Preferred Plug-In Format

[Kenny B]

What is the preferred "primary" plug-in format? I've been using Audio Units, however that is not 100% compatible with Auto Align 2 which prefers the VST3 format. Don't want to switch over because maybe some other plug-ins won't work.

[mikehalloran]

If using AUs, you're on a Mac. It's not an issue.

The first time you call up a VST3, all will go through verification. After that, you can check the boxes in System Settings/Preferences (depending on your macOS) for which ones you want to see in the menu.

[bayswater]

It doesn’t really matter. You can use AU, VST (or MAS) all at once, and interchangeably. Some functions only work with VST3, so then you don’t have a choice for that particular plugin if you need that function.

[James Steele]

Some functions only work with VST3, so then you don’t have a choice for that particular plugin if you need that function.

Case in point, DP requires use of the Melodyne VST3 plugin if memory serves. Same thing with Console 1. In the case of the latter, certain additional features are available with VST3 that aren’t with AU. This includes showing track names and colors in the Console 1 OSD (On Screen Display) app.

Of course, to muddy the waters a bit, I’m pretty sure Logic 10.8 which uses AU exclusively, also supports those features but I think this has something to do with AU3 versus AU2. Since AU is an Apple in-house standard, makes sense Logic would support AU3… pretty sure DP still does not?

[HCMarkus]

Any plugins using ARA need to run as VST3; this includes Melodyne and VocAlign, both of which work properly on Apple Silicon with DP11 as VST3s.

Keep AU as primary plugin format, but enable those which need VST3 as VST3 in DP.