Continuous QA Testing for Plugins using Python and AI
Leveraging Context with Python, DawDreamer, and AI for Continuous Plugin QA
In audio‑plugin development, correctness and performance drift in different ways—and both can ship regressions. This talk shows how to build a deterministic, headless QA rig with Python + DawDreamer to verify bit‑exact (or thresholded) outputs for VST3/AU plugins, and how to pair it with our pluginperf profiler to track cycles/block, cycles/sample, and CPU‑hot parameter regions across sample rate, block size, and oversampling. We’ll cover practical metrics (phase‑cancel residual, RMS/peak, spectral centroid), repeatability tactics (state resets, RNG seeding), and performance guardrails.
Key Points:
- Why continuous QA matters in audio plugin development.
- How to focus on the right tests
- Setting up python hosts for automated audio plugin testing.
- AI preset creation based on product specs.
- Deterministic vs. non-deterministic audio measurements and analysis.
- Leveraging Python and AI techniques for automated detection of audio issues.
- Building scalable test suites and managing test data efficiently.
- Examples of measurable benefits, including reduced regressions and increased developer confidence.
Register To ADCx Gather Today!
Ryan Wardell
Ryan Wardell is an audio enthusiast who somehow survived years of navigating corporate cubicles, zoom calls and boardroom slide decks without completely losing his soul. With an extensive background in product development, QA, product design, and product management, Ryan managed to help deliver game-changing releases of Pro Tools at Avid and even helped Universal Audio embrace native plugins (yeah, you're welcome). He also had the privilege (or curse, depending on the day) of bringing LUNA to market. He loves turning concepts into real-world tools musicians actually use.
These days, Ryan splits his time between PACE and his own audio plugin and app startup, Storybored. When he is not buried in his laptop you'll find Ryan creating music, making espresso and practicing his latte art or looking for someone to talk kpop with him. 🙂