The Best Plugin is the One You Make
Your free, no-code guide to creating audio plugins
Everything you need to design, build, and export your own instruments and effects.
Does This Sound Like You?
- You’ve got great ideas for plugins but no idea how to turn them into a reality
- You feel that making software is overwhelming or too technical
- You want to build your own plugins – but don’t know where to start
- You’re stuck watching scattered tutorials and still not making progress
- You’re worried you’ll never get past the tech stuff and actually finish your project
You’re not alone…
When I Couldn’t Find the Right Plugin, I Built My Own
Maybe you’ve had this moment too: You’re in the middle of a track, and you know the sound you want, but no plugin or sample library gets it quite right. You start wondering, “Could I just make this myself?”
That was me, back in 2009.
I knew I wanted a particular Irish tin whistle sound. I had a clear idea in my head, but nothing I found came close. Either they were too polished, too flat, or just missing that character I was looking for. But I did have a tin whistle lying around, so I decided to try making my own sample library.
Now, I’m not a whistle player by any stretch but I could get some clean notes out of it. And I could rerecord as many times as necessary to get a sound I was happy with.
There was just one problem: I didn’t have a roadmap. There weren’t many tutorials or forums for this kind of stuff back then. I had to figure things out on my own. How to record and edit the samples, how to map them into a sample player, and how to actually get it working inside a DAW.
I got there in the end, but it was a bumpy journey with a lot of trial and error. Overall though I was having fun and I enjoyed the learning process and developing new skills.
It wasn’t the most advanced instrument in the world, but it worked. It sounded like what I was hearing in my head. I had created something that didn’t exist before, something I could actually use in my music. I understood how it worked. I could adjust it to suit the track, make small improvements, and build on it over time.
The experience didn’t just solve a problem in that one track, it opened up a whole new way of working for me. That one project showed me what was possible when you stop waiting for the perfect tool and start building the one you need.
Since then, I’ve built hundreds of sample libraries and plugins. I’ve worked with developers, launched companies, and helped thousands of musicians and sound designers take their first steps into plugin creation.
And it all started with a sound I couldn’t find.
What my students say!
Imagine how creating your own plugins could transform your business, your workflow, and your life…
- You build a digital asset, one-time, that sells again and again.
- You stop relying on third-party tools and start using your own – tailored to your workflow and creative vision.
- You launch your own product line and get noticed – not just as a composer or sound designer, but as a developer and innovator.
- You gain a new income stream that brings you closer to your bigger goals: funding a studio upgrade, hiring help, or taking time off without stress.
INTRODUCING
A beginner-friendly, step-by-step course that shows you exactly how to build your first plugin – no coding required.
Here’s what you get:
Hands-On Plugin Development from Day One
Build real, working plugins as you learn – no theory without action. From your first sampler to your first custom effect, every step is hands-on and beginner-friendly. You won’t just watch someone else do it – you’ll create it yourself, with guided help the whole way.
Clear, Focused Training Without the Fluff
Get straight to the point with short, focused videos that walk you through each task, one step at a time. No filler, no overwhelm – just a clear path from knowing nothing about HISE to exporting your own instrument and effect plugins.
All the Essentials in One Place
No need to dig through forums or stitch together random tutorials. You’ll get everything you need to build your plugins – including downloadable project files, samples, and platform-specific instructions – so you can focus on creating, not troubleshooting.
Hello, I’m David
I help musicians and sound designers turn their creative ideas into fully working plugins and virtual instruments – without needing a degree in programming.
Over the past decade, I’ve built dozens of sample libraries and plugins, taught hundreds of creators, and worked behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in the industry.
I created the HISE Bootcamp to be the fastest, clearest way to get started with plugin development, without having to write a line of code.
Inside, you’ll find a step-by-step system that makes HISE approachable, with hands-on lessons, real examples, and everything you need to build your first instrument and effect.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
HISE Fundamentals + Getting Familiar with the Workflow
Get up and running with HISE fast – no coding required. Learn how to install it, understand the interface, organize your project files, and navigate the environment with confidence so you can start building plugins right away.
Sample Library + Effect Plugin Projects Without Code
Build your first real sample library and effect plugin step-by-step using HISE’s visual tools. Learn how to map samples, create dynamic crossfades, design a custom GUI, and set up preset systems – without writing a single line of script.
Compiling HISE + Exporting Your Plugins for DAWs
Take your projects from inside HISE to inside your DAW. Learn how to compile HISE from source on any OS, export your instrument and effect plugins as VST3 or AU, and set up your plugin correctly for testing in real-world environments.
Join the free HISE Bootcamp now!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need coding skills for this course?
This course is designed for complete beginners and focuses entirely on using HISE’s no-code visual tools. You’ll be able to build both an instrument and an effect plugin without writing a single line of script.
Is this really free, or will I be asked to pay later?
It’s 100% free. No payment required to unlock features, and no credit card needed. You’ll get access to all videos, assets, and project files from start to finish.
Can I follow along on Windows, macOS, or Linux?
Yes. The course includes instructions specific to all three platforms. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you’ll be able to install HISE, compile it, and build your plugins.
Will I need to buy anything to complete the course?
No. You don’t need to buy anything to take this course or to build and export your own plugins.
You can even release your plugin for free or sell it – as long as you’re okay with also sharing the project source with the people who use it.
If you want to keep your project private, you’ll need to buy a license – but that’s only if you decide to go that route.
I’m not a sound designer, Is this still useful?
Yes. The course includes pre-recorded samples and assets, so you can focus on learning the workflow and building your instrument and effect without needing to record your own audio.
Why should I learn HISE instead of another platform?
HISE is free to use and gives you a unique balance of accessibility and depth. You can create fully working sample libraries and effect plugins without writing any code, making it beginner-friendly.
At the same time, HISE includes powerful scripting and DSP options for when you’re ready to take your projects further.
The output of HISE is a standard plugin (VST/AU/AAX), so your users don’t need to install a separate player – making your instruments and effects accessible to a much wider audience.
Can I use coding in HISE if I want to?
Yes. HISE gives you several ways to extend your projects with code:
- HISE Script: for controlling modules, responding to user input, and designing GUIs.
- SNEX and FAUST: DSP languages you can run inside the visual DSP environment, scriptnode, to expand its functionality.
- C++: for advanced developers who want full control over every detail.
The Bootcamp doesn’t require any coding, but it does cover the essential groundwork that every project needs, whether you end up using scripting or not. That way, if you choose to explore coding later, you’ll already have a solid foundation.
How long will it take to complete the course?
That depends on your pace, but most students finish in a few days to a week. The course is broken into short, focused videos you can work through at your own speed.
And you get lifetime access, so you can revisit the material any time you like.
I’m new to HISE, is this for me?
What exactly will I have built by the end?
You’ll have built a fully working sample-based instrument plugin and a stereo effect plugin – complete with custom interfaces, preset systems, and real-time controls. You’ll learn how to compile and export them as VST3 and AU plugins.
The course starts with the absolute basics, including how to install HISE, navigate the interface, and understand the project structure. No prior experience is expected.
What if I get stuck or something doesn’t work?
Each section includes downloadable project files so you can compare your progress or troubleshoot issues. You’ll also be shown where to get help in the HISE community if you need further support.
Will I be able to export and test my plugin?
Yes. The course walks you through compiling HISE from source and exporting both the instrument and effect plugins. You’ll also learn how to install and test them in your DAW.
What happens after I finish the course?
After this course, you’ll have a solid foundation in HISE. You’ll also receive a certificate of completion to showcase your skills.
We’ll be adding more courses to Audio Dev School over time, and we’ll let you know as new ones become available. If you want to keep learning in the meantime, you can find more HISE tutorials on my YouTube channel.
Got more questions?
If you have any questions about the course or want to know if it’s a good fit for you, feel free to reach out.
Just send an email to david@audiodevschool.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
