Can I Use An Apple Silicon Mac As My Studio DAW Computer Yet?
When we started our Apple Silicon and macOS Monterey compatibility articles and searchable databases, the advice was simple, don’t do it. However, now with the release of the new Apple Studio M1 Ultra powered computer, are we at the tipping point where we can use the latest M1 Pro, M1 Max and M1 Ultra Apple Silicon powered computers as the main studio computer running a DAW, plugins and ancillary software? We investigate…
What About DAW Support?
Rosetta 2 Or Native?
Although we are seeing a growing number of DAWs that can now run natively, it isn’t that simple. Another factor to consider is whether all the plugins you want to use with your DAW are also supported to run on Apple Silicon powered computers natively. If just one plugin isn’t supported for Apple Silicon natively then you are forced to run your DAW via Rosetta 2 as a DAW cannot run a mix of plugins, some using Rosetta 2 and some running natively.
On an Apple Silicon powered computer, you'll be asked to install Rosetta 2 the first time you open an app built for an Intel-based Mac. Click Install, then enter your user name and password to allow the installation process to proceed. After you've installed Rosetta 2, it will become available to any other apps that need it, so you won't be asked to install it again. If you choose not to install Rosetta now, you'll be asked again the next time you open an app that requires Rosetta 2.
How To Force An Application To Run Via Rosetta 2
You can use Get Info (Command+I) to identify apps that need Rosetta or can use Rosetta:
Select the app in the Finder.
From the File menu in the menu bar, choose Get Info.
See the information labelled Kind:
Application (Intel) means the app only supports Intel processors and needs Rosetta to work on any Mac with Apple Silicon.
Application (Universal) means the app supports both Apple silicon and Intel processors and uses Apple Silicon by default.
If you have a Universal app, the Info window includes the setting "Open using Rosetta". This setting enables universal apps, such as web browsers or DAWs, to use plug-ins, extensions and other add-ons that haven't been updated to support Apple silicon. If a universal app doesn't recognise an add-on you've installed for the app, you can close the app, select this setting and try again. Learn more…
Looking at our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases, we find the following…
Ableton Live
Ableton say that Ableton Live 11.1 is now available as Universal Binary build. What that means is the software can run on either Intel-powered computers or Apple Silicon computers natively. Learn more…
Apple Logic Pro X
As with all Apple applications, it was released as a Universal Binary from day 1. However, you may still need to run it via Rosetta 2 if you have any plugins that are not yet supported to run on Apple Silicon natively.
Avid Pro Tools
With the release of the Avid Complete Plugin Bundle 2022.2, Avid has announced that Pro Tools 2021.12 is now Apple Silicon via Rosetta 2 and macOS Monterey compatible. Learn more…
MOTU Digital Performer
Digital Performer 11 now runs natively on Apple Silcon powered computers and supports macOS Monterey. Learn more…
PreSonus Studio One
Studio One 5.4 can run via Rosetta 2 or natively on Apple Silicon computers. Learn more…
REAPER
REAPER supports macOS 10.5* to macOS 12. REAPER v6.52 is a Universal Binary build for Intel and ARM64. Learn more…
Steinberg Cubase
Cubase 12 can run via Rosetta 2 or natively on Apple Silicon computers. Learn more…
Steinberg Nuendo
Nuendo 11 can only run via Rosetta 2 on Apple Silicon computers. Learn more…
So the good news is that all the major DAWs can now run on Apple Silicon powered computers, with Luna and Pro Tools, the only ones that cannot run natively, but they are supported via Rosetta 2. But that is part of the story. What about plugins and other ancillary software and hardware?
What About Plugin Support?
The simple answer is to check out our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases. The outcome is significantly better now that PACE has released a macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon compatible version of their Fusion copy protection software, which should produce a flurry of Apple Silicon compatible plugins. However, to make lfe a little easier, let's see what a selection of the plugin brands with a larger portfolio of plugins have to say…
Avid
With the release of the Avid Complete Plugin Bundle 2022.2, All the extra Avid plugins are now supported with macOS Monterey 12.3. Learn more…
Blue Cat Audio
Blue Cat has been testing the latest updates of both Apple and Microsoft’s operating systems lately, and they report that the latest updates of all their plug-ins (except the Remote Control, to be updated soon) seem to be all working fine so far. Learn more…
IK Multimedia
Most IK products are compatible with M1 macOS systems using Rosetta 2. Below is a list of all software confirmed compatible with M1 macOS systems using Rosetta 2: ARC System 3.0.2, Syntronik 1.2.0b, Miroslav Philharmonik 2.0.6, T-RackS 5.4.0, AmpliTube 5.0.2, MODO BASS 1.5.2, Lurssen Mastering Console 1.1.0, Hammond B-3X version 1.1.1, MixBox 1.1.1, AXE I/O Control Panel 1.1b, AXE I/O SOLO Control Panel 1.0, Custom Shop 2.0, IK Product Manager 1.0.3, UNO Drum Editor 1.1.0b, UNO Synth Editor 1.1.0b, UNO Drum Anthology Libraries (1.0.0), UNO Drum Firmware Update (1.0.2), UNO Synth Firmware Update (1.1.4), iRig Firmware Update (1.13), iRig Keys I/O Firmware Update (1.0.11), iLoud MTM Firmware Updater 1.1.4
Next is a list of all software confirmed to be M1 native compatible without Rosetta 2: MODO DRUM 1.1.3, SampleTank 4.1.4, Syntronik 2.0.0, Hammond B-3X 1.3.4. Learn more…
iZotope
The following iZotope products are compatible with macOS Monterey, Rosetta 2 and Apple Silicon native M1: RX 9 Advanced, RX 9 Standard, RX Pro for Music.
The following iZotope products are compatible with Rosetta and will be compatible with Native in Q1 2022: Ozone 9 Advanced, Ozone 9 Standard, Ozone Pro, Ozone Elements, Tonal Balance Control 2, Tonal Balance Control Pro, Relay.
The following iZotope products are compatible with Rosetta and should be compatible with Native in 2022: RX Elements, Neutron 3 Advanced, Neutron 3 Standard, Neutron Pro, Neutron Elements, Visual Mixer, Nectar 3 Plus, Nectar Pro, Nectar Elements, Neoverb, Neoverb Pro, VocalSynth 2, VocalSynth Pro, Insight 2, Insight Pro, Dialogue Match, Vinyl, Vocal Doubler, Ozone Imager 2, Stutter Edit 2. Learn more…
Note that none of the Exponential Audio products are listed by iZotope for Apple Silicon support although we have seen reports that this may not be the case.
McDSP
The McDSP APB Driver has been updated to support the new line of Apple Silicon powered computers by running natively on the new M1 processor. Additionally, the latest APB Driver installer will automatically load the correct driver version on Intel and M1 processor-based Macs. Learn more…
When it comes to plugin support, although McDSP confirms support for macOS Big Sur, there is no mention of Apple Silicon of macOS Monterey support on their Plug-in Support page. Learn more…
Nugen Audio
Nugen Audio report that they are working on fixes for a compatibility issue with some of their products in recent updates to macOS Big Sur and Monterey, however, there is no mention of Apple Silicon support, either using Rosetta 2 or native support. For up to date compatibility information, they recommend checking their individual product pages. Learn more…
Plugin Alliance
On the Mac platform, Intel and Apple Silicon Native (except for AAX) are supported on macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 11 Big Sur.
Plugin Alliance says that the following plugins are now Apple Silicon compatible: ACME Audio, A/DA, Amek, Ampeg, Black Box Analog Design, Brainworx Audio (except bx_crispytuner / bx_crispyscale), Chandler Limited, Dangerous Music, Diezel Amps, Elysia (except for Phil's Cascade), ENGL, Friedman, Fuchs, Gallien Krueger, Knif Audio, Mäag Audio, Millennia, Noveltech Audio, Pro Audio DSP, Purple Audio, Shadow Hills Industries, SPL (except for Hawkeye), Vertigo Sound. The next wave of PA products with M1 compatibility should follow in April 2022. Learn more…
Slate Digital
Slate Digital plugins are not yet natively compatible with the new line of Apple Silicon machines (Apple ARM processors). Native Apple Silicon updates are estimated to be available in the first few months of 2022. In the meantime, instead of using your DAW natively with our plugins, you'll need to update to the latest versions of our plugins, then open your DAW with Rosetta 2 translation. Learn more…
When it comes to macOS Monterey support, Slate Digital reports that Monterey is not officially supported with Slate Digital or All Access Pass software plugins. Their developers are in the process of testing their software in macOS Monterey and will provide updates when more information is available. Learn more…
Softube
Softube has announced that all their plugins are now supported on macOS 12 as well as full support for Apple Silicon. Learn more…
Sonnox
Sonnox is confident that following further testing, the majority of the latest versions of their product catalogue will work under Rosetta 2 with no problems. Sonnox released an update in March 2022 stating that now that PACE has released the long-anticipated M1 Native SDK, which is required in order for Sonnox (and any other developer using PACE copy protection) to roll out full Native M1 support to their product range. Sonnox does ask that users bear with them through the final stages of the process while they implement the new SDK and complete internal testing. In the meantime, you can use most Sonnox plugins via Rosetta 2 and they have released a list of known issues when running Sonnox plugins under Rosetta 2:
Toolbox Claro - Mix view does not display track names when Logic Pro is run in Native mode. The workaround is to run the entire DAW through Rosetta 2 to utilise this feature.
Sonnox Elite Bundle - No reported issues
Oxford Dynamic EQ - No reported issues
Oxford Drum Gate - No reported issues
Toolbox VoxDoubler - No reported issues
Pro-Codec and Codec Toolbox Applications - Not supported on macOS Big Sur, or Monterey (Intel or M1)
Sonnox Restore bundle (DeClicker, DeNoiser, DeClicker) - No reported issues on macOS Big Sur, but not supported on macOS Monterey.
Universal Audio
UAD software compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey is being tested, and UAD says that the complete macOS 12 Monterey qualification will be released in a future UAD software update. Note also that currently, UAD software is only compatible with Apple Silicon running Rosetta 2. Learn more…
Waves
Waves V13 is listed as macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon compatible with macOS 12.1. Learn more…
Waves V13 plugins are fully supported in Apple M1 processors running the following DAWs: Logic Pro 10.6.3 (in ARM64 mode), FL Studio 20.8.4.2048, Studio One 5.4, REAPER 6.35 for ARM, Bitwig Studio 4.0.4, Garage Band 10.4.4, Mainstage 3.5.3, Adobe Premiere Pro 2021 15.4.1, Adobe Audition 2021, Digital Performer 11
Waves V13 plugins load and work in the following DAWs within Apple Rosetta 2: Pro Tools 2021.7, Ableton Live 11, Cubase 11.0.40, Reason 11
Waves V12 plugins load and work in the following DAWs within Apple Rosetta 2: Pro Tools 2020.12, Ableton Live 10, Reason 11
Not Covered Above?
Please check out our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases for the most up to date information.
What About Hardware?
We also need macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon support for any device drivers, usually so that we can run interfaces etc. Again you can check out our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases for the most up to date information but let's look at some of the key brands in this section…
Apogee
Apogee confirms that the following interfaces are compatible with Apple Silicon and macOS Monterey: Duet 3, Symphony Desktop, Duet for Mac, Duet 2, ONE for Mac, ONE for iPad & Mac, Quartet, HypeMiC, MiC+, JAM+, Groove, Element Series (using v3.5 release installer), Ensemble Thunderbolt, Symphony I/O Mk II (including Thunderbolt, PTHD, Dante + PTHD, SoundGrid, USB, Thunderbridge and Symphony 64 variants. Some interfaces will require the Apogee Control 2 software. Learn more…
Audient
The Audient iD4, iD14, iD22, iD44, iD4 MKII, iD14 MKII, EVO 4, EVO 8 and Sono all have Apple Silicon supported drivers. Learn more…
Avid HDX and HD Native Connected Interfaces
For use with macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon powered computers you will need Pro Tools 2021.12 and its associated HD Driver. Note that the HD Driver from previous versions had a known issue that can prevent the HD Driver kernel from loading, which is resolved in macOS Monterey 12.3. Learn more…
Focusrite
Most Focusrite interfaces will run on macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon, they include: Scarlett 3rd Gen Range (Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 8i6, 18i8 and 18i20), Scarlett 2nd Gen (Solo, 2i2, 2i4, 6i6, 18i8 and 18i20), Scarlett 1st Gen (Solo, 2i2, 2i4, 6i6, 8i6, 18i6, 18i8 and 18i20), Clarett USB Range (2Pre USB, 4Pre USB and 8Pre USB), Clarett+ Range, Clarett Thunderbolt Range (2Pre, 4Pre, 8Pre and 8PreX), iTrack Solo, Saffire 6 USB (only with USB2). Learn more…
To download the correct software for your Focusrite interface, the best solution is to go to the Focusrite Downloads page and select your interface and that will give you the latest software for your interface.
Metric Halo
The drivers and software for all Metric Halo 3d Hardware are both Apple Silicon and Intel Native and supports macOS 10.8.5 (Mountain Lion) – macOS 12 (Monterey). Learn more…
MOTU
The following MOTU Pro Audio interfaces are supported with Apple Silicon and macOS Monterey as long as you install the very latest shipping drivers: 1248, 8M, 16A, 24Ai, 24Ao, Monitor 8, 112D, Stage-B16, 624, 8A, Audio Express, MicroBook II, MicroBook IIc, M64, 8D, LP32, UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid, UltraLite-mk4, UltraLite AVB, UltraLite-mk5 (with Gen5 installer), 828x, 828es, 828mk3 Hybrid, 896mk3 Hybrid, 4pre, 8pre USB, 8pre-es, M2 and M4 bus-powered USB audio interfaces (it is recommended to download and install the latest M Series driver for optimal performance). Learn more…
PreSonus
Universal Control 3.6.0 supports macOS 12 Monterey and includes support for the following PreSonus products: StudioLive Series, AudioBox Series, Studio Series, ioStation24c, Quantum Series, FaderPort Series, ATOM Series, Revelator USB Microphone and Revelator io24. Learn more…
Universal Audio
UAD software compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey is being tested, and UAD says that the complete macOS 12 Monterey qualification will be released in a future UAD software update. Note also that currently, UAD software is only compatible with Apple Silicon running Rosetta 2. Learn more…
Not Covered Above?
Please check out our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases for the most up to date information.
Other Software
Audinate
Version 4.2.3.1 of Dante Virtual Soundcard delivers support for Apple Silicon (M1), support for macOS 12 (Monterey), and a range of bug fixes. Note: This version of Dante Virtual Soundcard is optimised for Apple Silicon (M1) computers and is not recommended for Macs with Intel hardware. If your Mac has Intel hardware, please install the Intel version instead. Learn more…
Dante Controller formally supports the Apple M1 ARM SoC (Rosetta only). Learn more…
Confirmation that Dante Via is also M1 ready requires further validation, however, customers may find that Dante Via already works on M1, dependent on the features they are using. Learn more…
DADman
DADman software has been designed to configure and control one or more compatible units over Ethernet. DADman is a channel strip–oriented, software control interface working over your system’s computer network. The DADman software is compatible with AX32, DX32, AX24, MOM, Penta 720, Penta 721s series, Penta 721, Avid MTRX and MTRX Studio.
DADman v 5.5.0 for macOS is compatible with the Apple Silicon M1 processor chip and it will run on macOS Big Sur, however, it is not yet supported for macOS Monterey. Learn more…
Dolby Atmos Production Suite
With the release of the Dolby Atmos Renderer 3.7, the Dolby Atmos Renderer is fully qualified on Intel Macs running macOS Big Sur. The Dolby Atmos Renderer is compatible with, but not fully qualified on, M1 Macs running macOS Big Sur, as the Renderer runs via the Rosetta 2 translation layer, which may cause performance issues. Learn more…
Not Covered Above?
Please check out our searchable macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon databases for the most up to date information.
In Conclusion
Overall the news is good. All the key DAWs can now at least run via Rosetta 2 with several supported to run natively. We also have a growing number of plugins and hardware drivers that are macOS Monterey and Apple Silicon compatible.
There is no doubt that if you need to replace an ageing computer, by and large, there are enough of the pieces of the jigsaw in place now to consider buying a new M1 Pro, M1 Max or M1 Ultra powered Apple computer. But please do check every element of what you need are compatible, or that you can find suitable alternatives before you press the button. Please do not treat this article as a green light to go ahead without undertaking all your own research.
Information correct March 2022