# Audio Direct

**NDI Audio Direct** is a collection of VST audio plugins for MS Windows designed to integrate seamlessly with virtually any audio software application, allowing you to harness the power of NDI. (Available for **Windows** only**)**

This innovative tool empowers users to select, receive, and generate multichannel audio with exceptional quality and minimal latency.

It facilitates easy Audio over IP, supporting workflow both on-premises and in virtual or cloud environments, and it's compatible with any digital audio workstation through VST plugins.

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Download NDI Tools [here](https://ndi.video/tools/download/).
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## **Accessing NDI Audio Direct**

[Install NDI Tools](https://docs.ndi.video/all/using-ndi/ndi-tools/installing-ndi-tools). After installing it, access NDI Audio Direct from any digital audio workstation program.

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By default, the NDI Audio Direct VST plugin is installed on C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3. You can set your software's VST plugin location to this path or copy them to a folder of your choice.
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## Using the NDI Plugin With DAW[^1]

In your DAW application, look for the VST plugin settings menu (the location is specific to each DAW) and check if the **VST3** path is correctly configured, then perform the plugin re-scan. This will load the NDI Plugin in the DAW application.

Here is the Plugin Management interface in Ardour:

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/DO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1/blobs/0WnIUj4sm3p14mdAukEv/image.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screenshot of Plugin Management menu on Ardour DAW</p></figcaption></figure>

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## **NDI Input settings**

When you load the NDI Input plugin in your DAW, you'll see a menu to configure the following settings:

* **NDI source**
* **Number and configuration of Audio Channels:** NDI Audio Direct supports up to 16 audio channels in different configurations.
* **Audio Level:** You can adjust the source level to match your DAW level setting.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/DO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1/blobs/GYi88fCryAfKzbZCIpQ7/image.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screenshot of NDI Input settings menu (Windows)</p></figcaption></figure>

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## **NDI Output settings**

When you load the NDI Output plugin in your DAW, you'll see a menu to configure the following settings:

* **The NDI Output**
* **Number and Audio Channels configuration**: NDI Audio Direct supports up to 16 audio channels in different configurations.
* **Audio Level:** You can adjust the source level to match your level destination.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/DO9LSaUxLOBIgPjyrjR1/blobs/4ieSJ9lLXtTzxY8B5zcF/image.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screenshot of NDI Output settings menu (Windows)</p></figcaption></figure>

[^1]: Acronym for Digital Audio Worksation, a DAW is used for [recording](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_recording_and_reproduction), editing and producing [audio files](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_files). DAWs come in a wide variety of configurations from a single software program on a [laptop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop), to an integrated stand-alone unit, all the way to a highly complex configuration of numerous components controlled by a central computer.