Plugin Host
Host an external audio plugin in the node graph.
What it does
Plugin Host loads a CLAP or VST3 plugin installed on the system and runs the graph's audio, or in the Image modes its pixels, through it. Plugin ID picks the plugin. Processing Mode picks the path: Audio runs stereo buffers through the plugin as a DAW effect or instrument would, while the Image modes reinterpret pixel data as mono or per-channel signal passes, so audio plugins work as image processors. Parameters the plugin exposes appear as pins on the node, wireable, keyframable and automatable like native parameters.
Bypass and Mix dial the effect in or out without unplugging anything, and the plugin's internal state is saved and restored with the project.
When to use it
A specific synth, compressor, EQ or other CLAP/VST3 instrument or effect inside the graph, driven by graph values rather than a host app
The plugin used purely as an instrument, with the audio inputs left unconnected, as many synths need no incoming audio
Image data run through an audio plugin for texture or signal-art effects, with Processing Mode on one of the Image variants
Per-plugin-parameter automation exposed directly as graph pins
| Parameter | Type | Default |
|---|---|---|
plugin_id | String | "" |
processing_mode | String | "Audio" |
sample_rate | Number | 44100 |
scan_order | String | "Horizontal" |
audio_in_left | OneOf([Signal, NumberArray]) | — |
audio_in_right | OneOf([Signal, NumberArray]) | — |
image_input | OneOf([FieldOf(Raster)]) | — |
bypass | Boolean | false |
mix | Number | 1 |
plugin_state | String | "" |
Gotchas
Right Audio Input duplicates Left Audio Input when left unconnected, so mono sources need only one wire.
Switching Processing Mode changes which inputs and outputs are active. Audio mode uses the left/right audio pins and produces
levelandlatencyreadouts; the Image modes use the image input and route throughoutputas an image. Reconnect the relevant pins after switching.
When a plugin misbehaves, toggle Bypass first. It passes the input straight through unchanged, which confirms whether the node or the plugin's internal state is the source of the problem.
Worked example
Add a Plugin Host node and pick a plugin from Plugin ID.
Leave Processing Mode on Audio for a synth or effect; wire Audio Input Left/Right from your audio graph, or leave them unconnected to use the plugin as an instrument.
Adjust Mix to blend processed and dry signal, and use the plugin's exposed parameter pins to automate its own controls from the graph.
To process images instead, switch Processing Mode to one of the Image options and wire an image into Image Input.
See also
Audio Input · MIDI Input · Audio Output · Numbers, signals & audio