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. Audio plug-ins usually provide their own user interface, which often contains graphical user interface (GUI) widgets that can be used to control and visualize the plug-in's audio parameters.
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.Cannam, C. 2008., The vamp audio analysis plugin api: A programmer’s guide. . Revision 1.0, covering the Vamp plug-in SDK version 1.2. 51
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.Gibson, D. and Polfreman, R., 2011. "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. 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).VST SDKVAMP SDKReason Studios Rack Extension SDK
List of plug-in architectures Name Developer License GUI support Supported types Supported platformsSupported DAWs Rack Extension Reason Studios BSD-styleReason Studios Rack Extension SDK License Transformation, synthesis macOS, WindowsReason Virtual Studio Technology Steinberg Proprietary or MIT Transformation, synthesis Linux, macOS, Windows(Most DAWs) Audio Units Apple Proprietary Transformation, synthesis iOS, macOS, tvOS(Most DAWs on Apple Software) Real Time AudioSuite Avid Proprietary Transformation, synthesis macOS, WindowsPro Tools (32-bit only) Avid Audio eXtension Avid Proprietary Transformation, synthesis macOS, WindowsPro Tools TDM Avid Proprietary Transformation, synthesis macOS, WindowsPro Tools (32-bit only) LADSPA ladspa.org LGPL Transformation Linux, macOS, WindowsArdour, LMMS DSSI Free softwaredssi.sourceforge.net LGPL, BSD Transformation, synthesis Linux, macOS, WindowsQtractor, Renoise LV2 lv2plug.in ISC Transformation, synthesis Linux, macOS, WindowsArdour, REAPER DirectX plugin Microsoft Proprietary Transformation, synthesis WindowsACID Pro (v3.0 or later), Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar (v2.0 or later), MAGIX Samplitude, REAPER, Sound Forge, Steinberg (Wavelab, Nuendo, Cubase), OpenMPT VAMP vamp-plugins.org BSD-style Analysis Linux, macOS, WindowsAudacity CLAP Bitwig and othersgithub.com/free-audio/clap MIT-style Transformation, synthesis Linux, macOS, WindowsBitwig, REAPER, FL Studio, MultitrackStudio, MuLab, QTractor Audio Random Access Celemony Software BSD-stylemacOS, WindowsMelodyne
Notable audio plug-in companies Eventide, Inc FabFilter iZotope Native Instruments Neural DSP Solid State Logic Universal Audio ValhallaDSP Waves Audio Xfer Records
See also Effects unit Software effect processor
References