VST Param Cascade

A Python tool for automated VST plugin parameter control and batch audio sample generation through MIDI CC automation.

Features

• Load and control VST3 and Audio Unit plugins
• Create custom MIDI CC parameter mappings
• Generate audio samples across specified note ranges
• Visual parameter configuration through native VST editors
• Configurable sample rate and note duration settings
• Automated file naming based on note, CC number, and parameter values
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Requirements

• Python 3.x
• VST3 or Audio Unit plugins
• Required Python packages:
  • pedalboard
  • mido
  • numpy
  • tkinter (usually comes with Python)

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/vst-parameter-cascade.git
cd vst-parameter-cascade

2. Install dependencies:

pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

1. Run the application:

python main.py

2. From the GUI:

   • Select your VST/AU plugin using the "Browse" button
   • Configure sample rate (44.1kHz - 192kHz)
   • Set note duration (in seconds)
   • Define MIDI note range (default: 42-78)
   • Add MIDI CC mappings with custom labels
   • Set CC values for automation

3. Configure VST:

   • Click "Configure VST" to open the plugin's native editor
   • Set up your initial plugin state
   • Click "Done" when finished

4. Run Automation:

   • Click "Run Automation" to start the process
   • Audio files will be saved in the output directory

Output Files

Generated audio files follow this naming convention:

{note_name}_cc{cc_number}_{cc_label}_{cc_value}.wav

Example: C4_cc1_Cutoff_64.wav

Project Structure

• main.py - Main application and GUI implementation
• gui_components.py - Custom Tkinter components for CC mapping and values
• vst_automation.py - Core VST automation and audio processing logic

Default Plugin Directories

The application looks for plugins in these default locations:

• Windows: C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3
• macOS: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
• Linux: /usr/lib/vst3

Error Handling

The application includes comprehensive error handling and logging:

• Logs are written with timestamps and debug information
• GUI displays user-friendly error messages
• Validation for all user inputs

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

Credits

• Uses Pedalboard for VST hosting
• MIDI handling through Mido
• Built with Python's Tkinter GUI framework