Plugin Shootout | Calcium Audio

PDF / 4 pages

The manual

Controls, mapping, complete chains and nested comparisons, with examples from Live. The download also includes three example racks and an example Live Set for Live 12.4.6 or later.

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Setup

Place Plugin Shootout before the audio effects you want to compare. For simplicity, group the device and your comparison effects into the same chain of an Audio Effect Rack. Keep your source playing and use Previous and Next to compare the candidates.

PSFX 1FX 2FX 3

Each instance controls the devices to its right, up to the next Plugin Shootout or the end of that track or rack chain.

Controls

Previous / Next: Switch between candidates. The selected effect is enabled; the other comparison effects are disabled.
Move to Front: Move the selected candidate to the front of the comparison order. Selection stays at its original position so you can carry on through the remaining candidates.
Delete: Remove the selected candidate. At a parent level, a rack counts as one candidate, so deleting it removes the whole rack.
Popup: Open a floating window with Previous, Next, Move to Front and Delete. The labels show the current track, group, chain and selected effect. Drag the hand to move the window. Click X to close it, or triple-click the drag handle.
Options: Manage plugin windows, enable Auto-Reveal GUIs, change colours and popup size, collapse devices, or open controller mapping.
MIDI / Key Mapping: Open Options → Mapping to reveal the four dedicated targets. Enter Live’s MIDI Map or Key Map mode, select a target, then press the MIDI control or key you want to assign. Exit mapping mode to use your assignments. Assignments stay active when the panel is hidden.

Mapped actions do not support normal Undo/Redo, and some changes may still appear in Undo history. Use the ordinary mouse buttons when you need normal Undo/Redo.

Racks & nesting

One pool

Compare individual effects or different presets of the same effect. The workflow applies to any audio effect, not just amp simulations.

Several pools

Use multiple instances on one track, each with its own candidates. Make an independent choice in each pool to build a combined sound. To compare several effects together as one candidate, put them inside a rack.

Nests inside nests

A parent Plugin Shootout can compare individual effects and racks that contain their own child instances. The parent selects the outer candidate, while each child controls the effects inside its own rack. Repeat this arrangement to compare complete chains, explore variations within them and refine individual effects without rebuilding your setup.

See the setups in the PDF

Requirements & download

Plugin Shootout requires Ableton Live with Max for Live. It is a Max for Live audio-effect device, rather than a standalone application or a VST/AU plugin.

The download includes Plugin Shootout.amxd, a four-page PDF guide, three example racks and an example Live Set. The examples demonstrate simple comparisons, independent comparison groups and nested racks.

The supplied example racks and Live Set require Ableton Live 12.4.6 or later. This version requirement applies to the examples; it does not establish the standalone device’s minimum Live version.

Use the device with your own audio effect plugins or Ableton's stock effects.