| name | juce-audio-graphics-architect |
| description | Advanced JUCE audio DSP, real-time analysis, and interactive graphics for plugin development. Use when building AU/VST3 plugins, adding DSP chains (reverb/delay/physical modeling), implementing FFT or audio-reactive UI, integrating OpenGL/shader visuals or particle systems, or designing layered, animated JUCE interfaces with transparency and shadows. Prefer established third-party JUCE modules or GitHub libraries when they reduce custom code, with license and compatibility checks. |
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/ and assets/templates/Source/, then follow references/dsp-recipes.md.
- For DSP chain or parameter wiring: use
references/dsp-recipes.md and references/juce-api-quickref.md.
- For FFT or spectrum analysis: use
references/dsp-recipes.md and references/juce-tutorials-map.md.
- For OpenGL or shader visuals: use
references/opengl-juce-visuals.md and assets/shaders/.
- For layered UI or animation: use
references/ui-layering-animation.md and references/juce-animation.md.
- For third-party modules: use
references/third-party-modules.md and references/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
processBlock and 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/: minimal juce_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.
