JUCE Audio Graphics Architect
Overview
Plan and implement JUCE plugins that combine real-time DSP with interactive visuals and layered UI, while keeping the audio thread realtime-safe.
Core Capabilities
- •Plan plugin architecture, data flow, and thread boundaries.
- •Implement DSP chains with APVTS parameters and smoothing.
- •Build FFT and metering pipelines for audio-reactive UI.
- •Create OpenGL or shader-driven visuals and particle systems.
- •Design layered UI with transparency, shadows, and animation.
- •Integrate third-party modules when they reduce custom work.
Third-Party Usage
- •Prefer proven libraries and JUCE modules over custom re-implementation.
- •Verify license, platform support, and JUCE version compatibility.
- •Integrate via CMake (submodule, FetchContent, or CPM) and document the steps.
Workflow Decision Tree
- •For new plugin scaffolding: start with
assets/templates/cmake-plugin/andassets/templates/Source/, then followreferences/dsp-recipes.md. - •For DSP chain or parameter wiring: use
references/dsp-recipes.mdandreferences/juce-api-quickref.md. - •For FFT or spectrum analysis: use
references/dsp-recipes.mdandreferences/juce-tutorials-map.md. - •For OpenGL or shader visuals: use
references/opengl-juce-visuals.mdandassets/shaders/. - •For layered UI or animation: use
references/ui-layering-animation.mdandreferences/juce-animation.md. - •For third-party modules: use
references/third-party-modules.mdandreferences/third-party/. - •For real-world DSP ideas: use
references/skill_package/. - •For blend-mode and layered UI research: use
references/local/.
Execution Checklist
- •Confirm plugin format(s), target OS, and minimum JUCE version.
- •Confirm sample rate, channel layout, and buffer size assumptions.
- •Confirm CPU/GPU budget and whether OpenGL is acceptable.
- •Define a realtime-safe data bridge from audio thread to UI (lock-free FIFO or atomics).
- •Keep DSP allocations out of
processBlockand avoid locks on the audio thread. - •Provide a minimal validation plan (compile steps, smoke test, or visual check).
Output Expectations
- •Provide code with clear separation between audio thread and UI thread responsibilities.
- •Include parameter layout and attachments when UI controls are requested.
- •Include fallbacks for hosts without OpenGL or when OpenGL is disabled.
- •Note JUCE version-specific APIs that require verification.
Resources
- •
references/juce-tutorials-map.md: topic map and search keywords for official JUCE docs. - •
references/juce-api-quickref.md: quick reference for key JUCE classes used by this skill. - •
references/juce-animation.md: JUCE animation module notes and easing patterns. - •
references/dsp-recipes.md: DSP chain, parameter, FFT, and audio-to-UI patterns. - •
references/opengl-juce-visuals.md: OpenGL renderer setup and shader pipeline patterns. - •
references/ui-layering-animation.md: transparency, shadows, and layered UI composition. - •
references/third-party-modules.md: integration notes for foleys_gui_magic, JIVE, melatonin_blur, and optional GPU UI. - •
references/juce-upstream/examples/: JUCE example sources (FFT, DSP, OpenGL, LookAndFeel, animation). - •
references/juce-upstream/api/: JUCE headers for APVTS, Reverb, DelayLine, AudioVisualiserComponent, Graphics, Component, OpenGL. - •
references/juce-upstream/animation/: JUCE animation headers (Animator, Easing, ValueAnimatorBuilder). - •
references/third-party/: README docs for foleys_gui_magic, JIVE, melatonin_blur, juce_murka, imgui_juce, and awesome-juce. - •
references/skill_package/: DSP algorithm notes and device inspirations from the provided skill package. - •
references/local/: internal UI research and demo project notes (blend modes, masking, photorealistic UI). - •
assets/templates/cmake-plugin/: minimaljuce_add_plugin()CMake template. - •
assets/templates/Source/: processor/editor templates with FFT and OpenGL hooks. - •
assets/templates/ui/: layered UI component templates. - •
assets/shaders/: shader examples for audio-reactive visuals and particles. - •
assets/source/: raw visual assets (layered RGBA UI, knobs, Midjourney renders). - •
references/juce-upstream/docs/: JUCE official docs (CMake API, module format, etc.). - •
references/web/: downloaded CCRMA reverb/delay math and spatialization links. - •
references/external-paths.md: location of large external assets and references kept outside the skill.