Waves Audio released an updated version of the freeware StudioRack plugin chainer, adding the ability to host VST3 plugins by other developers.
StudioRack is Waves Audio’s free plugin chainer. Until recently, it was only capable of loading other Waves plugins. The latest v14 update introduces the possibility of hosting third-party plugins, making StudioRack a fantastic tool for adding more flexibility to any DAW.
The beauty of it is that StudioRack doesn’t simply load plugins in a serial chain (although that would be useful for saving custom FX chains, too). StudioRack can do much more, including splitting audio into parallel processing racks, multiband processing, and macro controls.
That’s right, you can now use StudioRack to create custom multiband processing chains. For example, load a couple (or more) instances of your favorite freeware compressor to build the ultimate multiband compressor. Or, add some saturation to the high frequencies while heavily compressing the bass portion of the signal.
Here’s a simple multiband compression rack with BPB’s forthcoming Dirty LA plugin.
The flexibility doesn’t stop there. You can also use StudioRack for parallel processing, including mono, stereo, and M/S parallel racks.
Macros are another excellent time saver. You can create up to eight custom macro controls by combining multiple parameters from any plugin loaded in the chain. For example, use a single knob to push the sub-bass and cut the mid frequencies while distorting the top end.
All of this is possible in a convenient user interface with a simple and intuitive design. It resembles the FX section found in most plugin hosts, so there really isn’t much of a learning curve when using StudioRack for the first time.
In other words, if you ever wanted to develop a complex FX plugin but didn’t have the coding know-how, StudioRack now lets you unleash your inner Chris Johnson right in the comfort of your favorite DAW.
Speaking of DAWs, let’s not forget that you can transfer your plugin chains between projects or even hosts. Save your custom FX setup in Waveform 12 Free and then load it in Cakewalk or any other free DAW.
Waves Audio typically gets some negative comments because of their upgrade plan, but you don’t have to worry about the updates in this case. StudioRack is entirely free, and you can use it in your setup without any limitations.
So, if you’re looking for an easier way to save custom FX chains, or if you want to put your own FX concepts to test, go ahead and give StudioRack a try.
StudioRack is available in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for 64-bit hosts on Windows and macOS.
Download: Waves StudioRack
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18 Comments
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks to BPB readers Aris and Samuel for the info about the new StudioRack!
Michael
onI’m sure the article is coming, but new Heavyocity free synth bass just came out
Tomislav Zlatic
onOooh, nice one! Thanks for the tip. :)
Tomislav Zlatic
onHere it is: https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2022/09/07/foundations-synth-bass/#comment-297348
Numanoid
onHammersmith Free for Kontakt Player is again available
soniccouture.com/en/products/
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks, Numanoid! Checking this one out.
Frieda L
onSo, could I run this as a plugin in Logic (M1 Air) and use VSTs (non AU) plugins through it?
mx
oni believe yes, it should let you run vst3 in logic.
at least in pro tools it is possible now for me to run vst3 with studio rack now.
i just tried if it works with my setup/software versions: everything fine here. (pro tools 12 on mac catalina)
i am not 100% sure, but i think there was no free plugin wrapper for pro tools before. so this is nice to have in addition to the actual chaining-function of the plugin. maybe there is one or two vst-only plugins that i will try in the future.
what i would really like to have is a plugin chainer that shows the actual gui’s of all chained plugins at once in one window, that would be absolutely amazing!
Frieda L
onThat would be awesome. My main issue is not being able to use FL synths in Logic, even though the entire FL should theoretically work within Logic as a plugin. It just crashes on M1 but if this could make it work…. Especially that amazing, incredible , best on the planet vocoder.
GaryG
onI’m liking this, makes multiband effects routing in Reaper a lot easier.
Bani
onThanks for the heads up, great news!
Tomislav Zlatic
onAlways a pleasure!
JEP1928
onhope waves fix the update fees ang lenient giving of free plugins tho. but this thing is actually good. like multipass from kilohearts but more advanced.
Bani
onThere is no update plan for this. It’s perpetually free and always has been.
Igor
onElement is now actually free, they dropped the subscription model and are going with voluntary donations. https://kushview.net/element/ I tried it for an hour or more last night and it was rock solid and stable.
Seande Beatz
onWow am so so for this plugin
Christian H
onAs of 26 March 2023, all Waves plugins are paid subscription only, including StudioRack. Version updates for owned plugins require subscription.
Christian H
onWaves backtracked on subscription only, so StudioRack seems to be free again.