VST3, AU and Standalone: Plugin Formats Explained for Your DAW
You download a plugin, install it, open your DAW, and it is not there. Almost always the cause is a format mismatch: you installed the wrong kind of plugin for your software. This guide clears that up once, in plain language, so you never lose twenty minutes to it again.
What a plugin format actually is
A plugin format is just the "plug shape" your DAW accepts. The same effect can be built in several formats; you only need the one your DAW uses. Here are the ones that matter.
VST3
The most widely supported format, created by Steinberg. If you use Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper or Bitwig, VST3 is your format. It is the modern replacement for the older VST2 standard.
AU (Audio Units)
Apple's format, used by Logic Pro and GarageBand on macOS, and also supported by Live and others on Mac. If you are a Logic user, AU is the one you need. AU is macOS-only.
AAX
Avid's format, used exclusively by Pro Tools. If you do not use Pro Tools, you can ignore AAX entirely. (For transparency: Piruz Labs plugins currently ship in VST3, AU and Standalone, not AAX. If you are a Pro Tools user who wants our tools, the Standalone version still lets you render audio you can import.)
Standalone
Not a plugin at all, but a normal application that runs on its own without a DAW. Great for practising, sound design or quick ideas. Every Piruz Labs instrument and effect includes a Standalone version.
Which format does my DAW need?
Quick reference:
- Ableton Live — VST3 (or AU on Mac)
- Logic Pro / GarageBand — AU
- FL Studio — VST3
- Cubase / Nuendo — VST3
- Studio One — VST3 (or AU on Mac)
- Reaper — VST3 (or AU on Mac)
- Bitwig — VST3
- Pro Tools — AAX only
Mac vs Windows, and Apple Silicon
Beyond the format, the installer must match your operating system. Piruz Labs ships macOS builds as universal binaries (they run natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs) and are Apple-notarized, plus Windows 10/11 64-bit builds. So whatever Mac or PC you are on, there is a build for you.
The short version
On Logic, grab AU. On almost everything else, grab VST3. Want to play without opening a DAW at all? Use the Standalone. Every Piruz Labs plugin covers all three, so your setup is supported out of the box.
Browse the Piruz Labs catalog →VST3, AU and Standalone. macOS universal notarized + Windows 64-bit. Two free synths and two effects.