DAWs and plugin formats explained: Building blocks of digital audio

Digital audio workstations have come a long way since their inception in the 1980s and infancy in the 90s. From the early days that required massive computing power to only be able to process a few tracks all the way to today’s modernized software that is only limited by the sophistication of the computer that is running it, companies continue to innovate.

DAWs and plugin formats they support are widely varied. In the past, there were fewer overall types and the applications tended to only work with a handful of them, mainly VST for Windows-based systems and AU for Mac setups.

Things are different now, as companies realized that in order to stay competitive their software needs to be as format friendly as possible.

Types of Plug-ins Explained

VST (Virtual Studio Technology)

Originally created by the Steinberg company in the mid 90s, Virtual Studio Technology is the most common plugin format. Previously only available to Windows users, it’s now compatible with Mac and Linux within most DAWs and is currently in its third iteration (VST3).

There are a few exceptions to the list of DAWs that support VSTs though. Notably, Pro Tools doesn’t natively support the format, and nor does Apple’s Logic Pro.

AU (Audio Units)

In keeping with Apple’s tradition of proprietary innovation, the Audio Unit plugin format is relative to the Core Audio driver standard in Apple’s operating system.

Being part of the OS means it is low latency and lives with the audio interface at the system level for faster processing.

At first Logic was the only DAW that ran AU, but others have joined the fold in recent years including Reaper, Studio One, and Ableton. As you might expect, Pro Tools does not support the AU plugin format.

AAX (Avid Audio Xtension)

AAX was created by Avid when it released the first 64-bit version of Pro Tools. It comes in two versions: Native (runs on the system) and DSP (runs externally via peripheral hardware).

Initially only Pro Tools supported the AAX plugin format, but now Cubase and Reason can run them.

RTAS (Real-Time Audio Suite)

Digidesign created their proprietary plug-in format and it continued even after Avid acquired Digidesign until Pro Tools 10. Pro Tools had such a stranglehold on the digital audio industry that many companies created RTAS versions of their software just so they could run in Pro Tools.

The format only supports 32-bit, and is being depreciated by Avid in favor of other plugin formats like AAX. Pro Tools 10 is the last version of Pro Tools to support RTAS.

TDM (Time-division Multiplexing)

This quirky Pro Tools-only format is the only one that requires outboard hardware to run. It’s pretty much a marriage between digital signal processing in a hardware package like analog outboard gear. The advantage of this is that it frees up system resources by doing the plug-in processing in the external hardware.

It’s an older format that was expensive, exclusive (in a bad way), and has been phased out as computer technology has gotten better – though it was a unique idea in the early days of digital audio recording.

DAW and plugin format compatibility

All of the DAWs listed here come in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions, but certain plugins or versions thereof may only work with one or the other.

Avid Pro Tools

The legacy that Pro Tools has established pretty much speaks for itself. What started out as a simple experiment into the exciting new world of digital audio in the mid 1980s eventually became an industry staple in studios worldwide.

It wasn’t until recently that Pro Tools became usable without an investment in Avid’s proprietary hardware, though it’s still designed to function mainly with their proprietary format AAX, though some VST plugins can be used through a plugin wrapper.

AAX is the newest standard, becoming available with the introduction of Version 10. RTAS and TDM are a little older, compatible with previous iterations of the DAW up to Version 10. It’s possible to run VST and AU plug-ins in Pro Tools 12 via wrapper plugins like Cockos’ ReWire or Blue Cat Audio’s Patchwork, though the process is a little cumbersome.

Plug-ins supported by Avid Pro Tools:

• AAX
• RTAS (Pro Tools 10 and earlier)
• TDM (Pro Tools 10 and earlier)
• VST (through wrapper or host plugin)

Apple Logic Pro

For many years Logic was the biggest contender to industry giant Pro Tools, and consistent with their modus operandi of technological isolation, the only true plug-in format that can be run in Logic is AU.

You can, however, use something called a “wrapper” to bridge VST and RTAS formats to run them as “virtual” Audio Units.

There’s a lot to love about Logic Pro if you’re on a Mac system. They have next-generation AI “Studio Musicians” and “Studio Assistants” that augment your workflow. It can mix in Dolby Atmos, so it’s great for film and game audio, and it comes with a robust set of plugins and virtual instruments.

Plug-ins supported by Apple Logic Pro:

• AU

Cockos Reaper

Reaper is one of the most powerful and customizable DAWs. It comes in 64-bit and 32-bit variations and can be run on Windows, Mac, or Linux-based systems. It also offers the most robust plug-in support of all of the DAWs.

The only plugin formats that Reaper can’t run (operating system of choice aside) are the Pro Tools-exclusive AAX and RTAS. It can run all variants of VST, DX, AU, even JS (JavaScript).

Plug-ins supported by Cockos Reaper:

• VST, VST2, VST3
• AU (Mac only)
• LV2
• CLAP
• DX
• JSFX

Presonus Studio One Pro 7

PreSonus originally only manufactured hardware, but in the fall of 2009 it launched the Studio One software, which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years.

It came as no surprise that PreSonus entered the DAW market, as their interfaces are among the most popular in the project/home studio markets. Check out our review of the Quantum ES 2.

Presonus’ starter software is Studio One Prime, which comes bundled with some of their interfaces. This version doesn’t support any plug-in format other than Presonus’ proprietary Native Effects.

The Artist and Professional series incorporates functionality with all versions of VST, AU, and Studio One native plugins. The newest version is Pro 7.

Plug-ins supported by Presonus Studio One Pro 7:

• VST3, VST2
• AU (Mac only)
• Studio One native plugins

Steinberg Cubase 14

Steinberg is legendary in the digital audio universe as the creators of the VST format. Cubase was released in 1989 and is still one of the premier DAWs, with 14 being the newest version.

It should come as no surprise that as powerful as it is, it is only compatible with the VST format — though it is cross-platform, available for Windows and Mac.

Plug-ins supported by Steinberg Cubase 14:

• VST3
• AAX (third party)

MOTU Digital Performer 11

For decades MOTU was strictly in the hardware lane manufacturing some great audio interfaces, converters, and word clocking units. Eventually they branched out with their own DAW, Digital Performer.

Version 11 is the most sophisticated to date. It features ARA2 processing, a protocol developed by Celemony that allows plugins that support it to analyze audio before playback is initiated. It’s an elevated type of processing perfect for sound characteristics like pitch, rhythm, and tempo.

Audio can be converted to MIDI notes for deeper editing, and through the nanosampler you can turn pretty much any instrument into something else altogether.

With everything Digital Performer 11 can do, it’s amazing that the DAW first released in 1990 and people are just now starting to understand how powerful it is.

Plug-ins supported by MOTU Digital Performer 11:

• VST3, VST2, VST
• AU
• MAS (MOTU proprietary)

Image Line FL Studio

FL Studio is unique in that is provides a powerful recording environment as well as full sequencer capabilities. The PC version runs in 64/32-bit and supports VST, while the Mac version runs only in 64-bit, it supports VST and AU formats.

Plug-ins supported by Image Line FL Studio:

• VST3, VST2, VST (depending on OS and version)
• CLAP
• AU (Mac only)
• Native FL format

Ableton Live 12

Ableton is not only full-featured recording software, it’s also an instrument meant to integrate seamlessly with live performance. Heavily utilized by DJs and rock bands alike, Ableton offers features that others don’t.

It’s designed to be just as useful in a concert setting as it is as the heart and soul of a recording setup. On PC and Mac it runs VST and AU formats in 64/32-bit, and Version 10 64-bit incorporates AU.

Plug-ins supported by Ableton Live 12:

• VST3, VST2 (64-bit only)
• AU (Mac only)

Reason Studios Reason 13

Perhaps the most unique in execution, Reason operates like no other recording application. It has a concentration in synthesizer-heavy, electronic music that is useful for a number of genres.

In terms of plug-in integration Reason keeps it really simple, running only in 64-bit on PC and Mac supporting VST.

Plug-ins supported by Reason Studios Reason 13:

• VST3
• AU
• AAX
• Rack Extensions (Reason proprietary format)

FAQ

What is a DAW?

A DAW, or Digital Audio Workstation, is the central software used to record, edit, mix, and produce music on a computer. Think of it as a virtual studio where instruments, vocals, and effects come together. Each DAW has its own strengths, weaknesses, and workflows.

What’s the difference between 64-bit and 32-bit?

This refers to how the processor, operating system, and DAW itself handles computing calculations. It has nothing to do with bit depth as it refers to headroom, such as 16-bit or 24-bit.

64-bit DAWs are able to run 64-bit and 32-bit plug-ins (32-bit by a process called “bridging”), but 32-bit DAWs can only run 32-bit plug-ins.

What are the different plugin formats?

Plugins come in various formats, and compatibility depends on your DAW and operating system. The most common are VST, VST3, AU, and AAX. VST and VST3 are widely used across Windows and macOS and are compatible with most DAWs.

AU is specific to macOS and used by Logic Pro and GarageBand. AAX is a format specific to Pro Tools. Most plugin developers release their software in multiple formats, but it’s important to understand the type(s) your DAW supports to ensure smooth operation.