AudioGridder is an innovative software solution that enables the offloading of audio and MIDI plugin processing to remote computers running macOS or Windows. Designed to ease the strain on your local CPU, it is an excellent tool for mixing complex projects or running resource-heavy instruments. The system consists of a plugin and a server component, allowing you to host VST2, VST3, and AudioUnit plugin formats on a remote machine. By running the AudioGridder server on a remote computer and connecting it to your DAW via the AudioGridder plugin, you can seamlessly integrate remote insert chains or instruments into your existing workflow.

The remote plugins run their DSP code on the server machine, while their user interfaces are streamed back to your local system, providing an experience that closely mimics hosting the plugins locally without taxing your computer’s resources. AudioGridder supports latency compensation, MIDI and audio transfer over the network, and offers features such as plugin sandboxing, automation, and a generic plugin parameter editor. This makes it suitable for a wide range of use cases, from effect processing chains to virtual instruments, while maintaining stable and efficient performance.

Compatibility is broad, with the server supporting macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Windows, and experimental Linux builds, while the plugin itself is available in formats including VST2, VST3, AAX, and AudioUnit (macOS only). This flexibility ensures integration with most major DAWs and plugin formats. AudioGridder empowers producers and engineers to expand their processing capabilities by harnessing the power of additional machines, enabling more complex and CPU-intensive projects without compromising workflow or performance.