Question

Studio one 3 pro 3.5.4, Mac OS Sierra 10.12.6, MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017), Audient ID14.

I have several double or triple versions of the same plugin in my plugin list. (because they were installed in AU,VST and VST3 on my machine)

It's annoying and I would like to remove the less powerful versions of my computer plugin folders.

Which version should I better keep, AU, VST or VST3?

- regarding audio quality?

- regarding CPU performance?

Thanks.

Answer 1

it really depends on the exact plugin and how it performs. sometimes, AU version will work the best, sometimes the worst. sometimes VST3 version is on par with AU, sometimes slower. audio quality should be the same, but performance and stability may differ. there is really no other way than testing all three for every plugin manufacturer.

also note that VST/VST3 should give you project's compatibility with Windows, while AU won't.