Audio Plugin Coder 1.4.0 Brings JUCE 9, AI Workflow

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Audio Plugin Coder (APC), the open-source framework for building VST3/AU plugins with AI coding agents, has reached version 1.4.0. The update brings JUCE 9 support, a guided first-run setup wizard, and unique /apc-* workflow commands designed to avoid clashes with other AI tools.

APC is built for producers, sound designers, and developers who want custom plugins without starting from a blank C++ project. You describe an idea in natural language; the framework guides you through ideation, architecture, UI design, implementation, and packaging—while keeping project state and troubleshooting knowledge along the way. It works with agents such as Claude Code, Cursor, Codex, Kilo, and Antigravity on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Version 1.4.0 focuses on three practical upgrades:

  1. JUCE 9 — APC now targets JUCE 9.0.1, keeping the framework current for modern hosts, tooling, and WebView-based UIs.
  2. First-run setup that actually finishes the job — the new /apc-setup command walks users through toolchain checks, optional custom folders for plugins/build/release, UI preferences, and AI model routing.
  3. Commands that don’t collide — APC’s workflow commands are now primarily /apc-* (for example /apc-dream, /apc-plan, /apc-design, /apc-impl, /apc-ship), reducing conflicts with other AI tools and agent frameworks that already claim short names like /plan or /design.

Highlights of APC 1.4.0

  • Upgrade from JUCE 8 → JUCE 9.0.1
  • New /apc-setup wizard for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Relocatable plugins, build, and release directories via apc.config.json
  • Global per-phase AI model preferences (e.g. stronger models for plan/impl, lighter models for ship/status)
  • Primary /apc-* slash command surface with deprecated short aliases for compatibility
  • Improved dependency checking and documentation for WebView plugins
  • Validated locally with real plugin builds (including WebView UI smoke tests on Windows)

 

Availability and Licensing

APC remains free and open source on GitHub under the MIT license. Plugins built with JUCE are still subject to JUCE’s AGPLv3 or commercial licensing. If you distribute closed-source or commercial plugins, you need a commercial JUCE license.

Version 1.4.0 is available now.

More info: Audio Plugin Coder 1.4.0 on GitHub · Demo video