How to Install VST Plugins in Pro Tools. Plug-in Compatibility, Information and Downloads by Avid
Protools 2019.5

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How to Install VST Plugins in Pro Tools

 

Install VST Plugins in Pro Tools

A commonly cited problem with Pro Tools, an audio creation and production software, is that it will not work with third-party developers. With thousands of Virtual Studio Technologies plug-ins (or VSTs) to choose from, many Pro Tools users want to expand their workstations by adding them. However, Pro Tools will not recognize VSTs as usable content. Thanks to FXpansion, there are ways to add VST plug-ins into Pro Tools (See limitations)


Instructions

    Computers with Apple macOS v10.12 "Sierra", macOS v10.13 "High Sierra", macOS Mojave 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS Big Sur 11, macOS Monterey 12.


  • Step 1

    Download the VST to RTAS Adapter pack. Remember to match the adapter with your version of Pro Tools.

     

  • Step 2

    Click on the VST to RTAS Adapter disk image located on your computer. Drag and drop the folder to your Applications folder. Run VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

       

  • Step 3

    The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following three areas for VST plug-ins:
    /Library/Audio/Plugins/VST
    /Users/<user>/Library/Audio/Plugins/VST
    /Applications/VST to RTAS Adapter /VST
    If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, then press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

     

  • Step 4

    Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will now appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

     


    Computers with Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11

    • Step 1

      Run the VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

       

    • Step 2

      The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following two areas for VST plug-ins:
      C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugIns
      C:\Program Files\FXpansion\VST to RTAS Adapter\VstPlugIns
      If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

       

    • Step 3

      Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

       


      Plug-in Compatibility

      What plug-in formats are compatible with Pro Tools?


      Pro Tools plug-ins are available in three formats:

      • TDM — for Pro Tools|HD systems and VENUE

      • Real-Time AudioSuite™ (RTAS®) — for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE™, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems

      • AudioSuite — for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE™, and Pro Tools M-Powered™ systems

         


       

      Limitations

      Can I use PC VST plug-ins on a Mac, or vice versa?

       

       

       


      VST is a trademark of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH

      Real-Time AudioSuite™ RTAS is a registered trademark of Avid Technologies Inc. 

      TDM (Time Domain Multiplex) is a plug-in format created by Digidesign for Pro Tools systems

      Pro Tools® is a registered trademark of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries.



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