Introduction

Modular audio software like Element provides a versatile and advanced platform for audio plugin hosting, suited for both live performance and studio work. Element stands out as a programmable system enabling users to create powerful effects racks, and instruments by connecting nodes to each other. This integration can extend to hardware through standard protocols like MIDI. ensuring broad compatibility and usability in various settings. The core concept is designing your own functionality.

Element runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows supporting a wide range of plugin formats including AU, VST, VST3, and LV2 among others. Its flexibility is further demonstrated by its ability to run standalone or as a plugin in a digital audio workstation (DAW). This makes it a valuable tool for users who want to chain plugins together into effects racks or instruments in a live or studio setting. Sessions and graphs created with Element can be shared across plugin and standalone versions.

Moreover, Element’s features are extensive and cater to a variety of needs. They include routing audio and MIDI from anywhere to anywhere, external synchronization with MIDI Clock, MIDI controller mapping, sub-graphing (nesting graphs within each other), custom keyboard shortcuts, placeholder nodes, a built-in virtual keyboard, and multiple undo/redo options.

Element has also been open-sourced under the GPL license, indicating a community-focused approach to its development and improvement. Users are encouraged to contribute to the project, whether by reporting issues, submitting pull requests, or joining the development discussion on platforms like Discord and GitLab. This community involvement helps in continuously refining and enhancing the software to better meet the needs of its diverse user base.

For more detailed information and to explore Element’s capabilities, you can visit the the website kushview.net and the GitLab page.