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

1. Plan plugin architecture, data flow, and thread boundaries.
2. Implement DSP chains with APVTS parameters and smoothing.
3. Build FFT and metering pipelines for audio-reactive UI.
4. Create OpenGL or shader-driven visuals and particle systems.
5. Design layered UI with transparency, shadows, and animation.
6. 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.