How To Install Vst Plugins Logic X
- Plugins For Logic Pro X
- How To Install Vst Plugins Logic Xp
- How To Install Vst Plugins In Logic Pro X
- How To Install Vst Plugins Into Logic Pro X
This article explains how to insert Native Instruments plug-ins in Logic Pro X, including: Inserting instrument plug-ins (e.g. MASSIVE, KONTAKT, etc.) in a software instrument track. Inserting effect plug-ins (e.g. GUITAR RIG 5, SUPERCHARGER, etc.) in an audio FX insert slot.
. SPECIAL OFFER 75% OFF. Our top-selling course 'Music Production Essentials' is NOW ONLY $25! Get this amazing course for a limited time only. Logic does not support VST plug-ins but Audio Unit plug-ins. To use VST plugs with Logic you'd have to use a VST - AU translator (a 'wrapper'). If you do that, all bets are off regarding the stability of your system. Cubase 9 will sometimes refuse to recognize a VST plugin if both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions are installed. In order to fix this, you can remove or delete the 32-bit VST plugins.
Click the 'Browse' button next to 'VST Plug-In Custom Folder'. Select the folder you would like Ableton to use for VST Plug-Ins. Confirm that the 'Use VST Plug-In Custom Folder' option is turned on, and the file path listed under 'VST Plug-In Custom Folder' leads to the folder you just selected. How to install VST or AU plug-ins on Mac. Download the latest installer file from the plug-in manufacturer's website and run it. 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. Plug-ins and Sounds. Logic Pro gives you a massive collection of plug-ins and sounds to fuel your creativity. The ever‑growing Sound Library is also a powerful source of inspiration, thanks to Patches that allow for rich layers of instruments and effects — and Smart Controls that let you easily shape any sound.
If you're a Logic Pro X user like me, you're frustrated with the fact that you can't use 32 bit plugins, like Sylenth. I understand why Apple wants to hold the DAW to higher audio standards, but I'm disappointed they didn't bundle a solution for users wanting to use 32 bit plugins. Logic Pro 9 came with this utility installed. Oh well. After doing some research and testing, I've found 2 solutions for producers wanting to use 32 bit plugins with Logic Pro X.
32 Lives is an Audio Unit (AU) adapter from SoundRadix that let's you use 32 bitplugins in a 64 bit DAW. 32 Lives is an efficient solution because it requires your original Audio Units to stay in place in order to work. It doesn't need to duplicate your Audio Unit data to a separate folder.
However, this plugin is on the expensive side considering it doesn't come with any sounds. The cost of 32 Lives is $99. It's so pricey because there isn't another alternative for Mac users to convert Audio Units. Even though Audio Units and VSTs are similar, they have fundamental differences that distinguish one from the other. Since Logic Pro X only supports Audio Units, users are jammed between a rock and a hard place.
JBridgeM is a bridge plugin that allows you to use 32 bit VST plugins in 64 bit hosts on Mac. The cost of JBridgeM is about $10. You can download a trial version of JBridgeM to see if it works for you. Even though JBridgeM is a popular plugin for Mac users, the creator still emails the installation files manually after payment. Once you complete your purchase, you'll get the files within a maximum of 24 hours. After you download the program, follow these simple instructions:
And you're DONE if you are trying to use a 32 bit VST. You will need to pair JBridgeM with Metaplugin to convert the VST to an Audio Unit. Metaplugin is a plugin that loads other plugins (I hope you're staying with me. I know this is a bit confusing). Load your newly converted 32 bit plugin with an instance of Metaplugin and you're off to the races!
Metaplugin is available from DDMF for $50. You can try a free demo of that program as well. That one also comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.
A List Of Common 32 Bit Plugins (VSTs/AUs):
Abbey Road, Audio Ease (Altiverb 6, Speakerphone and Cabinet), Flux, Focusrite LiquidMix, FXpansion Guru, Heat Up VST, IK Multimedia (Philharmonik & SampleTank 2.5), Image-Line Sawer, Native Instruments Spektral Delay, Physical Music TimeFreezer, PowerCore (All Stock plugins, BrickWall, Character, CL1B, DVR2, Dynamic EQ, Master X3, Master X5, MD3 Multiband, Virus PowerCore, Virus PowerCore Multi, Tap Factory and VSS3), ReFX Nexus 1 & Vanguard, Smartelectronix LiveCut, Softube, Soundtoys, Sonnox, Steinberg (Virtual Guitarist, Virtual Bassist), Stillwell Audio Schope, Sylenth1, Tone2 FilterBank3, TT Dynamic Range, Vember Audio Surge, QuikQuak UpStereo, MashTactic, RaySpace, RaySpace Stereo, and WaveMachine Labs Drumagog5.
Do you use Logic Pro X? You need to know how to add plugins to logic pro x if you want to keep using it.
If you’ve spent any time producing music in Logic Pro X, you’ve no doubt come across instruments with plug-ins loaded into the Audio FX slots.
And, if you’re new to Logic Pro X, and/or to making music in a DAW, you’ve probably wondered what the hell they are, what they do, and how to add plugins in Logic Pro X to create an extra layer of sophistication to your tracks.
You will generally start adding plugins after you’ve completed the sampling stage.
What Exactly Is A Plugin?
A plugin is a tool that you can apply to a track to manipulate the sound of the audio. You will generally start to apply plugins before you go on to the autotuning stage.
Prior to the age of digital audio and music production, they didn’t exist at all.
In order to manipulate the sound using compression, delay, EQ or any other effect, you’d need to fire up a separate physical unit. /low-cpu-usage-vst-plugins.html. Luckily, things are a lot easier in the world of DAWS like Logic, and a simple click of the mouse gives you access to a folder full of effects.
Some common types of plug-ins include:
- Compression
- EQ (equalization)
- Reverb
- Delay
- Distortion
- Gates
- Modulation (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser etc)
Logic Pro comes with a library of fantastic, professional quality and highly usable plug-ins, but you also have the option to purchase or download third party units that can be used within the DAW (more on that later).
Why You Should Be Using Plugins
It can be easy to forego the need to use plugins in Logic Pro, not least because the sounds generated by some of its stock instruments are amazing.
But, you run the risk your finished tracks sounding like everybody else’s. After all, they have access to the exact same instrument sets.
By simply experimenting with Logic’s built in plugins (the stock ones are great), you greatly expand the diversity and quality of your tracks, differentiate yourself from the thousands of other producers out there, and have more control over the final sound.
Adding Plugins To Logic Pro X
Adding a plugin to a track in Logic is ridiculously easy. Gone are the days of complex patch bays and external processing units!
On the track’s channel strip (either to the left of the edit window, or inside the mixer window), click on a blank slot under Audio FX. Choose a plugin from the drop down list. You’ll notice Logic’s stock plugins are organised by type (a folder for Delay, a folder for Modulation etc).
Any third party plugins are located under Audio Units at the bottom of the list.
Audio Units are the file format Apple accepts for its third party plugins. Other DAWs use formats such as VST and AAX. You’ll learn how to import third party plugins further down in the article.
Plugins For Logic Pro X
If you’re brand new to using plugins, a great place to start is Logic’s Channel EQ. It’s highly visual, intuitive, and is a perfect way to understand the way that plugins manipulate the sound of your tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Logic Pro X Plugins?
Logic’s stock plugins are built into the code of the software itself, so you will not be able to locate them on your Mac, or use them with any other software.
Third party plug-ins (Audio Units) however are stored in a folder on the Macintosh HD, and you can find them here:
- Macintosh HD>Library>Audio>Plug-Ins>Components
How Do I Get Logic Pro To Recognize New Plugins?
If you’ve installed new third party plugins, Logic should recognize these automatically when you fire the software up. If Logic Pro is not showing your Audio Units plugin, try quitting the software and opening again, or restarting your Mac.
Still not working? Head to Logic Pro X>Preferences (make sure you have Show Advanced Tools ticked), and select the Plug-In Manager.
How To Install Vst Plugins Logic Xp
Depending on your version of Logic, this may also be called the Audio Units Manager, or AU Manager. Hit ‘Reset and Rescan Selection’ and let Logic do its business and scan the Macintosh HD. Your Audio Units file should be installed and recognised by Logic’s Plug-In Manager in no time.
Can You Use VSTs In Logic Pro X?
The short answer is no. Apple uses the Audio Units (AU) file type for its third party plugins. There are, though, a few “VST wrappers”, which serve to turn VSTs into AUs for use in Logic.
This is kind of like converting a WAV file to an MP3.
To list a few that could be installed on your Mac:
- JVSTwRapper
- FXpansion VST to AU Adapter
- VST Wrapper – KVR Audio Plugins
Conclusion
How To Install Vst Plugins In Logic Pro X
So, now that you know how to add a stock Apple or third party plugin to Logic Pro X, it’s time to start levelling up your music production!
How To Install Vst Plugins Into Logic Pro X
Logic has a huge library of great plugins, and there are a number of free ones available too, just search “free AU plugin” and get creating!