What should I learn to create VST plugins?

Question

I have always had a very deep fondness of music production. However, I've come to realize that I'm much more interested in the technical aspects of it. I'd really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction of what I'd need to learn to eventually be able to create synths and audio effects and maybe even a DAW. Thanks

Answer 1

1. Any language can achieve it. I see you have Java. If you need to know the Java's library, I can try to call Java expert to answer. Danijel Ivanović

2. I only know that the JavaScript techstack tools: AudioContext API

2.1 reading :

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/AudioContext

2.2 Here are some demo of the basics :

2.2.1 Setup:

https://code.sololearn.com/WPI10LwlzUwF/?ref=app

2.2.2 For panning (left/right channel)

https://code.sololearn.com/WD0GmEXwtB0L/?ref=app

2.3 Visual explanation :

https://media.prod.mdn.mozit.cloud/attachments/2018/10/07/16229/e27743d02fb9548982f20fdadd829e78/graphPan.jpg

Answer 2

Werner Botha found it 😂

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://webaudioapi.com/book/Web_Audio_API_Boris_Smus.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjR0u-hptnkAhVRu54KHTViDx8QFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw2DVj_DV5nrBvWxqLE5Mv4i

It is for JavaScript only.

The examples in the book are a bit hard to follow, better use MDN examples instead.

Answer 3

Werner Botha You are welcome.

Last time, a sololearner has shared link of free electronic book about AudioContext. The syntax are outdated, but the theory is we explained. How to connect nodes for amplifying, mixing, etc. Is that what you want to learn?

I'll come back to share the link if I found it.

Good luck with your learning.

Answer 4

Also check out the software "Pure Data", its a DAW reduced to the absolute minimum and you are basically programming!
(People have even made vst plugins from pure data patches.)

Answer 5

Thank you so much Gordon!