|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An audio plug-in is a program that can add extended capabilities and features to your existing "host" program. Most Audio Editing & Mastering programs along with Multi-Track Recording programs support some form of plug-ins. These added features can include advanced pitch and time stretching, EQ, reverb, pitch correction or other effects and are usually of higher quality than the effects that are included with your host program. Most plug-ins require a "host" program as they won't run "stand alone". A "host" program is an Audio Editing & Mastering or Multi-Track recording program that supports plug-ins. |
|
First, find the plug-in that offers the feature set you are looking for. Some plug-ins are designed for one specific task, usually giving you an incredible amount of control over specific parameters to get the exact effect you desire. Other plug-ins are designed as bundles to give you a wide range of features, or emulate vintage gear. Secondly, make sure that the plug-in will work with a format supported by your host application. An explanation of different plug-in formats is given below.
There are a variety of plug-in formats, each developed by different companies for different platforms. AU and DirectX are two formats that are integrated directly into the Mac and Windows operating system respectively. However, not all host programs running on those platforms support those formats. Be sure to check your host program to ensure that it supports the plug-in format you want to use. AU, DirectX and VST are the most widely used formats.- DirectX - Windows/Microsoft Direct X was created by Microsoft to allow for real-time processing of audio. Instead of creating a new file with the results of the plug-in, the plug-in can be used in real time, directly on the incoming or pre-recorded audio. Direct X is actually a whole multi-media specification allowing programmers to access low level aspects of the operating system via API's for audio and video (graphics).
- AU - Audio Units - Mac OS X Audio Units was created by Apple allow developers to directly access the new audio and MIDI technologies in OS X. Since Audio Units are address the operating system itself, programmers can access both the audio engine and the GUI, allowing for powerful plug-ins with advanced user interfaces.
- VST - Virtual Studio Technology - Steinberg Created by Steinberg to offer a low-latency, cross platform plug in architecture that doesn't require special hardware, VST is one of the most popular audio plug-in formats. VST has been updated over the years and now supports VSTi which are virtual instruments, working in the same manner as an audio plug-in, but provided access to new software synths and instruments controllable via MIDI.
- TDM - Time Domain Multiplex - Digidesign TDM was created by Digidesign to use their proprietary Digidesign hardware to run plug-ins. As a result, TDM is available only for Pro Tools or other host programs that support the use of TDM hardware.
- HTDM - Digidesign "Host TDM" plug-ins do all of the audio processing on your computer's CPU instead of the DSP chips found on Digidesign TDM hardware. HTDM allows you to access the power and flexibility using your CPU for synths and sampling while integrating directly with Pro Tools. Pro Tools give you access to all of the standard features of working with regular TDM plug-ins.
- RTAS - Real Time Audio Suite - Digidesign Created by DigiDesign for Pro Tools LE, RTAS is also a host based plug-in format, relying on your CPU for power instead of expensive TDM hardware. RTAS plug-ins are available to run on both Mac and PC versions of Pro Tools LE.
- MAS - MOTU Audio System Created by Mark of the Unicorn before Apple offered a real-time native effects format, MAS is a proprietary format for MOTU's software, such as Digital Performer.
|
|
|
| |
Audio Plug-ins
Show All Audio Plug-ins
