Category Archives: Plugin

Plugins such as VST or AU

Bitter ~ Bitscope & Intersample Clip Monitor

Posted by tom2tec on

Bitter shows how many of the available bits are being used by the audio signal, reports clipping samples, and estimates when digital-to-analog conversion would cause inter-sample clips. Typical uses for a bitscope include: verifying that a render dither is working properly; verifying that a particular plugin is not reducing the signal bit depth; testing for faulty audio source data.

Features:

  • Check for Intersample Clipping that may appear during digital-to-analog conversion
  • Detailed display of the usage density of each bit
  • Reveal the bitrate of the digital signal, which may well differ from that of the file’s bitrate or your DAW’s audio engine bitrate
  • Display the audio sample rate

www.stillwellaudio.com/plugins/bitter

foo_outinfo ~ Foobar2000 Output Information

Posted by tom2tec on

Installing foo_outinfo allows for accessing the actual specs of the audio being played and the output device information using titleformatting.

The fields exposed by this component are:

%output_samplerate%Returns the sample rate entering output component
%output_channels%Returns the number of channels entering output component
%output_channel_mask%Returns the description of above channel configuration
%output_bitdepth%Returns the bitdepth used by output component, or best guess in case output doesn’t specify
%output_device%Returns the name of the output device
%output_dsps%Returns the list of active DSPs
%output_dsp_preset%Returns the name of the active DSP chain preset
%output_volume%Returns the playback volume in dB
%output_rg_source%Returns the ReplayGain source mode
%output_rg_mode%Returns the ReplayGain processing mode
%output_rg_gain%Returns the effective ReplayGain gain value in dB
%output_rg_peak%Returns the effective ReplayGain peak value
%output_rg_peak_db%Returns the effective ReplayGain peak value in dBFS
%output_buffer_length%Returns the output buffer length in ms

foobar.hyv.fi/?view=foo_outinfo
hydrogenaudio.org/index.php/topic,127228.0

Basic Status Bar Example Using foo_outinfo Fields

The foo_outinfo component exposes information about the current audio output and signal, such as the active output device, sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. These fields are especially useful in the status bar, where you want quick technical confirmation without cluttering playlists.

A simple and practical example is:

Now Playing: %artist% - %title% | %output_samplerate% Hz / %output_bitdepth% bit

What This Displays

When a track is playing, the status bar would show something like:

Now Playing: Miles Davis - So What | 44100 Hz / 16 bit

This tells you at a glance:

  • What is playing
  • The actual output sample rate
  • The output bit depth being sent to your audio device

Step By Step Explanation:

Music Metadata (Standard Fields)

%artist% - %title%
  • %artist% → Track artist tag
  • %title% → Track title tag

These are standard foobar2000 title formatting fields and work everywhere.

Separator

 |

This is just plain text. It visually separates the music info from the technical output info. You can replace it with a dash, bullet, or brackets if you prefer.

foo_outinfo Output Fields

%output_samplerate%
  • Displays the actual output sample rate in Hertz
  • Reflects resampling, DSP changes, or output driver behavior
  • This is more reliable than %samplerate% when DSPs are active
%output_bitdepth%
  • Displays the bit depth used by the output
  • Shows what is being sent to the DAC, not just what is in the file

More Informative Versions

If you want to include channels and output device name:

Now Playing: %artist% - %title% | %output_samplerate% Hz / %output_bitdepth% bit / %output_channels% channels

Displays:

Now Playing: Aphex Twin - Xtal | 48000 Hz / 24 bit / 2 channels

If you want to add the current Replaygain mode:

Now Playing: %artist% - %title% | %output_samplerate% Hz / %output_bitdepth% bit / %output_channels% channels | RG %output_rg_source%

Displays:

Now Playing: Aphex Twin - Xtal | 48000 Hz / 24 bit / 2 channels | RG Album

If you want to display the active DSP

$if(%output_dsp%, | DSP: %output_dsp%)

Displays the separator and active DSP, otherwise displays nothing:

| DSP: Resampler (SoX)

Minimal Technical Version (Very Clean)

For users who want only output confirmation:

Output: %output_samplerate% Hz / %output_bitdepth% bit

Displays:

Output: 96000 Hz / 24 bit

Why Use foo_outinfo in the Status Bar?

  • Confirms what your DAC is actually receiving
  • Helps verify exclusive mode, resampling, and DSP behavior
  • Avoids cluttering playlists with technical data
  • Ideal for users who care about signal integrity but want a clean UI

Beginner Notes and Caveats

  • All output_* fields require foo_outinfo to be installed
  • These fields only show values while audio is playing
  • If nothing is playing, the fields will appear empty
  • Output fields are best used in:
    • Status bar
    • Window title
    • Custom display panels

S Pulser ~ Tremolo Effect Plugin

Posted by tom2tec on

S Pulser is a unique tremolo effect plugin, designed to help you effortlessly create captivating and rhythmic melodies. Ideal for music producers, sound designers, musicians, and DJs alike, this versatile tool is available for free download. Give it a try and explore new ways to streamline your music-making process.

www.solidersound.com/plugins/s-pulser

iobroker.foobar2000 ~ Foobar2000 Adapter For iobroker

Posted by tom2tec on

Integrate Foobar2000 with iobroker home automation.

www.npmjs.com/package/iobroker.foobar2000
www.iobroker.net

Partiels ~ Audio Analysis Application

Posted by tom2tec on

Partiels is an audio analysis application that allows you to explore the content and characteristics of sounds.

Features:

Partiels allows analysis of one or several audio files using Vamp plug-ins loading data files, visualizing, editing, organizing, and exporting the results as images or text files that can be used in other applications such as Max, Pure Data, Open Music, etc.

  • Windows, Mac & Linux support
  • Multiformat support
  • Multichannel support
  • Multiaudiofile support
  • Analyzing audio with Vamp plug-ins
  • Visualizing results as spectrogram, lines, and markers
  • Textual and graphical editing of results 
  • Organizing and ordering analyses in groups
  • Exporting results to PNG, JPEG, CSV, LAB, JSON, CUE, REAPER & SDIF formats
  • Loading results from CSV, LAB, JSON, CUE & SDIF formats
  • Batch processing
  • Command line interface to analyze, export, and convert results
  • Consolidating documents for sharing

Alongside Partiels, a wide range of analyses based on audio engines developed at IRCAM and outside are ported to Vamp plug-ins. These plug-ins allow you to perform FFT, LPC, transient, fundamental, formant, tempo, TTS and many other analyses. You can also find a large number of analysis plug-ins on the Vamp plug-ins website.

github.com/Ircam-Partiels
www.vamp-plugins.org

foobar2000 ~ macOS Components

Posted by tom2tec on

A collection of macOS components for foobar2000 v2 – mostly remakes of the components, which I used to love back then on windows.

DISCLAIMER: All of this is a WIP, actively tested on my foobar2000 instance, but WIP nonetheless, it may crash your foobar.

Extensions:

SimPlaylistLightweight playlist viewer with album art and grouping1.1.0📖
Playlist OrganizerTree-based playlist management1.1.0📖
Waveform SeekbarAudio visualization seekbar with effects1.0.0📖
Album Art (Extended)Multi-type album art viewer with selection support1.0.0📖
Queue ManagerVisual playback queue management1.0.0📖
Last.fm ScrobblerLast.fm integration and scrobbling1.0.0–

hydrogenaudio.org/index.php/topic,128911.0
github.com/JendaT/fb2k-components-mac-suite

Foobar2000 ~ Installing A Lyrics Display Panel

Posted by tom2tec on

Installing and Configuring OpenLyrics (foo_openlyrics) in foobar2000

OpenLyrics (foo_openlyrics) is the most actively maintained lyrics display component for foobar2000. It provides an integrated lyrics panel, automatic lyrics downloading, local storage, and optional editing support. This guide walks through installation, panel setup, and recommended configuration options.

Step 1: Download OpenLyrics

  1. Visit the official OpenLyrics component page:
    www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_openlyrics
  2. Download the latest .fb2k-component file.

Step 2: Install the Component

  1. Open foobar2000.
  2. Go to File → Preferences → Components.
  3. Click Install….
  4. Select the downloaded foo_openlyrics.fb2k-component file.
  5. Click Apply.
  6. Restart foobar2000 when prompted.

After restarting, OpenLyrics will be available as both a lyrics provider and a UI panel.

Step 3: Add the OpenLyrics Panel to the Layout

Default UI

  1. Go to View → Layout → Enable Layout Editing Mode.
  2. Right-click inside the layout where you want the lyrics panel.
  3. Choose Add New UI Element → Visualisations → OpenLyrics.
  4. Resize and position the panel as desired.
  5. Disable layout editing mode when finished.

Columns UI

  1. Go to Preferences → Display → Columns UI → Layout.
  2. Insert a new panel where desired.
  3. Select OpenLyrics from the panel list.
  4. Apply changes.

Step 4: Basic Playback Test

  1. Play a track with standard artist and title metadata.
  2. OpenLyrics will attempt to fetch lyrics automatically.
  3. If lyrics are found, they will display in the panel.
  4. If nothing appears immediately, allow a few seconds or manually trigger a search (see below).

Step 5: Configure Lyrics Sources

  1. Go to File → Preferences → Tools → OpenLyrics.
  2. Open the Sources section.
  3. Enable or disable lyrics providers as desired.
  4. Adjust source priority if available.

Notes:

  • Online lyrics availability depends on track metadata accuracy.
  • Some sources may return timed lyrics; others return plain text.
  • Source reliability can change over time, which is why OpenLyrics allows multiple providers.

Step 6: Configure Lyrics Saving and Storage

  1. In Preferences → Tools → OpenLyrics, locate the Saving or Storage options.
  2. Enable automatic saving of lyrics if you want lyrics cached locally.
  3. Choose a storage method:
    • External .lrc or .txt files
    • Embedded lyrics tags (if supported by your workflow)
  4. Define a lyrics file naming and folder structure if saving externally.

Recommended:

  • Saving lyrics externally allows reuse across systems and avoids repeated downloads.
  • Keeping lyrics alongside audio files simplifies backup and portability.

Step 7: Display and Behavior Settings

Within Preferences → Tools → OpenLyrics, review the display options:

  • Automatic scrolling
  • Alignment and text behavior
  • Timed lyrics synchronization behavior
  • Fallback handling when timed lyrics are unavailable

These settings affect how lyrics are rendered in the panel but do not affect stored data.

Step 8: Manual Search and Editing

If lyrics are not found automatically:

  1. Right-click inside the OpenLyrics panel.
  2. Choose Search lyrics or Edit lyrics (wording may vary by version).
  3. Manually paste or edit lyrics as needed.
  4. Save the lyrics so they persist for future playback.

OpenLyrics includes a built-in editor, allowing corrections or manual entry without external tools.

Step 9: Metadata Best Practices

For best results with OpenLyrics:

  • Ensure %artist% and %title% tags are accurate.
  • Avoid extra text such as “(Remastered)” or “feat.” in titles unless required.
  • Album artist tags can improve search accuracy for compilations.

Clean metadata significantly improves lyrics retrieval success.

Step 10: Troubleshooting

If lyrics do not appear:

  • Verify OpenLyrics is enabled under Preferences → Components.
  • Confirm the panel is visible and active.
  • Check that playback is active (lyrics are not fetched for stopped tracks).
  • Try manual search from the panel context menu.
  • Review source availability in the OpenLyrics preferences.

Summary

OpenLyrics is currently the most complete and actively maintained lyrics solution for foobar2000. Once installed and configured, it provides automatic lyrics retrieval, reliable local storage, and flexible display options suitable for both minimal and advanced layouts.

For new foobar2000 installations or users modernizing older setups, OpenLyrics is the recommended lyrics display component.

foo_masstagger ~ Automate Foobar2000 Tag Editing

Posted by tom2tec on

Automates various tag editing operations.

www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_masstag
wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/…/Masstagger_(foo_masstag)

Usage:

Adding MOOD tags:

  1. Select tracks
  2. Right-click → Tagging → Manage Scripts
  3. Create a script:
    • Add value
    • Field: MOOD
    • Value: Calm
  4. Save as preset (Mood: Calm)

Repeat once per mood.

After that:

  1. Select tracks
  2. Right Click > Tagging > Scripts
  3. Apply mood script preset

FerricTDS mkIII ~  Tape Dynamics Simulator

Posted by tom2tec on

FerricTDS mkIII released

foo_vis_goom ~ What a GOOM! Visualisation

Posted by tom2tec on

foo_vis_goom is a port for foobar2000 of the “What a GOOM!” music visualizer. It renders the library-provided pixels using OpenGL 4.6.

GOOM in an “incredible trippy visualization plugin!!”

Features:

  • Uses OpenGL 4.6 for rendering.
  • The Goom-2k4 library has been extensively cleaned up.
  • Compatible with the Default User Interface (Default UI) and the Columns User Interface (Columns UI).
  • Tested on foobar2000 v2.25.3 (x86 32-bit and x86 64-bit) and Microsoft Windows 11 (Build 26200).

www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_vis_goom

Cavern ~ Object-based Audio Engine & CODEC

Posted by tom2tec on

Cavern is a fully adaptive object-based audio rendering engine and (up)mixer without limitations for home, cinema, and stage use. Audio transcoding and self-calibration libraries built on the Cavern engine are also available. This repository also features a Unity plugin and a standalone converter called Cavernize.

Cavern goes beyond fixed-channel audio systems by rendering any number of audio “objects” in three-dimensional space, tailored to the listener’s speaker arrangement or headphone output. It is also supported by a standalone conversion tool, Cavernize, which allows users to convert spatial mixes into conventional channel-based PCM formats while maintaining positional accuracy.

Key Features and Capabilities:

Object-Based Rendering
Cavern supports an unrestricted number of audio objects and output channels. This allows precise spatial placement and movement of sounds in 3D space, independent of specific channel layouts.

Codec and Container Support
The engine and its companion tools support a wide range of codecs and containers, including those commonly used for immersive audio delivery. Traditional formats such as WAV and common multimedia containers are also supported.

Calibration and Room Correction
Cavern includes tools for self-calibration and room equalization. These can flatten frequency response, compensate for acoustic irregularities, and help unify tonal characteristics across speakers.

Headphone Virtualization
Through HRTF-based processing, Cavern enables spatial rendering over stereo headphones. This simulates direction, distance, and spatial cues to reproduce the effect of multichannel speaker setups in a binaural listening environment.

Real-Time Up-Mixing
Legacy stereo or multichannel content can be up-mixed into fully rendered 3D scenes. This provides an immersive experience even when the source was not originally produced as object-based audio.

Integration with Game Engines
Cavern offers integration with Unity, enabling developers to incorporate real-time positional audio into games, simulations, and interactive media.

Use Cases

Home Cinema and Media Playback
Cavern can render object-based audio tracks for users who do not have commercial hardware processors. It allows accurate spatial playback through both speakers and headphones.

Headphone-Focused Listening
The binaural virtualization system benefits users who rely on headphones for movies, music, gaming, or general media consumption.

Game and VR Development
Developers can use Cavern inside Unity to produce dynamic, spatially accurate audio scenes in interactive applications.

Archiving and Conversion
Cavernize converts object-based audio into standard PCM or channel-based formats, preserving positional intent while enabling playback on conventional systems.

Speaker Optimization
Its calibration tools provide a software-based approach to room correction and multi-speaker alignment without requiring dedicated hardware processors.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some supporting utilities are not fully open-source and may be distributed under separate licensing terms.
  • Spatial rendering benefits depend on input quality; poor-quality stereo sources will not yield true immersive results.
  • Speaker hardware, room acoustics, and HRTF compatibility affect the perceived accuracy of spatialization.
  • Integrating Cavern into custom software projects requires familiarity with its API and spatial-audio concepts.

Why Cavern Matters

Cavern stands out by making advanced spatial-audio technology accessible without requiring specialized hardware or proprietary processors. By combining open-source rendering, a flexible object-based architecture, codec support, calibration tools, and developer integration, it provides a versatile platform for enthusiasts, researchers, and media creators.

For users interested in experimenting with immersive audio workflows, whether for home cinema, headphone listening, archiving, or game development, Cavern offers a free, comprehensive and adaptable approach.

References:

  • VoidXH / Cavern – GitHub repository
  • Cavern documentation website
  • Cavern package listing on NuGet

cavern.sbence.hu/cavern
github.com/VoidXH/Cavern
github.com/VoidXH/HRTF
cavern.sbence.hu/cavern/doc
cavern.sbence.hu/cavern/downloads
www.nuget.org/packages/Cavern
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_room_correction#Cavern_QuickEQ

Cardinal ~ Virtual Modular Synthesizer Plugin

Posted by tom2tec on

A fully free and self-contained modular synthesizer based on the popular VCV Rack. Available in AudioUnit/CLAP/LV2/VST2/VST3 plugin formats and as a standalone app for FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, Windows and the Web.

cardinal.kx.studio
github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal