Product Overview: Blue Cat Audio Plug’n Script
Blue Cat Audio’s Plug’n Script is a versatile and powerful audio and MIDI scripting plug-in designed to empower users to create custom audio effects, MIDI effects, and virtual instruments directly within their favorite Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
What it Does
Plug’n Script allows users to write and execute their own scripts to process audio and MIDI data in real-time or offline, without the need for extensive programming knowledge. This tool is ideal for audio software developers, DSP programmers, and even beginners in audio development who want to create customized plug-ins tailored to their specific needs.
Key Features
- Scripting Capabilities: Users can write scripts using the AngelScript language, which is similar to C , Java, or JavaScript. This scripting engine includes a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler that compiles scripts into machine code for optimal performance.
- Custom Effects and Instruments: Plug’n Script enables the creation of various types of scripts, including audio processors, MIDI processors, synthesizers, audio generators, and MIDI events generators. Users can build their own effects or virtual instruments using the provided scripts or by modifying existing ones.
- User Interface Customization: The user interface adapts automatically to the scripts, and users can also create their own interfaces using Blue Cat’s KUIML language, which is similar to HTML. This allows for a high degree of customization without requiring additional coding.
- Export Options: Scripts and their associated user interfaces can be exported as independent plug-ins in VST, VST3, AAX, or Audio Unit formats. This feature allows users to distribute their creations as standalone plug-ins, free from any dependency on Plug’n Script itself.
- Multi-Parameter Control: The plug-in supports up to 48 input parameters and 32 output parameters, with full MIDI and automation control. This extensive parameter control ensures that users can finely tune their effects and instruments.
- Surround Sound Support: Plug’n Script includes support for surround sound up to 8 audio channels, making it suitable for a wide range of audio production tasks.
- Integrated Development Environment (IDE) Support: Users can edit their scripts in their preferred IDE by setting it up in the plug-in’s preferences. This feature enhances the development process by allowing users to work in a familiar environment.
- Presets and Scripts: The plug-in comes with 46 scripts and 120 presets for various audio and MIDI effects, providing a comprehensive starting point for both beginners and experienced developers.
Functionality
- Script Execution: Once a script is selected, the plug-in loads the script file, compiles it into bytecode, and then into machine code using the JIT compiler. This process ensures efficient real-time execution of the script.
- Error Handling: The plug-in reports any errors or warnings that occur during script execution, allowing users to quickly identify and fix issues.
- Community and Sharing: There is an online repository where users can download, share, and collaborate on scripts and effects, fostering a community-driven approach to plug-in development.
In summary, Blue Cat Audio’s Plug’n Script is a powerful tool that democratizes the creation of custom audio and MIDI plug-ins, making it accessible to both novice and experienced audio developers. Its robust features, ease of use, and extensive customization options make it an invaluable asset for anyone looking to tailor their audio processing and synthesis needs.