Before buying a software instrument or plug-in, check whether its format and system requirements match your DAW. This guide introduces RTAS and AAX for Pro Tools, Audio Units (AU) on macOS, and VST on compatible Windows and Mac hosts. Format, operating system, architecture and DAW version all matter; check the product and host documentation before purchasing.
Check Plug-in Formats Before Buying
Each DAW supports particular plug-in formats.
If a product’s format is incompatible, you may not be able to use it in your DAW even after purchasing it.
Check compatibility before buying.
Plug-in Formats: Tutorial Video
- 1MIDI Basics
- 2MIDI Parameters and Values
- 3Software Synth and Plug-in Formats: DAW Compatibility
- 4Choosing an Audio Interface
- 5Samplers 1: Create Rhythm Instruments from Samples
- 6Samplers 2: Create Pitched Instruments from Samples
- 7Reading the Piano Roll and Rhythm, Part 1
- 8Reading the Piano Roll and Rhythm, Part 2
- 9Reading the Piano Roll and Rhythm, Part 3
- 10The Importance of a Common Tuning Reference
- 11Tuplets
Selected Questions and Answers from the YouTube Video
I use Studio One Artist, which came with VOCALOID Hatsune Miku. Like Studio One Free, does it prevent me from using additional instruments?
The original response noted that an add-on was needed to use third-party VST or AU instruments in Artist at the time. Support varies by Studio One version, so check the requirements for your edition.
RTAS and AAX
These are plug-in formats associated with Pro Tools.
- RTAS: used by Pro Tools 10 and earlier, 32-bit.
- AAX: Pro Tools 11 and later use 64-bit AAX. Check compatibility with the specific version.
AU
Audio Units is a plug-in format used on macOS.
Ableton Live and Studio One can use AU on macOS; their Windows versions do not use AU. Check the formats supported by your DAW and edition.
VST
Many free plug-ins are available in VST format. VST support depends on the host, operating system and plug-in version.
If large software instrument libraries are filling your drive,
the following approach may help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What if a purchased plug-in does not appear in my DAW?
Check that you installed a compatible format, operating-system and processor version, and that the DAW scans the appropriate location. For example, check Cubase’s VST installation and scan settings. Consult the product and DAW documentation before reinstalling.
Q2. Can I use VST plug-ins on a Mac?
Yes, if the plug-in and host both support the relevant VST format and your Mac configuration. AU is another macOS format; a wrapper is not inherently required when the host supports VST directly.
Q3. Can Pro Tools 11 or later use RTAS plug-ins?
Pro Tools 11 and later use 64-bit AAX rather than RTAS. Check that the plug-in supports AAX and your particular Pro Tools version.
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