What is it?

Metaplugin is a plugin that loads other plugins. As simple as that. Build your own effect networks with this plugin wrapper using any VST/VST3 (and AU, if you’re on Mac) effect you already have on your harddisk. To get you started, a Mid-Side matrix, a fourband crossover filter and a routing plugin are included in the package. This means instant cross-track routing, mid-side, multiband compression/distortion/reverb/… you name it. Of course that’s only the beginning… let your imagination run free, nothing is impossible, from creating your own layered synth sounds to building whole sound generators from scratch using simple modules.

Another favourite use case for Metaplugin is to load VST plugins in Pro Tools (or to load AudioUnits in Pro Tools if you’re on a Mac). Hence, you can use it as a VST to AAX wrapper or an AU to AAX wrapper. While we’re at it: you can also use Metaplugin to load VST plugins in Logic/LogicX (VST to AU wrapper), or AU plugins in Cubase (AU to VST wrapper).

Features:

  • Effect version supports up to eight individual channels for, e.g. surround or other multichannel purposes.
  • Instrument version featuring 16 stereo output buses for all conceivable routing purposes using multichannel instruments
  • Double precision audio processing when supported by DAW and plugin format (not for Audio Units)
  • Additional stereo sidechain input
  • Convenient plugin organizer: scan your plugins once, then just drag and drop them onto the graph area
  • Auto-connect option
  • Internal bridge from 32 to 64 bit or vice versa, with seamless plugin window integration: load 32 bit plugins in ProTools or LogicPro X without the need for a 3rd party bridging solution
  • NEW since v4.0: internal bridge to load Intel plugins in native Apple Silicon hosts
  • Support for native Apple Audio Unit plugins
  • Dry/wet ratio can be adjusted for each loaded plugin.
  • Individual bypass for each loaded plugin
  • Full plugin delay compensation included.
  • Automate up to 100 parameters by mapping them on any parameter of a loaded plugin
  • Parameter learning included
  • Negligible additional CPU overhead.
  • Synths can also be loaded and played with any MIDI control, which means you can create custom synthesizers with existing building blocks.
  • Oversampling: to avoid aliasing, oversampling is a necessity. Metaplugin offers up to 16x oversampling option of the whole signal chain in realtime mode, and up to 64x oversampling in offline mode (during rendering).
  • Included: mid-side matrix, multiband splitter and cross track send/receive, A/B switch, 8x2 channel mixer, MIDI channel filter
  • FunctionPlugin: create your own algorithms with a mathematical expression parser
  • Define your own colour palette for the plugin: check!
  • Freely resizable plugin window for maximum convenience: check!
  • Can be used as a VST (2 or 3) to AU wrapper, a VST (2 or 3) to AAX wrapper or an AU to AAX wrapper.

Honestly, we can’t think of any reason not to own this baby! Available for Windows (32/64 bit VST/VST3 and AAX) and Mac OSX (32/64 bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX, 10.7 or higher needed). As always, we strongly recommend to check out the demo version (settings not saved, but further fully functional) to see whether it fits your needs!

Testimonials

Metaplugin really has been a lifesaver for me, particularly for critical instrument and synth parts, but many processor and effects plug‑ins also sound better in Metaplugin running at 2x, 4x and sometimes even higher multiples. (Pontus Hagberg in a SoundOnSound article)

Metaplugin lets me use older, weirder, unsupported or more esoteric plugins to get some uncommon design effects and keep my sound palette wider and more unique. It keeps me outside the box when the show calls for it. ( Jon Greasley, TV and movie sound designer)

YES! YES! YES! Have been waiting years for a FX chainer with PDC and finally it’s here! Also the modular design just puts other FX chainers to bed! You can pratically process (multi/paralell) anything in anyway with this thing now properly with PDC! THANKS DDMF! (Renan L.B: on Gearslutz)

So now I can use any of the compressors I have as a multiband for mastering and on drums? That’s freaking awesome. Gotta try it out tonight. (Cooker on kvraudio.com)

Demo (Win) Demo (Mac)