Questions about using VST RTAS adapter w/ PT

[handinjury]

I was thinking of getting the Vst Rtas fx expansion thing($80). There seems to be a lot of free vst plugins available. And since I cant afford the waves bundle I want, this could could hold me over.
So what do I need to know in order to use vst plugins?
Do they eat up a lot of cpu?(my biggest problem w/ PT)
Is it as easy as getting the adapter and download the plug?
And lastly, how do they sound? Any problems/bugs with protools?

Thanks

[kcrusher]

1. Install the VST plug-ins to your computer. Run the VST to RTAS adaptor and it will scan the VST plug-ins, creating an adaptor for each one. When you launch PT, it will see the newly adapted plug-ins.
2. VST's vary in the amount of CPU they use. Emulators (amp simulators), reverbs and soft synths typically use the most.
3. All you need is the plug-in and the adaptor.
4. They sound only as good as the VST plug-in itself - anywhere from awful to really, really nice.

I haven't seen any problems with the adaptor beyond a few minor bugs. It's always a good idea to check their compatibility list to see which plug-ins will or won't work with the adaptor.

[handinjury]

Thanks bombastique.

[syrupcore]

word. best 80 bucks I've spent on PT. there are some great free VSTs out there. No problems to speak of.