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Audio plug-in

Software signal processor or synthesizer module

Audio plug-in
Summary

Software signal processor or synthesizer module

Screenshot of the guitar amplifier plugin software Guitarix

In computer software, an audio plug-in, is a plug-in that can add or enhance audio-related functions in a computer program, typically a digital audio workstation. Such functions may include digital signal processing or sound synthesis.{{Cite book

Types

There are three broad classes of audio plug-in: those which transform existing audio samples, those which generate new audio samples through sound synthesis, and those which analyze existing audio samples. Although all plug-in types can technically perform audio analysis, only specific formats provide a mechanism for analysis data to be returned to the host.

Instances

The program used to dynamically load audio plug-ins is called a plug-in host. Example hosts include Bidule, Gig Performer, Mainstage, REAPER, and Sonic Visualiser. Plug-ins can also be used to host other plug-ins. Communication between host and plug-in(s) is determined by a plug-in application programming interface (API). The API declares functions and data structures that the plug-in must define to be usable by a plug-in host. Additionally, a functional specification may be provided, which defines how the plug-in should respond to function calls, and how the host should expect to handle function calls to the plug-in. The specification may also include documentation about the meaning of variables and data structures declared in the API. The API header files, specification, shared libraries, license, and documentation are sometimes bundled together in a software development kit (SDK).

List of plug-in architectures

NameDeveloperLicenseGUI supportSupported typesSupported platformsSupported DAWs
Rack ExtensionReason StudiosBSD-styleTransformation, synthesismacOS, WindowsReason
Virtual Studio TechnologySteinbergProprietary or MITTransformation, synthesisLinux, macOS,(Most DAWs)
Audio UnitsAppleProprietaryTransformation, synthesisiOS, macOS, tvOS(Most DAWs on Apple Software)
Real Time AudioSuiteAvidProprietaryTransformation, synthesismacOS, WindowsPro Tools (32-bit only)
Avid Audio eXtensionAvidProprietaryTransformation, synthesismacOS, WindowsPro Tools
TDMAvidProprietaryTransformation, synthesismacOS, WindowsPro Tools (32-bit only)
LADSPAladspa.orgLGPLTransformationLinux, macOS, WindowsArdour, LMMS
DSSIFree softwareLGPL, BSDTransformation, synthesisLinux, macOS, WindowsQtractor, Renoise
LV2lv2plug.inISCTransformation, synthesisLinux, macOS, WindowsArdour, REAPER
DirectX pluginMicrosoftProprietaryTransformation, synthesisWindowsACID Pro (v3.0 or later), Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar (v2.0 or later), MAGIX Samplitude, REAPER, Sound Forge, Steinberg (Wavelab, Nuendo, Cubase), OpenMPT
VAMPvamp-plugins.orgBSD-styleAnalysisLinux, macOS, WindowsAudacity
CLAPBitwig and othersMIT-styleTransformation, synthesisLinux, macOS, WindowsBitwig, REAPER, FL Studio, MultitrackStudio, MuLab, QTractor
Audio Random AccessCelemony SoftwareBSD-stylemacOS, WindowsMelodyne

Notable audio plug-in companies

  • Eventide, Inc
  • FabFilter
  • iZotope
  • Native Instruments
  • Solid State Logic
  • Universal Audio
  • ValhallaDSP
  • Waves Audio
  • Xfer Records

References

References

  1. Cannam, C. 2008., The vamp audio analysis plugin api: A programmer’s guide. [http://www.vamp-plugins.org/]. Revision 1.0, covering the Vamp plug-in SDK version 1.2. 51
  2. Gibson, D. and Polfreman, R., 2011. [http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/18249/1/ICMC2011%2DPaper_Final_Camera_Ready_ver2.pdf "An Architecture For Creating Hosting Plug-Ins For Use In Digital Audio Workstations."], ''In: International Computer Music Conference 2011, 31 July - 5 August 2011, University of Huddersfield, England.''
  3. [http://www.steinberg.net/en/company/developer.html VST SDK]
  4. [http://vamp-plugins.org/develop.html VAMP SDK]
  5. [https://developer.reasonstudios.com Reason Studios Rack Extension SDK]
  6. [https://developer.reasonstudios.com/agreements/Agreements#_rack_extension_sdk_license_agreement Reason Studios Rack Extension SDK License]
  7. (February 23, 2017). "VST 3 SDK License".
  8. (February 21, 2022). "Welcome to VST SDK 3.7.x".
  9. "Apple Developer Documentation".
  10. [https://dssi.sourceforge.net/ dssi.sourceforge.net]
  11. [https://github.com/free-audio/clap github.com/free-audio/clap]
Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

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