Ableton Forum

I have many plugins for Mac in Au and Vst format
which is better for Cpu?

I used to get crashes and buggy behavior using VST's a long time ago.
Then I started getting Crashes and Buggy behavior using AU's

Currently I been using VST's for about a year with no problems.

Not sure about CPU, one way to tell would be to use maybe 4 VST's check the CPU meter, then use 4 identical AU's and compare.

I spent time googling the same question myself recently.

AU are an Apple format and - anecdotally - a few people suggested that they are perhaps more solid.

..But a programmer who had made some plugins said actually most AUs are just a re-wrapped VST and therefore you're better off with a VST.

I'm surprised it's not an issue that enjoys more debate/clarity.

This question comes up a lot. I would suggest doing search of this forum for more detailed information. But even just the compatibility between PC users and mac users seems like enough benefit to use the VST preferably. But I would add midi out and whole list of other reasons as well why I prefer the VST, but that's been written many times. I say go for VST where you have the choice.

If you like me use other AU only DAWs then AU, if you work with Windows based Live users then VST. I work in Digital Performer which is AU only, so compatibility wise it's easier to use AU's for me.

Like Glitchrock mentioned VSTs have MIDI out available. From what I understand AU could, but because Logic can't really use that feature it doesn't....
AU's come in one instance that covers mono/stereo and surround, VSTs come in multiple instances for each configuration generally.
VSTs are able to be organized by the user and AU's get sorted by manufacturer, apples and oranges.
Stability wise it's a mixed bag, certain manufactures use wrapped AU's others don't. Personally I find AU's more stable for the most part.

More stability with VSTs here, and then!IDI out is way better. Nstill, I have a few standbys that are AU only and those are solid.

Just install both if available, if you have issues then use the other?..

For example Udiorealism cannot output midi as a AU, so I use the VsT for that

Audio spillage is built for AU and apple so I use AU for that

at least with live, if you switch from mac to pc, always use vst as live on a pc is kind of too dumb to notice there is a vst version of that au plugin you are using and will have it missing instead of either finding the vst or offering to point to it

tis doesnt happen when using vst plugins on mac and opening the session on pc after

What MW said basically.

For most plugins from reputable companies Im not aware of a difference. Sure some may be better depdneing on what they were developed for in the first place, but it isnt consistent one way or the other.

I have VST 2.x, VST3 and AU installed as I use Live 8, Logic 9 and Cubase 6. I have AU and VST enabled in Live - VST for moving old projects from my PC DAW and AU because my co-producer has been using Live on a mac for years so has been using AU.