How can I use a GPU to process audio effects?

[almix12]

I'm looking to be able to process audio effects such as VSTs and RTAS audio plugins with graphics card GPUs. Especially with Pro Tools but also with Logic, and Ableton. Is this possible with OpenGL?
Many thanks,
Alex

 

[Chili]

I know it is done with video, but never heard of it for audio. Sounds like potential for a new product.

 

[almix12]

I was thinking I could use it as a cost effective way of taking some of the processing power of effects away from the main CPU, and having a dedicated processing unit for some plugins without buying Pro Tools HD/HDX and still having the benefits of software plugins.

 

[wheelema]

I know it is done with video, but never heard of it for audio. Sounds like potential for a new product.

There was a product to do exactly this but it submarined and never came back up.

 

[MrWrenchey]

There was a product to do exactly this but it submarined and never came back up.

Unless you take into account the UAD cards and such. Those don't cost an arm and a leg like the HD/HDX cards.

 

[almix12]

Oh neat, what are they called?
I'd guess they aren't as cheap as graphics cards though or are they?

 

[jonny deep]

Search for UAD2. The lower powered ones probably cost similar to a high end consumer graphics card. They can only be used for UAD plugins, though, which are themselves expensive, although highly regarded. Search for the UAD2 instance chart to see how many of each plugin each card can handle simultaneously.

 

[Mo Facta]

There are a couple of plugins out there that utilize the GPU. Here's one:

GPU Impulse Reverb VST | NVidia/ATI GPUs used as DSP for convolution reverb calculation

Liquidsonics also has one:

LiquidSonics - Reverberate LE | Convolution Reverb for PC

Cheers