Ghost N Da Cell – My first VST (alpha), node-based modular synth.

[Niels461]

Hello everyone!
I just released my first VST(Alpha) and wanted to share my journey with you all.

I started with a simple goal: create a barebones one-shot sampler VST. It was a pretty ambitious first project, but I managed to get something decent working in about 2 weeks. However, I quickly realized the sound wasn't what I'd hoped for—it didn't have any special characteristics beyond whatever samples you fed into it.
So I added a simple 3-oscillator synth and some basic effects. Unfortunately, this also sounded pretty lackluster with a basic sound profile. (GIF of first version)



The Big Overhaul
That's when I decided it was time for a major overhaul. I wasn't really prepared for what I was about to go through.
I decided to create a node-based VST. My reasoning was simple: I know the kind of talent people in this community have, so why not keep everything tweakable and open for real producers to mess with? This became the engine behind the current Ghost N Da Cell interface (hence why there might be a bit of a disconnect between the two UIs... oops).
The entire node system took about a month of work and took me through pretty much the entire audio coding world, since I needed to implement all the most basic features and effects from scratch.



What It Is Now
Ghost N Da Cell is currently a tool for people who like to tinker with sound and share their work with others. Here's what it can do:

Each of the 9 knobs in the front UI (where the ghost is) can be completely rewritten by macros in the node editor
You can assign as many values as you need to each knob and adjust each parameter's value curve, name, size, font, etc.
The "Intensity" knob routes the main output signal between 2 other modes: Happy or Angry—so each preset can have 3 different sounds
You can control or change the color on everything and automate all values
All of these settings are preset-bound, so when you load a new preset, everything changes

Currently, the node library includes:

7 engine nodes
29 effects nodes
7 utility nodes (automation, macro, mixer, splitters, etc.)

The Future
I'm currently working on making everything more stable and implementing polymorphic MIDI. My next plan is to add MIDI nodes separately instead of having MIDI built into each engine. This means you'll be able to place an arp or ADSR anywhere, and the MIDI effect will be applied from that point. You'll also be able to use multiple instances of the same MIDI nodes for a highly modular routing system.


If you want to try the alpha, it's available here: https://pleatech.gumroad.com/l/GhostNDaCell
Use the code FML to get it for free. The license is permanent and will include all future releases for free.
Feedback is always greatly appreciated! Currently it doesn't come with any presets loaded, so if you have the time and want to create something, send me the files and your name might be featured in the next version.
Thanks for reading,
Niels

Last weekend I decided to take some time off from GNDC and work on a spectral reverb plugin. But im back this week. (still not finished).

[Tj Shredder]

As there isn’t the slightest hint for which OS this is, I have to assume its Windows only. (Windows users seem rarely aware of free or competing systems…)
Please correct my if I am wrong…

[Seafire Mk2]

As there isn’t the slightest hint for which OS this is, I have to assume its Windows only. (Windows users seem rarely aware of free or competing systems…)
Please correct my if I am wrong…

Ghost N Da Cell

is my first "windows for now" plugin.

[mutagen]

Hey this has some potential, I was able to make some sounds with the defaults and then wire up some additional modules and make some noises. UI is going to be key but I think you'll come up with some great improvements.

[Cuauhtli]

Tried it out a bit. I used two oscillators but I could not get the UI knobs to control the 2nd oscillator. And it crashed to desktop when I selected the 2nd oscillator and hit delete (as opposed to right-clicking and selecting delete).
Edit: Using Reaper, Win 10.

Has potential though...

[NWSM]

I hope you’ll support all three major operating systems — Windows, macOS, and Linux!
I like the idea of a node-based design since it allows for a lot of flexibility.
I wasn’t a fan of the graphics, though. I like visuals only when they’re actually helpful.
Personally, I’d prefer fewer graphics in exchange for more space and useful controls.

[bob bobwood]

Use the code FML to get it for free. The license is permanent and will include all future releases for free.

Sorry, the discount code you wish to use has expired.

Thanks for trying this plugin...

What am I missing here ?

[Niels461]

I could not get the UI knobs to control the 2nd oscillator...

Thanks for testing! The delete function and UI should work fine, but I haven’t had a chance to test them in Reaper yet. The next patch I’m working on should be much more stable and less confusing.

[Niels461]

I hope you’ll support all three major operating systems — Windows, macOS, and Linux!
I wasn’t a fan of the graphics, though. I like visuals only when they’re actually helpful.

Thanks for the feedback! Regarding the UI: Ghost n da Cell was originally meant to be a simple sampler. I wasn’t fully happy with the sound, which is why I started building the node-based system to get more flexibility. The plan is to create a large set of presets for Ghost n da Cell and lock or hide the node system for users who just want a straightforward instrument. That’s why you’re seeing some mismatches right now. Eventually, the node system will likely become its own separate plugin.

At the moment I’m focusing on improving the overall sound quality of the engines and effects, both sonically and visually. I’m also working on a new type of node for MIDI note processing (arp, polyphony, ADSR, etc.) so those features can be moved out of the engines.

For the node system UI, I’d like to add knobs directly on the nodes and use a side panel for less important parameters, but that part isn’t in active development yet.

Regarding macOS and Linux: 100% they will be supported. Right now my hands are full with bug fixes, so I’m focusing on stabilizing the Windows version first. I’d honestly daily-drive Linux myself if I weren’t forced to use (spyware.shit) Windows for development, so cross-platform support is definitely a priority.

[Niels461]

Use the code FML to get it for free. The license is permanent and will include all future releases for free.

Sorry about that. I’ve updated the same code to allow more users. I didn’t account for more than 50+ redemptions at first. It should be working now.

[bob bobwood]

Thanks Niels, I fully expected someone to chime in that there was an expiry date or limitation in the description that I'd somehow missed. I'll be back soon.

[NWSM]

I hope you’ll support all three major operating systems — Windows, macOS, and Linux!
I wasn’t a fan of the graphics, though. I like visuals only when they’re actually helpful.

Thanks for the feedback! Regarding the UI: Ghost n da Cell was originally meant to be a simple sampler. I wasn’t fully happy with the sound, which is why I started building the node-based system to get more flexibility. The plan is to create a large set of presets for Ghost n da Cell and lock or hide the node system for users who just want a straightforward instrument. That’s why you’re seeing some mismatches right now. Eventually, the node system will likely become its own separate plugin.

At the moment I’m focusing on improving the overall sound quality of the engines and effects, both sonically and visually. I’m also working on a new type of node for MIDI note processing (arp, polyphony, ADSR, etc.) so those features can be moved out of the engines.

For the node system UI, I’d like to add knobs directly on the nodes and use a side panel for less important parameters, but that part isn’t in active development yet.

Regarding macOS and Linux: 100% they will be supported. Right now my hands are full with bug fixes, so I’m focusing on stabilizing the Windows version first. I’d honestly daily-drive Linux myself if I weren’t forced to use (spyware.shit) Windows for development, so cross-platform support is definitely a priority.

Haha, no worries at all, please take your time.

That’s awesome news – then I can mention you and your tool in my Linux Plugins Thread. I’m really curious about a separate, node‑based plugin, although since VCV it might be a bit tricky to mess with that concept. I also don’t mind a hidden node system to dive in. Keep it simple with a hidden mess of Cables.

Reminds me to the GRID in Bitwig, where you can not always add your special flavor in Stock Plugins and you can not have it in a fancy Plugin-Style like you can build in Reaktor. THAT would be nice...building Presets with Nodes and have it as a own designed Plugin-Overlay with the Feature to dive into the Cables and tweak it again. FL-Studio goes that way.

As a helper - VCV has so much going on (if i would compared to your plugin) that some people – including me – tend to avoid using it in regular music production. It’s unbeatable for creative sound exploration, of course, but there’s still no proper randomization for lazy ones. Or fast Presets switch. You can Build a Synth with it but know all of these different Modules is just for Freaks. It’s kind of a weird situation: you want these multi‑FX-mega‑tools, but then you avoid them because they offer almost too many possibilities.

So maybe this perspective can help you figure out how to design a simple solution that balances necessity, ease of use, and complexity. Most used Tools are the simple ones.

Windows: You can Tweak Windows (try winhance) if your time allow it.