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Using VST and VST3 plug-ins on Windows
Live Versions: All
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Operating System: Windows
VST plug-ins are instruments and effects from third-party
manufacturers that can be installed and used in Live. VST2 plug-ins
use the .dll file extension. VST3 plug-ins use the .vst3 file
extension.
Note:
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Make sure that your plug-in folders do not contain any other files than the plug-ins with their respective extensions (.dll, .vst3)
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Avoid using different plugin formats (VST2, VST3) of the same plug-in in a Live set.
How to install and activate VST plug-ins on Windows
1. Download the latest installer file from the plug-in manufacturer's website and run it.
2. Some plug-ins may also have a standalone version which is separate from the VST version. Don't install the standalone and VST versions to the same folder.
3. Depending on the plug-In format, you can either install to a default folder and/or to a custom folder of your choice. Here are some recommendations for existing folders that you can use:
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VST2 plug-ins: C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins
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VST3 plug-ins: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
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VST plug-ins (32-bit): C:\Program Files (x86)\VSTPlugins
Note: Live 10 and 11 are only available in 64-bit, so 32-bit plug-ins aren't supported. Likewise, 64-bit plug-ins won't appear in 32-bit versions of Live.
4. Once installed, launch Live.
5. Open Preferences → Plug-Ins → Plug-In Sources
Note: If you are using a Live version prior to 10.1., you will find it under Preferences → File/Folder → Plug-In Sources.
6. Enable Use VST2 Plug-In Custom Folder and click Browse to select the location of your VST2 Plug-Ins:
7. Enable Use VST3 Plug-In System Folders to activate your VST3 plug-ins. In case you prefer to use or add a different VST3 folder of your choice, enable Use VST3 Plug-In Custom Folder, but note that it is not recommended to select the same location for both folders.
Note: only add discrete folders that contain VST plug-ins. Adding entire drives or system folders may crash Live. Make sure that the folder contains only VST .dll files. Other system files can use the .dll extension too, but they may crash Live if included in the VST folder.
8. Live scans all available plug-ins and once completed they will show up in Live's browser under Plug-Ins.
Using AU VST and VST3 plug-ins on Mac
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Live Versions: All
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Operating System: Mac
AU or VST?
Live on Mac supports both the Audio Unit (AU) and VST2 and VST3 (10.1 and later) formats. Which format you choose to use is up to you, bearing in mind the following tips:
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If sharing projects with Windows users, it's better to use VST. The VST format is cross platform. Provided the other user is using the same version of the plug-in, they'll be able to open the set and the plug-ins will be available. See our recommendations for transferring Live projects.
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Some AU plug-ins may have different preset handling than the VST, or vice versa. See our article on
AU plug-ins do not support a direct MIDI out. If you wish to route MIDI from a plug-in you need to use the VST version instead. See this article for info on
Avoid using different plugin formats (AU, VST, VST3) of the same plug-in in a Live set.
How to install VST or AU plug-ins on Mac
When used on an Apple Silicon computer, the Universal build of Live 11.1 only recognises VST2 and VST3 plug-ins natively compiled for Apple Silicon. Please note that some specific AU involve Intel-compiled processes, and that these will require Live to be run as an intel application via Rosetta 2. You can find more information here.
Note: Make sure that your plug-in folders do no contain any other files than the plug-ins with their respective extensions (.au, .vst, .vst3)
1. Download the latest installer file from the plug-in manufacturer's website and run it.
2. Most plug-ins will install themselves to the default system folders, others might simply need to be moved to the correct folder. Here are the default system folders:
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Macintosh HD:/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ (AU .component file extension)
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Macintosh HD:/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/ (VST 2 .vst file extension)
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Macintosh HD:/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ (VST 3 .vst3 file extension)
Certain plug-ins may install themselves to the <user> folder. This folder is hidden by default, here's how to access hidden folders.
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Macintosh HD:/Users/[Your Username]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ (AU)
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Macintosh HD:/Users/[Your Username]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/ (VST 2)
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Macintosh HD:/Users/[Your Username]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ (VST 3)
3. You can instead install your plug-ins to a custom folder if you prefer (VST 2 and VST 3 only)
4. Once installed, launch Live.
5. Open Live's Preferences → Plug-ins (Live 10.1 and later)/File Folder (all Live versions until 10.1) → Plug-In Sources.
6. Activate the Audio units folder, and/or VST2/VST3 folders as required.
7. If you've installed the plug-in correctly but it's still not appearing in Live, see our dedicated article: VST/AU plug-in doesn't appear in Live.
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