VST3 vs AU vs AAX: Which Plugin Format Do You Need?
A clear comparison of VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats — which DAWs support what, and how to choose the right format for your workflow.
When shopping for audio plugins, you'll encounter three main format labels: VST3, AU, and AAX. Here's what each means and how to choose.
VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology 3)
Developer: Steinberg Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Supported DAWs: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, Bitwig, and most others
VST3 is the most widely supported format. If you're on Windows, this is almost certainly what you need. On macOS, most DAWs support both VST3 and AU, so either works.
VST3 improvements over the older VST2:
- Dynamic I/O (plugins adapt to your channel configuration)
- Better CPU efficiency (processing pauses when input is silent)
- Resizable interfaces
- Improved preset management
AU (Audio Units)
Developer: Apple Platforms: macOS only Supported DAWs: Logic Pro, GarageBand, Final Cut Pro, and most macOS DAWs
AU is Apple's native plugin format. If you use Logic Pro, you need AU versions of your plugins. Most macOS DAWs also support VST3, but Logic is AU-only.
AAX (Avid Audio eXtension)
Developer: Avid Platforms: Windows, macOS Supported DAWs: Pro Tools only
AAX is exclusive to Pro Tools. Paraflex ships it on Windows. macOS builds do not include AAX.
CLAP
CLAP is an open plugin format. Bitwig, Reaper, Studio One, and FL Studio load it. Paraflex ships CLAP next to VST3 on Windows and macOS. The Windows installer puts it in C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP. The macOS package puts it in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/CLAP.
Which Format Do Paraflex Audio Plugins Support?
| Product | VST3 | CLAP | AU | AAX | Standalone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alchemy | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | Yes |
| Duality | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | No |
| Lens | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | No |
| Mono Optimizer | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | No |
| Target (in development) | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | No |
| Sections (in development) | Yes | Yes | macOS | Windows | No |
| Ambitura | — | — | — | — | Desktop App |
Alchemy also has a standalone app on both systems. Ambitura is a standalone desktop application, not a plugin.
Quick Decision Guide
- Using Logic Pro? → The Audio Unit.
- Using Pro Tools on Windows? → The AAX from the Windows installer.
- Using Pro Tools on a Mac? → Not supported. The macOS package has no AAX.
- Using Bitwig, Reaper, Studio One, or FL Studio? → CLAP or VST3. Pick one so the plugin is not listed twice.
- Using any other DAW on Windows or macOS? → VST3
- Want Alchemy without a DAW? → The standalone app. The other plugins are inserts and need a host. Ambitura is its own desktop app, not a plugin.
Try Before You Buy
Ambitura offers request-based Cloud AI trial credits. For plugin compatibility questions, check each product page's current format list before purchasing.
Keep exploring
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