A Plug-in allows you to access effects processing programs from within another software application. Plug-in software comes in essentially two varieties. One type requires a TDM equipped Pro Tools system (see our ProTools review), the other is for non Pro Tools users that own either Sound Designer II or other programs that support plug-ins. The most popular non-TDM system is Steinberg's VST system. Most plug in programs will work in either.

Generally, TDM plug-ins can be used in real time as a filter in much the same way you would use external effects processors (see our Waves MultiRack). Most non Pro Tools types generally requires you to re-write the waveform to achieve the desired effect. In either case, essentially what plug-ins do is allow you to use your computer based digital audio system to generate effects processes such as eq, compression, reverbs, delays etc..

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