AU or VST3 on MAcOS 26?

[pax-eterna]

I did a search on this but got no results really, so thought I'd ask the specific question...

Which is the best to use on a Mac (26.3) AU or VST3?

I read various conflicting views online in general, so thought I'd post here among the Apple experts. Still new to MacOS and what formats of data work best.

 

[Ben J.]

Most developers make AU, VST3, and AAX versions of their audio plugins and VI's (Virtual instruments). AU - mac only, mainly for Logic. VST3 - mac/pc, works on most DAWs/hosts. AAX - mac/pc, for Pro Tools only. And when you buy a license you choose which format(s) to install, or install all.

If the plugin works in one format, it usually works well in the other two also, so IME there is no 'better' or 'worse'.

Remember, when you search for 'better or worse', it most often means that you get results from people who have had a bad experience, and they blame it on one format or the other, doesn't have to mean anything.

Basically, you choose the software you want to use the plugin in, and install whatever format the software requires.

 

[pax-eterna]

Most developers make AU, VST3, and AAX versions of their audio plugins and VI's (Virtual instruments). AU - mac only, mainly for Logic. VST3 - mac/pc, works on most DAWs/hosts. AAX - mac/pc, for Pro Tools only. And when you buy a license you choose which format(s) to install, or install all.

If the plugin works in one format, it usually works well in the other two also, so IME there is no 'better' or 'worse'.

Remember, when you search for 'better or worse', it most often means that you get results from people who have had a bad experience, and they blame it on one format or the other, doesn't have to mean anything.

Basically, you choose the software you want to use the plugin in, and install whatever format the software requires.

well, thanks, I think....didn't really answer the question directly though. Perhaps I should rephrase it to Which is more efficient on MacOS - AU which is actually designed for MacOS or VST3 designed as a generic format?

I did not ask what was the best format, I asked what was the best FOR MacOS specifically!

I am well aware developers make various versions! That was not the question tbh. I also do not want to infest the system with those I will never use, so rather than simply installing everything and the kitchen sink, perhaps a more clinical installation regime would be best, hence the OP 🙂

 

[BrianBaughn]

I would think that knowing which is "more efficient", if it's possible to know, doesn't really do you any good…how a particular plugin works in an application depends on how the application is written.

There are some applications that utilize both formats and it wouldn't surprise me if an analysis of VST3 vs. AU would come up with different results in each application…and maybe even differences from plugin to plugin.

 

[pax-eterna]

I would think that knowing which is "more efficient", if it's possible to know, doesn't really do you any good…how a particular plugin works in an application depends on how the application is written.

There are some applications that utilize both formats and it wouldn't surprise me if an analysis of VST3 vs. AU would come up with different results in each application…and maybe even differences from plugin to plugin.

yeah, that makes sense I guess 🙂

haha, was hoping for a more definitive answer but there probably isn't one!

 

[galad]

It's 2026, the overhead of every audio plugin infrastructure is negligible.