AU (Audio Units) plugins are a system-level audio plugin architecture provided by Apple Inc., designed specifically for use on macOS and iOS operating systems. These plugins serve as components within digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other audio software, allowing users to expand their audio processing capabilities. Audio Units support a range of functionalities, including effects processing, audio synthesis, and signal manipulation, offering a versatile toolkit for music production, sound design, and broadcast applications. One of the key features of AU plugins is their deep integration with the operating system, which ensures high stability and efficient performance. They also allow developers to create rich, interactive user interfaces and support MIDI implementation, making them a popular choice among audio professionals and enthusiasts using Apple devices.
AU plugins are designed for seamless integration with Apple’s Logic Pro and other Mac-based digital audio workstations, enhancing the creative workflow with robust stability and high-quality sound.
From meticulously crafted equalizer plugins that refine frequencies to dynamic compressors that add punch and clarity, our plugins are tailored to elevate your audio projects to the highest standards.
Whether you’re a music producer, sound designer, or mixing engineer, our AU plugins deliver the power and precision needed to make your mixes stand out.
SD-PE1
Passive Power,
Classic Character
The SD-PE1 provides a realistic reproduction of a classic passive EQ while also providing unique features only possible through digital emulation and modeling.
SET YOUR SOUND ON FIRE
Heatwave is a fast, effective, and free way to add grit and aggressiveness to almost any sound while preserving its original transients. Add punishing distortion to drum parts without losing the snappy attacks. Beef up a funk bass without softening the slap. Distress an acoustic guitar while preserving the intricacies of fingerstyle playing.
MetaPitch is a simple yet powerful pitch shifting powerhouse that lets you easily manipulate the pitch and format of your source sound.
Loaded with other essential features you may not find in similar plugins (like Grouped Instances, on-board saturation and stereo widening, built-in high and low-pass filters, and even a MIDI-controllable ‘Robot’ Mode), MetaPitch packs all your essential pitch-manipulation tools into a single inspiring interface.
BASS ENHANCER PLUGIN
Infinity Bass is a supercharged sound sculptor that punches up your bass and replaces it where it’s missing. Powered by four bass-shaping modes, a set of intuitive controls, and an inspiring, responsive visualizer, Infinity Bass gives you complete control over your track’s low-end elements.
FOCUS ON YOUR SOUND
Transient Shaper is an incredibly flexible, zero-latency sound sculpting plugin that lets you shape, manipulate and target sounds across their entire frequency range with a unique ‘Focus’ feature. The latest addition to Virtual Mix Rack, Transient Shaper is a perfect fit on your drum bus, bass stabs, and synth stacks, and even makes blending separate sounds a breeze.
ELEVATE YOUR SOUND
Crafted in collaboration with Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum record producer Scott Storch, Storch Filter is a must-have production tool that makes adding excitement and freshness to your sound effortless. Packed with five built-in effects, an autofilter, and presets crafted by Scott himself, this groundbreaking plugin’s simple, intuitive interface streamlines your workflow so you can keep riding your creative wave.
MASTERING REIMAGINED
Looking for a mastering solution that does it all? FG-X 2 is powered by two incredible modules: FG-Comp and FG-Level. FG-Comp is designed to maintain all the original punch and transients of your mix. FG-Level is an intelligent processor whose algorithm analyzes the input signal to determine whether to apply saturation or limiting based on the unique frequency content of your track.
TURBO-CHARGED OTT
For years, producers have turned to the legendary OTT setting in Ableton to add life and drama to their tracks. Now get that exact sound with MO-TT, our new dynamics processor that adds fire and energy to your tracks like never before.
THE ULTIMATE MANGLER
Legendary producer Murda Beatz has worked with some of the biggest acts in Hip-Hop, including Drake, Travis Scott, & Migos. We partnered with Murda on a revolutionary new multi-FX plugin that offers producers access to endless sonic landscapes.
THE BEST AUTOMATIC TUNER ON EARTH
Say goodbye to buggy, expensive automatic tuners. MetaTune is the world’s hardest hitting tuner EVER. Get insane robo fx with negative speeds, a gorgeous interface that’s easy to use, and cool new features like Grouped instances & a built-in Doubler for wide, thick vocals. From subtle, natural pitch adjustments to in-your-face fx, MetaTune is the automatic tuner you’ve been waiting for.
INDUSTRY’S MOST GAME-CHANGING NEW SYNTH
ANA 2 ULTRA is packed with over 1,000 epic presets, tons of wavetables & samples, jaw-dropping skins that change when you switch sound banks, and more. With incredible new presets added FREE throughout the year, you can stop searching for sounds & start building your tracks.
From the brand new Circuit Breaker to classics like Eurorack, Sad Trap, Modern Hip-Hop and more—it’s all here. ANA 2 Ultra Bundle will make your music come alive.
GIVE YOUR MIX SOME FRESH AIR
Add smooth, crisp top end to your vocals, beats, samples & even full mixes in seconds without a single ounce of harshness. Once you hear the difference Fresh Air makes, you’ll never want to go without it.
And the best part? You can get Fresh Air FOR FREE! But only for a limited time, so get yours now!
AUTHENTIC ANALOG-MODELED PLUGINS
Get tons of vintage EQs, compressors, tape machines, consoles, reverbs, delays, mastering processors, saturators, sonic enhancers & much more.
You’ll also get the revolutionary Virtual Mix Rack, which lets you create the channel strip of your dreams. Get incredible speed & efficiency from having your entire signal processing chain visible in one convenient window!
FAST WORKFLOW. SLEEK, INTUITIVE INTERFACE.
INFINITY EQ is Slate Digital’s most advanced modern equalizer. With zero latency analog matched curves, lightning fast intuitive workflow, unique filter and M/S options, and presets made by pros like Mike Dean and Oak Felder. INFINITY EQ is one of our top VST Plugins to help you execute your musical ideas with ease.
AN ENDLESS WORLD OF EFFECTS
Kilohearts Bundle is a stacked suite of 28 creative plugins, including Snap Heap and Multipass. Multipass is a customizable Multiband Processor that allows you to create incredible custom multiband FX by utilizing all of the Kilohearts plugins like compressors, saturators, transient designers, delays, reverbs, and even modulation tools like trance gates, formant filters, and much more.
Snap Heap allows you to create custom serial and parallel FX chains utilizing the same cutting-edge Kilohearts VST plugins.
Kilohearts Bundle allows you to create amazing FX chains with serial or parallel routing options for virtually endless sonic possibilities!
AMP CAPTURES IN THE BOX AND MORE
Guitarists, rejoice! Get over 100 MODELED PIECES, including 32 new amps, 39 new cabinets (including 15 OwnHammer cabs exclusively for All Access Pass holders) & 31 new fx pedals and modules. Use Scenes to instantly switch between patches, and move TH-U’s mics around your virtual cab to precisely sculpt your tone based on TH-U’s meticulous impulse response modeling. Ready for the world’s most insane guitar tone? Look no further!
AU FAQ
What are AU Plugins?
Audio Units (AU) plugins are a system of audio plugins and a component model developed by Apple Inc. for use in its Mac OS X operating system. They are designed to work seamlessly within Apple’s digital audio workstations, such as Logic Pro and GarageBand, offering a range of effects, instruments, and other audio processing tools.
What is the difference between VST and AU?
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) and AU (Audio Units) are both types of audio plugin formats, but they differ mainly in their compatibility and integration. VST is a standard developed by Steinberg and is widely used across various DAWs on both Windows and Mac platforms. AU, on the other hand, is exclusive to Mac OS and is deeply integrated into Apple’s own software, offering perhaps tighter integration with macOS features and updates.
How do I install AU plugins in Logic?
To install AU plugins in Logic Pro, first ensure that the plugin is compatible with Mac OS and is in the AU format. Download and install the plugin, typically through an installer provided by the plugin manufacturer. Once installed, open Logic Pro, go to ‘Logic Pro X’ in the menu bar, select ‘Preferences’, then ‘Plug-in Manager’, and ensure the plugin is enabled. Logic will automatically recognize the plugin and make it available for use in your sessions.
Is AU faster than VST?
Whether AU is faster than VST can depend on the specific implementation and the host system. Generally, AU plugins might be slightly more efficient in Mac environments due to their optimized integration with macOS and Apple’s DAWs. However, the difference in performance is usually minimal, and both formats are capable of high efficiency depending on how they are coded and how well the host DAW manages plugin processing.
Where are Logic Plugins Stored?
On a Mac, AU (Audio Units) plugins are typically stored in one of two locations depending on whether they are available to all users or just a specific user:
- For System-wide access they are available here: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
- For access by a single user ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
Here, the tilde (~) represents the home directory of the current user. These folders contain the .component files for the AU plugins, which are recognized by compatible applications like Logic Pro and GarageBand. When installing new AU plugins, they are generally placed in one of these directories, and from there, they can be accessed by your audio software.
More on AU Plugins
AU (Audio Units) plugins are an integral part of the macOS operating system, providing a flexible and powerful plugin format designed for seamless integration with Apple's Logic Pro and other digital audio workstations (DAWs). As a core component of virtual studio technology on macOS, AU plugins enhance music production by offering a vast array of virtual instruments, effects, and processing tools.
At Slate Digital, our AU plugins range from versatile tube amp emulations that add warmth and depth to your tracks, to comprehensive tools like Ana2, which is often described as the 'Swiss Army knife' of online synthesizers. Whether you're laying down bass synth lines or tweaking MIDI notes, our plugins ensure that you have the highest quality tools at your fingertips.
The development of AU plugins is driven by a commitment to innovation and quality in music production software. As a standard audio unit plugin format, it allows developers like us to create rich, interactive soundscapes and dynamic effects tailored specifically for macOS users. This dedication not only supports the intricate needs of professional producers but also ensures compatibility and performance across all macOS-based studio setups.
Through these advancements in plugin development and the robust architecture of AU plugins, music creators can unlock new creative potentials, making every production task more efficient and expressive. Explore the possibilities with Slate Digital's AU plugins and elevate your music production to professional heights with the best that virtual studio technology has to offer.
