8 Ways To Be Able To Use VST Or AU Plug-ins In Pro Tools
Pro Tools only supports Avid’s own plug-in format. But what if there is a plug-in that you would like to use, that isn’t available in the AAX format. Is there any way of being able to use an AU or VST plug-in in Pro Tools? Although Avid has blocked plug-in developers from creating ‘wrapper’ plug-ins Avid do permit plug-in developers to create AAX plug-ins that will ‘host’ AU or VST plug-ins. In this article we show you 8 different options to look at, as there are a lot of cool free plug-ins in VST and AU formats out there.
Blue Cat Audio Patchwork
Patchwork is a virtual patch bay for plug-ins that enables users to create several plug-in chains in one simple to use GUI. Patchwork makes it easy to compare plug-in chains and even makes it possible to mix plug-in chains in parallel. Patchwork is also a very powerful VST and AU plug-in host application. Host VST and AU plug-ins within Pro Tools AAX plug-in format.
An extra feature that will be very useful for cross DAW collaborators is the save/load plug-in preset feature. Mix with plug-in chains within Pro Tools using Patchwork and load those plug-in chain presets within a different DAW such as Logic Pro X.
Nugen Audio SigMod
Nugen Audio have made it even easier to use the Insert Module announced in January 2019 as you can now host VST2 and AU Plugins as well as VST3 plug-ins inside the signal path of SigMod. With this new version, the Insert VST3 Module has been renamed the Insert Module to reflect that you can now insert VST2, VST3 and AU plugins into the signal chain in Nugen Audio’s utility module. This allows the insertion of a plugin anywhere within the SigMod signal-flow (only one instance allowed)
There is a dual-mono option allows for independent processing of two parallel channels, turbo-charging your existing plug-in collection with new creative possibilities.
Vienna VEP5
By far the most comprehensive and best integrated solution for those using VIs. Vienna VEP5 offer AU hosting of both plug-ins and instruments within Pro Tools 11 and earlier. The integration is almost seamless with some very clever tricks. It’s also one the most expensive. Supports Pro Tools 11 and below.
Native Instruments Maschine
Maschine needs no introduction as a complete rhythm production studio. It also hosts AU and VST plug-ins which can run within Pro Tools. Another one of the more costly options but if you already own one then you already have AU and VST support. Supports Pro Tools 10 and below.
REAPER
REAPER is not as some would suggest a FREE product, it offers a generous unlimited demo but those wishing to use it should pay the $60 price tag. Via ReWire it hosts VST and AU instruments and of course effects can also be used in any insert on those channels. Excellent value and solution.
Plogue Bidule
Bidule is a highly configurable hosting solution that offers both ReWire and support via aggregate devices for both VST and AU instruments and effects. It also has a generous demo period and a price tag of 99 Euros.
DDMF Metaplugin
Metaplugin is a plug-in that loads other plug-ins. As simple as that. You can build your own effect networks with this plug-in wrapper using any VST/VST3 (and AU, if you’re on Mac) effect. To get you started, a Mid-Side matrix, a four-band crossover filter and a routing plug-in are included in the package. Of course, that’s only the beginning… let your imagination run free, from creating your own layered synth sounds to building whole sound generators from scratch using simple modules.
Another favourite use case for Metaplugin is to load VST plugins in Pro Tools or to load AudioUnits in Pro Tools if you’re on a Mac. Hence, you can use it as a VST to AAX wrapper or an AU to AAX wrapper. While we’re at it: you can also use Metaplugin to load VST plugins in Logic/LogicX (VST to AU wrapper).
VSTLord (Mac Only)
A free hosting solution which can be used via an aggregate device to host VST plug-ins. Watch our video here
Fxpansion VST/RTAS Wrapper
The Fxpansion RTAS to VST wrapper is one of the most used solutions for those wanting to use VST plug-ins in RTAS versions of Pro Tools. Supports Pro Tools 10 and below.