Nine Strip

A VST3 channel strip plugin built with JUCE framework, incorporating classic Airwindows processing algorithms into a comprehensive mixing tool. Also available as a standalone application.

Overview

NineStrip is a complete channel strip solution that combines console modeling, filtering, EQ, and dynamics processing in a single plugin. Built on proven Airwindows algorithms, it provides a streamlined workflow for mixing and mastering tasks.

Available formats:

• VST3 plugin (for use in DAWs)
• Standalone application (for independent audio processing)

Signal Chain

PURESTGAIN - Input Gain
    ↓
INTERSTAGE - Analog Conditioning
    ↓
CHANNEL9 - Console model + Saturation + Drive
    ↓
HIGHPASS2 - High Pass
    ↓
LOWPASS2 - Low Pass
    ↓
BAXANDALL2 - Bass and Treble Shelves
    ↓
PARAMETRIC - Mid Band
    ↓
DC BLOCKER - DC Offset Removal
    ↓
PRESSURE4 - Compressor
    ↓
PURESTGAIN - Output Gain

Features

• Console Modeling: Channel9 provides authentic analog console character with saturation and drive
• Flexible Filtering: User-controlled high-pass and low-pass filters for precise frequency shaping
• Three-Band EQ: Bass and treble shelves plus parametric midrange control using Baxandall topology
• Dynamics Processing: Pressure4 compression for transparent gain control
• Input/Output Gain Staging: Complete control over signal levels throughout the chain

Installation

Linux

VST3 Plugin:

1. Download the NineStrip.vst3 bundle
2. Copy to your VST3 directory:

   mkdir -p ~/.vst3
   cp -r NineStrip.vst3 ~/.vst3/

3. Rescan plugins in your DAW

Alternative system-wide installation:

sudo cp -r NineStrip.vst3 /usr/lib/vst3/

Standalone Application:

1. Download the NineStrip executable
2. Make it executable and run:

   chmod +x NineStrip
   ./NineStrip

macOS

VST3 Plugin:

1. Download the NineStrip.vst3 bundle

2. Remove macOS quarantine flag
   macOS Gatekeeper blocks unsigned plugins with a "plugin is damaged" error. Until this plugin is code-signed, you'll need to remove the quarantine flag using Terminal:

   xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine ~/Downloads/NineStrip.vst3

3. Copy to one of these locations:

   ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/        (user)
   /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/         (system)
   

4. Rescan plugins in your DAW

Standalone Application:

1. Download the NineStrip.app bundle
2. Remove quarantine flag:

   xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine ~/Downloads/NineStrip.app

3. Drag to Applications folder or run directly

Windows

VST3 Plugin:

1. Download the NineStrip.vst3 bundle
2. Copy to your VST3 directory:

   C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
   

3. Rescan plugins in your DAW

Standalone Application:

1. Download NineStrip.exe
2. Run directly or place in a convenient location

Building from Source

git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/blablack/nine-strip.git
cd nine-strip
cmake -B build -G Ninja -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release -DCMAKE_C_COMPILER=gcc -DCMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=g++
ninja -C build

Built artifacts will be in:

• VST3: build/src/NineStrip_artefacts/Release/VST3/
• Standalone: build/src/NineStrip_artefacts/Release/Standalone/

Compiling documentation

cd doc
pandoc NineStrip_Manual.md -o NineStrip_Manual.pdf --pdf-engine=xelatex

Usage

Plugin Mode: Load NineStrip on any channel where you want complete processing control.

Standalone Mode: Launch the application and configure your audio interface in the settings. Perfect for processing external hardware or standalone audio tasks.

The signal flows from top to bottom through each stage, allowing you to shape tone, dynamics, and character in a single pass.

Credits

This plugin incorporates processing algorithms from Airwindows by Chris Johnson. Massive thanks to Chris for his open-source contributions to the audio community. Support his work on Patreon.

The UI look and feel is based on the 3D knob from SoundDevelopment/3D_knob_lnf (MIT License).

License

This project is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0) due to the use of the JUCE framework under its open-source license terms.

License Notes

• JUCE Framework: Used under GPL/AGPL license terms
• Airwindows algorithms: MIT License (compatible with AGPL-3.0)
• 3D Knob LnF: MIT License (compatible with AGPL-3.0)
• NineStrip: AGPL-3.0

See the LICENSE file for full details.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please submit pull requests or open issues for bugs and feature requests. Report issues or request features at GitHub Issues.