ASIO-DM-Activator is a plugin for Cubase and Studio One that enables the ASIO Direct Monitoring feature (also known as "Blue Z") for audio interfaces that lack native support for it.
This is a beta release, currently supporting only one device class: the Audient iD series (iD14 and above). This limitation is due to testing constraints, as I own an iD14 MKII. However, the plugin can theoretically be extended to support any device with a dedicated software mixer. I’d love to hear from you if you can help expand support for additional hardware.
The iD series lacks a physical Direct Monitoring button, making it inconvenient to access the software mixer every time via mouse. Additionally, DAWs can automatically toggle monitoring during recording and turn it off when unnecessary — something a native DM implementation simplifies.
As a DAW plugin, ASIO-DM-Activator intercepts the audio subsystem initialization, modifies the driver's capability response, and adds Direct Monitoring to the list of supported features. When successful, your DAW will display DM as available.
Each time you enable or disable monitoring on a track, the plugin translates the activation request into a format understood by the driver. To the driver, it looks like you’re manually adjusting the mixer slider with your mouse.
- Only two channel states are supported: ON and OFF. This ensures the volume balance you've set in the mixer app remains unchanged.
- Only the Main mix is affected. Cue A/B remains untouched.
Place the asio-dm-activator.dll file in the appropriate folder:
- Cubase:
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Cubase 14\Components - Studio One:
C:\Program Files\PreSonus\Studio One 7\Plugins
- A 64-bit OS and 64-bit DAW are required.
- Compatible with Windows 7 and later.
- If multiple devices from the same manufacturer are connected, the plugin will use the first one.
- Beta version: Use at your own risk.