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
- Wav2Bar Audio visualizer