An Architecture For Creating Hosting Plug- Ins For Use In Digital Audio Workstations.

Abstract

Although modern software-based DA Ws (Digital Audio Workstations) offer the ability to interconnect with plug-in effects, they can be restrictive due to their architecture being largely based on hardware mixing desks. This is especially true when complex multi-effect sound design is required. This paper aims to demonstrate how a plug-in that can host other effects plug-ins can help improve the sound design possibilities in a DAW. This hosting plug-in allows other effects to be “inserted” at specific points in its internal signal flow. Details are given of a “proof of concept” plug-in that was created to demonstrate that it was possible to create plug-ins that can host other plug-ins, using Apple’s AU (Audio Unit) format. The proof of concept is a delay effect that allows other effects plug-ins to be inserted in either the “delay path”, “feedback path” or both. This Audio Unit has been extensively tested using different DAWs and has been found to work successfully in a variety of situations. Finally, details are given of how improvements can be made to the plug-in hosting delay.