FOSSPicks
Audio plugin
PlugData
The world of audio processing is incredibly complex. For that reason, many of us rely on other, cleverer people to develop the algorithms and software, and to package those up as plugins we can use with our favorite audio software. But there are also a few applications that can help with algorithm development without requiring a postgraduate degree in digital signal processing. And the best of these is Pure Data. Pure Data is a visual programming language that was designed for audio and control message processing. You join inputs and outputs together with a little scripting, but you can equally load and hack on hundreds of preexisting patches, algorithms, and documented examples. It's a powerful tool for generating your own sounds and effects, and it became the inspiration for the industry standard (non-open source and non-Linux) Max by Cycling '74. This in turn even led to the creation of Max for Live, an enviable integrated plugin and programming environment for Ableton Live on Windows and macOS.
Despite the availability of patches and modifications, Pure Data patches still need Pure Data running, and this solution doesn't work too well with other audio applications. Which is where PlugData can help. It's a version of Pure Data that wraps its functionality inside the JUCE plugin framework so your patches can be built and used directly as plugins. It will turn any audio plugin host into a modular and programmable audio processor, much like the aforementioned Max for Live, and is something we've never had access to in the Linux audio world. Lots of objects are included, and you can import your own patches and do everything you normally can in Pure Data. It works as you would expect, including MIDI and OSC data processing, making PlugData a fully fledged version of Pure Data where it's most useful – directly inside the audio path of a recording or producing system.
Project Website
https://github.com/timothyschoen/PlugData
Package manager
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.