What is a plugin?
A plugin, in the context of music production, refers to a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing computer program. When a program supports plugins, it enables customization and enhances the capabilities of the application, particularly in the realm of digital audio production.
Plugins are used in various stages of music production, from sound design and mixing to mastering. They can emulate traditional recording studio hardware, such as compressors and equalizers, or create entirely new sounds that are impossible to produce with physical equipment.
Types of music plugins
There are several types of plugins used in music production, each serving a specific purpose and contributing to the overall sound of a track. The type of plugin used can significantly impact the final product, and understanding the function of each is crucial for any music producer.
While there are countless plugins available, they can generally be categorized into four main types: instruments, effects, MIDI effects, and utility plugins.
1. Instrument plugins
Instrument plugins, also known as virtual instruments or VSTi, are used to generate sounds. They can emulate real instruments like pianos, guitars, and drums, or create synthetic sounds. Some examples of instrument plugins include Native Instruments' Massive for electronic sounds and Spectrasonics' Omnisphere for a wide range of realistic instruments.
These plugins are typically used in the composition stage of music production, allowing producers to create entire songs without the need for physical instruments or musicians.
2. Effects plugins
Effects plugins are used to process audio and add effects. They can emulate classic studio effects like reverb, delay, and distortion, or offer unique digital effects. Some popular effects plugins include iZotope's Ozone for mastering and Soundtoys' Decapitator for saturation.
These plugins are used during the mixing stage to enhance or alter the sound of individual tracks or the entire mix.
3. MIDI effects plugins
MIDI effects plugins process MIDI data rather than audio signals. They can generate, modify, or analyze MIDI data. Examples include arpeggiators, chord generators, and step sequencers.
These plugins are often used in the composition stage to create complex musical patterns or transform simple input into intricate output.
4. Utility plugins
Utility plugins provide practical functions that aid in the process of music production. They include metering tools, spectrum analyzers, and volume automation tools. Examples include FabFilter's Pro-Q 4 for equalization and iZotope's Insight for metering.
These plugins are used throughout the production process to analyze and control various aspects of the audio signal.
Plugin formats
Plugins come in various formats, each compatible with different digital audio workstations (DAWs). The most common formats are VST, AU, AAX, and RTAS.
It's important to know which formats your DAW supports before purchasing a plugin, as not all plugins are available in all formats.
VST plugins
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a plugin format developed by Steinberg. It's one of the most widely supported formats and is compatible with most DAWs, including Cubase, Ableton Live, and FL Studio.
VST plugins can be both effects and instruments, and the format also supports MIDI effects.
AU plugins
AU (Audio Units) is a plugin format developed by Apple. It's the standard format for macOS and is supported by DAWs like Logic Pro, GarageBand, and Ableton Live (on Mac).
Like VST, AU plugins can be effects, instruments, or MIDI effects.
AAX and RTAS plugins
AAX (Avid Audio Extension) and RTAS (Real-Time AudioSuite) are plugin formats developed by Avid. They are exclusively used in Pro Tools, Avid's DAW.
AAX is the newer of the two formats and supports both 64-bit and 32-bit processing. RTAS, on the other hand, is being phased out and only supports 32-bit processing.
