VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology and they’re compatible with most DAWs except Pro Tools.īut you can use VST plugin instruments standalone without a DAW, whether it’s a VST synthesizer or a sample-based VST intrument. The difference between the plugin formatsĪt this point, you’re probably asking yourself “surely there are reasons we have all these plugin formats that don’t concern operating systems?”Īside from AAX, the biggest difference between the VS and AU plugin formats was the fact that macOS only read AU plugins for the longest while. Why? Well, let’s dive into the specifics… Many Mac users make music with Logic Pro X, so AU plugins are their go-to plugin format.Īnd the AU format remains the standard plugin format that Apple systems read, despite how they can read VST plugins now too. Now though, macOS can read VST and AAX plugins too. Once upon a time, macOS could only read AU plugins and not VST. But Pro Tools is the only DAW that can read this format. However, AAX plugins are compatible with Windows operating systems too. Unlike AAX and AU plugin formats, the VST format is pretty much universal. The common plugin format for Windows is VST/VST3. That brief introduction shows you that the battle of the operating systems – Windows and macOS – affects musicians and music producers as it does the general consumer. Plugin formats for different operating systems As a result, there are different types of audio plugin formats. In other words, audio plugin formats are associated with different DAWs and operating systems. The three most common audio plugin types are VST, AU, and AAX. However, Avid’s DAW Pro Tools can only read AAX plugins. And even Apple’s macOS could only read AU plugins until not so long ago! In any case, we can control these plugins with our mouse and keyboard or a MIDI controller.īecause different software companies make their trademark DAWs, they often have different specifications from others.Īnd because different big tech companies – Apple and Microsoft – make their own operating systems, they also have their own requirements.įor example, Apple’s DAWs – Logic Pro and Garageband – can only read the AU plugin format. But most DAW plugins also allow you to run them in standalone mode – no matter the plugin format. So, in digital audio, an audio plugin is a software tool that you can insert into your host DAW software – a Digital Audio Workstation.įurthermore, there are a few types of Digital Audio Workstation plugins. In general terms, a plugin is an extension or additional software tool that you can install into a host software. The difference between the plugin formats.Plugin formats for different operating systems.We’re exploring all of this and more with the following topics: Whether you’re striving to be a singer-songwriter, a music producer, a sound designer, or a mix/master engineer – you will use plugins at some point or another.īut there are a few things you need to consider when deciding what the best plugin format is for you.įor example, are you a Windows or Mac user? Do you use Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or another DAW? Plugins are vital extensions of our DAW software.
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