How to set up slate vcc
They are good, but they don't offer me anything new. Thus far the Slate plugins have not leapt out at me. I do like Vintage Warmer, and it is capable of a lot of different tricks, including the elusive gluing or warming of a track or mix. If only the cello is live then perhaps consider a different piano library? There are so many piano libraries out there, and they cover a very wide spectrum of sounds. (Room choice is equally powerful, but few of us have that option!) You'll be amazed at how much you can 'color' a track with just microphone selection and placement. If you are recording live cello and/or live piano then I'd start with microphone selection and placement.
HOW TO SET UP SLATE VCC PSP
It might be worth checking out the PSP mix pack as well, as it has some great saturation tools and might be a bit cheaper? (dont remember - but all PSP stuff is top notch). Of course demo both of these on your own music first before deciding (both offer downloadable demos, but you need an ilok for Slate stuff). If you are looking for subtle color, go VCC or even VTM. If you're looking for serious a tone shaping plugin, I'd go PSP. It can do subtle to "destroy your track." VCC is also great, and when I A-B my mixes with and without, 9xs out of 10x I pick the one with VCC. That being said, Vintage Warmer is a GREAT plugin and I've used on tracks that I want to be more rich sounding (i.e. Again these plugins are not "magic bullets" and of course they do find uses and are not to be written off completely, however their effects (especially console emulations like VCC) can be subtle and are not usually heard unless spread across many channels in a mix. I've heard the best budget one is from Toneboosters, but I use UAD for this. You can also try some of the tape saturation plugins on the market who's goal is to take that "digital edge" off. If you do need something to help take the "edge off" and can't quite get it with EQ, these tools can help. So if you're looking for a "magic bullet" plugin - these are not.
HOW TO SET UP SLATE VCC FREE
This all depends on what you have already, your budget, and exactly what "cello & piano library" music means (I'm assuming it its not experimental / bombastic, but traditional more subdued music?) but I personally think proper knowledge of the free EQ / Compressors in your DAW + a high quality reverb will get you further than adding saturation plugins alone.