Perhaps this will guide you:
https://wiki.zynthian.org/index.php/Adding_LV2_plugins
particularly section 2 Installing a plugin from its source code using the CLI (Command Line Interface)
If not, Google AI produced this guide from your topic title:
To build a plugin for Zynthian, you’ll need to understand the Zynthian architecture, primarily its use of the LV2 (Linux Audio Plugin) standard, and then write code that interacts with the Zynthian framework to provide your desired functionality, whether it’s a new sound generator, effect, MIDI controller integration, or a custom user interface element.
Key Steps:
- Understand the Basics:
• LV2 Plugins: Zynthian primarily uses LV2 plugins for audio processing. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the LV2 specifications and how to develop plugins that adhere to this standard.
• Zynthian API: Zynthian provides a set of APIs that allow your plugin to interact with the system, including accessing audio streams, MIDI data, and controlling the user interface.
• Development Environment: You’ll need a suitable development environment with a C++ compiler and the necessary libraries to build LV2 plugins, which are typically done on a Linux system.
- Project Setup:
• Create a Plugin Folder: In the Zynthian plugin directory, create a new folder for your plugin project.
• Basic Structure: Inside the folder, create the necessary files:
• manifest.ttl: This file describes your plugin metadata (name, author, description, etc.) using the LV2 Turtle language.
• plugin.cpp: The main source code file containing your plugin’s logic.
• plugin.h: Header file for function declarations.
- Code Development:
• Plugin Class: Create a class that inherits from the LV2 standard plugin base class.
• Audio Processing: Implement the core audio processing logic within the run function of your plugin class. This is where you’ll handle audio input, apply your desired effects or sound generation, and output the processed audio.
• Control Ports: If your plugin needs user-adjustable parameters, define control ports in your manifest.ttl and implement the logic to read and respond to control changes within your plugin code.
- UI Integration (Optional):
• Custom Widgets: If you want a custom user interface for your plugin, you can create custom widgets using Zynthian’s UI framework and link them to your plugin’s control ports.
• WebConf Integration: You can also integrate your plugin settings into the Zynthian WebConf interface for easy access.
- Building and Deployment:
• Compile: Use a build system (like CMake) to compile your plugin code into a shared library that can be loaded by Zynthian.
• Placement: Place the compiled plugin library in the appropriate Zynthian plugin directory.
• Restart Zynthian: After placing your plugin, restart the Zynthian system to load the new plugin.
Important Considerations:
• Documentation: Refer to the Zynthian documentation and community forums for detailed information about the API and development guidelines.
• Testing: Thoroughly test your plugin with different audio scenarios to ensure it functions as expected.
• Community Contribution: If you develop a useful plugin, consider sharing it with the Zynthian community to benefit other users.
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