VSL have just announced the launch of Vienna Ensemble Pro 8.1 and 8.1V, a pair of major updates to their ever-popular network host and mixing software. Building on the success of Vienna Ensemble Pro 8, the updates further refine the way composers, producers and sound designers connect and manage their computers, virtual instruments and effects — as well as introducing an entirely new way to control the software using AI assistants.

One of the headline features of the update is the introduction of an MCP server that allows AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT Codex or Google Antigravity connect directly to Vienna Ensemble Pro and help users build and manage their templates. Currently available as a public beta, the function can be accessed via the Preferences menu, and opens up an intuitive, conversational way to set up and organise even the largest orchestral templates. The feature requires users to have their own subscription to one of the supported AI assistants.

With the launch of VEP 8 came VEP 8V, a separate version of the software that’s capable of hosting video files as well as virtual instruments. In the 8.1 update, VEP 8V has been treated to a complete redesign, and now sports a refreshed interface that refreshes its timeline, transport, track controls, markers, regions and dialogs, as well as adding a higher track-volume range, a snap-to-start function and the ability to send transport data (MMC/MTC) directly through its own MIDI output.

Along with the main server application and it’s companion routing plug-in, VEP also includes an Audio Input plug-in that allows users to route audio from their DAW tracks into their VEP server for processing. The latest update introduces some changes that improve the plug-in’s stability across all supported hosts, as well as expanding the amount of supported channel layouts. The 8.1 update kits the plug-in out with comprehensive support for common immersive and 3D formats, from 7.1.x and 9.x up to 22.2 and Auro-3D.

Other general improvements include a redesigned Automation browser that aims to make managing automation far easier, with flexible views, instant search and full undo functionality. A reworked automatic-backup system then keeps timed auto-saves and on-save backups side by side with the project with fully configurable version counts. Smarter folder and channel handling lets users disable a folder while its channels retain their own state, and is complemented by a new Force Enable command and MIDI-aware channels that switch on automatically when they receive MIDI. Automatic VST2-to-VST3 migration of hosted plug-ins preserves saved states, and the company have implemented a wide range of performance, stability and interface refinements.

Vienna Ensemble Pro 8 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or later, and Macs running macOS 12 and above. The DAW plug-in is available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX and MAS formats. 

Vienna Ensemble Pro 8.1 is available now, and is free to existing users. To celebrate the release of the update, VSL are offering the following discounted prices until 14 July 2026:

• Vienna Ensemble Pro 8: €149 (usually €199)
• Vienna Ensemble Pro 8V: €299 (usually €399)

www.vsl.co.at/products/software/vienna-ensemble-pro-8