VST3 and AU
Plugins for Ableton Live
Live's stock devices are great, but a few jobs go faster with a dedicated plugin: a finished vocal sound, real tape character and lush shimmer. Every plugin here loads in Live 11 and 12 on Mac and Windows as VST3, and as AU on macOS.
- Low cut110Hz
- De-ess45%
- Comp70%
- Presence+5.0dB
- Air+7.0dB
- Warmth35%
- PolishOff
- Space12%
Listen
Auto set-up- Low cut
- 110Hz
- De-ess
- 45%
- Comp
- 70%
Clean-up
Listen sets theseColor & space
Tone
Output
Polish
The finishThe real plugin engine, running in your browser: same DSP code and presets as the VST3/AU/AAX.
Best picks for Ableton Live
How to install plugins in Ableton Live
- 1Run the installer and keep the VST3 option ticked (and AU on Mac).
- 2Open Live and go to Settings (Preferences in Live 11) → Plug-Ins.
- 3Turn on “Use VST3 Plug-in System Folders” and, on Mac, “Use Audio Units v2”.
- 4Click Rescan if the plugin doesn't show up straight away.
- 5Find it in the Browser under Plug-Ins and drag it onto a track.
Where VST3 and AU plugins are installed
- macOS · VST3
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 - macOS · AU
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components - Windows · VST3
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
Questions
Installing and using plugins in Ableton Live.
Does Ableton Live use VST or AU?
Both. On Windows Live loads VST2 and VST3. On macOS it also loads Audio Units. If a plugin offers VST3, use that.
Do these plugins work in Ableton Live Intro and Lite?
Yes. Every edition of Live 11 and 12 supports third-party VST3 and AU plugins.
Are there free plugins for Ableton here?
Yes. Pump (sidechain volume shaper) and Spread (stereo widener) are free and work in any version of Live.
Which virtual instruments work in Ableton Live?
Any VST3 instrument on Windows or macOS, and Audio Units on a Mac. Live also includes its own instruments, such as Simpler, Sampler, Drum Rack, Operator and Wavetable, depending on your edition. Ours are Hydra (hybrid synth), Nova (synth), Thump (drum machine) and the free Keys electric piano: drop any of them on a MIDI track.