking for your plugins - there might be some method of refreshing this so it realises that new plugin is there. I've ever had this issue myself, but I don't use your exact version of Cubase.

Hope that helps.

Anyway, if you get it working, it will work on mono and stereo channels, and you do need 2 versions of it open at once for them to interact. Also be warned, the default when you place then on your channels is bypass mode, so make sure you change that on both instances of Sidekick or it doesn't actually do anything(as I discovered after a minutes of confusion!)

Hi MysticJim.

Thanks for your help.

Unfortunately, I've tried everything you suggested to no avail.

Since exploring my computer I've found that I have at least 3 VST plugins folders all contained within my Steinberg folder, so I've tried all of them with a freshly downloaded and extracted programme to no avail. Also, I'm not sure how to refresh the effects list menu either, so I've always just restarted the comp. Just for the record though, all the other plugins in the other 3 folders work fine.

Does the programme show up under Direct X, or on it's own in the effects menu?

I'm all out of ideas now...

I've had a minor breakthrough.

Sidekick shows in my Plugin info display, as you can see in the pic.

This tick always automatically defaults to off every time I restart Cubase, but when I tick it on, Sidekick appears in my effects folder.

I've tried updating and moving the file, but just can't seem to get the tick to remain on.


[image]http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/6/1 6211270163.jpg" alt="Click to enlarge[/image]

* Oh, and although it appears in my effects list, when it's ticked on, it still doesn't load.

Edited by Rhys Llewellyn (12/06/07 04:04 PM)

Well, I'm a bit stumped I'm afraid.

It works perfect on my version of Cubase(SE3), and Twistedlemon's website insists it should work perfectly with all versions of Cubase.

Can anyone else shed any light on this poor dudes problem?

Just out of interest, what had you installed most recently, prior to trying to get Sidekick to work? And have you tried just random finding a new, simple freeware plugin and seeing if that will work. If that fails too then its definately something messed up in Cubase.

Edited by mysticjim (12/06/07 05:16 PM)

Yeah, I'm totally puzzled too.

I'll try downloading some other freeware plugins (perhaps another Twisted Lemon and something else) and see if either of them work.

Thanks.

I downloaded another Twisted Lemon release (The wah plugin), and it worked perfectly straight away.

The only difference I've noticed is that on the plug-in information folder, the wah plugin is higher up in the list, and not highlighted in orange. I can only assume that the "orange" list is faulty or buggy .dll files? At least on my system, anyway?

I'm starting to think I may just have to admit defeat.

d'you want me to email my copy of it to you? I'm sure that a long shot, but hey? You never know.

Quote mysticjim:

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d'you want me to email my copy of it to you? I'm sure that a long shot, but hey? You never know.

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Thanks, Jim. That's good of you, but I'm pretty sure the problem lies somewhere in my computer.

I think my first port of call is to e-mail the creator of the programme. Of course, I'm not expecting any real support whatsoever considering it's a free programme, but there is a link on the home page to report any bugs, so I'll see how that goes...

Fingers crossed. I'll keep you posted.