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Audio Plugins

Audio Plugins are used to provide additional audio-related functionality to a computer program. It may include audio effects or instruments (synthesizers and samplers).

Plugin > Instances (Loader) > Plugin Host

Plugin hosts are used to extend plugin functionality in a DAW (such as saving presets, mixing plugins, etc.) or to use them standalone.

Plugin Architectures

Free Software

  • VST2/VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology)
  • LADSPA (Linux Audio Developer's Sample Plugin API)
  • LV2 (LADSPA V2)
  • DSSI (Disposable Soft Synth Interface)
  • Vamp

Nonfree Software

  • Apple Audio Units
  • DirectX Plugin

Features

Free

Plugin GUI Effects Instruments Platforms
VST No Yes Yes Linux/macOS/Windows
LADSPA Yes No Yes Linux/macOS/Windows
LV2 Yes Yes Yes Linux/macOS/Windows
DSSI Yes Yes Yes Linux/macOS/Windows
Vamp No No No Linux/macOS/Windows
Note: Vamp is used for analysis (like DSP)
### Nonfree
Plugin GUI Effects Synthesis Platforms
Apple Audio Units Apple
DirectX Plugin Windows
# Plugin Frameworks
  • JUCE
  • Rust VST
  • VSTGUI
  • GTK
  • FLTK
  • Qt
  • DPF
  • SAF
  • WDL-OL
  • FLUID
  • Faust
  • WAM

List of Plugins

  • FL Studio Default
  • Xfer Records Plugins
    • Serum
    • Cthulhu
  • Scaler

Free

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