The DirectX Files movement
is fueled by programmers around the world, transforming their signal processing ideas into
DirectX plug-ins that are compatible with every leading Windows audio application. Whether
you're converting older plug-ins to the DirectX format, have an idea for a completely new
effect, or are looking to build a software synthesizer, this is the place.
Writing a plug-in or a
DXi soft synth?
Two sets of documentation can be found below: one for developing DXi soft synths and the
other for straight DirectShow plug-ins. This includes a DirectShow plug-in/DXi
wizard, documentation and Tonar source code. Tonar is a simple proof-of-concept DXi, which
developers will find very useful as a guide for their own soft synth development.
What
about plug-in automation?
Microsoft
has released a set of API's in the DX8
development kit that accommodate real-time automation of plug-in
parameters. These changes can be arbitrary or follow any type of
curve. With SONAR, Cakewalk developed additional support for these
interfaces which enable the host to timestamp value changes via mouse
gestures in the plug-in's UI. You'll need to download the IDL in
order for your plug-in to communicate with these new interfaces:
CakeMedParam.idl
The DirectShow/DXi SDK and
is completely free, so developers can download and freely join the revolution without
restrictions.
So let's go through it step
by step.
Step #1 - Write the Plug-in.
| A good source of
information is of course MSDN online, with information on DirectX at http://msdn.microsoft.com/directx/
You can get the complete DirectX
SDK here with additional news and information on DirectX. |
 |
The complete Microsoft
DirectX SDK provides far more than audio, including video, force feedback, and
other interactive technologies. For creating DirectX audio effects, we've made it even
easier for you...
You can
download our DX Plug-in Wizard below, which gives developers using Microsoft Visual C++
v6.0 an easy framework for creating DirectX audio plug-ins and DXi.
This Wizard requires Microsoft Visual C++®
v6.0. To install it, download the file below (DXPlugInWizard.awx) and copy it to the
Common\MSDev98\Template subdirectory of your VC++ installation. This wizard will
allow you to create a DXi soft synth or a traditional DirectShow plug-in (sans MIDI
input):
From there, the document below, in Rich
Text Format (RTF) provides additional instructions and information on using the Wizard to
create DXi soft synths.
Step #2 - Test the
plug-in
You can download a demo
version of SONAR here, which will let you try out your DirectX plug-in.
Step #3 - Ping Agent Jost
Agent Jost is your DirectX
Files host and your key to letting the world know about your work. Whether you want to
sell your synth or effect commercially, or just provide it as a service to the community,
Agent Jost can help bring you to the front of the revolution. Just send an email to agentjost@thedirectxfiles.com and your
work is done. |
