Cartridge
Key Features
- Four playback modes cover ADSR envelope sampling, one-shot triggering, custom MSEG volume curves, and loop slicing with MIDI export.
- Auto-normalize and automatic root note detection help turn imported audio into playable material faster.
- Zero-crossing snap, loop fades, phase-click protection, legato, reverse playback, and sample hot-swapping support cleaner edits during creative chopping.
- Pitch bend, MIDI CC support, and pitch changes without playback-speed changes make sliced or one-shot material easier to perform from a controller.
- Samples are stored inside the project as FLAC, which is useful for archiving sessions and sharing projects without losing source audio.
- Optional Reaper scripts can create tracks from Media Explorer or selected media items and load samples into the focused Cartridge instance.
Description
Cartridge is a sampler and slicer plugin from DsgDnB built around four playback modes: ADSR, One, MSEG, and Slice. It can cover quick one-shot triggering, envelope-shaped sampling, custom volume-curve drawing, and full loop slicing with MIDI export inside a DAW.
The workflow is aimed at producers who want fast sample manipulation without leaving the plugin window. Auto-normalize, root note detection, zero-crossing snap, legato, reverse playback, looping with fades, hot-swapping, pitch bend, MIDI CC support, and time-stretching give it enough range for drum breaks, vocal cuts, resampled hooks, and playable instruments.
Cartridge is especially notable for its Reaper extras, because the official page links companion ReaScripts that can create a track from Media Explorer, load a selected sample into the focused instance, or wrap a selected media item into a new Cartridge track. The plugin still works in other modern DAWs, but Reaper users get the deepest integration.
As checked on May 22, 2026, the official page says Cartridge is currently in testing and that bugs should be expected. The same page states that the trial has no time limit and no feature restrictions, with a paid key only removing a small UI badge and supporting development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cartridge stable enough for finished sessions?
The official page says Cartridge is currently in testing and that bugs should be expected. It is a functioning plugin, but it should be treated like a beta tool and tested carefully before relying on it in important projects.
What are the four playback modes for?
ADSR is for classic envelope-driven sampling, One is for one-shot playback, MSEG lets you draw custom volume curves, and Slice turns a sample into sliced material with MIDI export. Together, they cover simple triggering, shaped playback, and loop-chopping workflows.
What makes the Reaper workflow different?
DsgDnB provides companion ReaScripts that can create a new Cartridge track from Media Explorer, load the selected sample into the focused instance, or wrap a selected media item into a new Cartridge track. Those scripts can be installed through ReaPack and assigned to hotkeys.
Does Cartridge work outside Reaper?
Yes. The official page says it works in modern DAWs, and the listed formats cover VST3 on Windows, VST3 and AU on macOS, and VST3 and LV2 on Linux.
