With the launch of Reverb SYNC, our destination for audio software and plugins, we thought it would be useful to demonstrate the basic step-by-step process of using plugins in three of the most popular DAWs around: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.
For those new to the world of DAWs and all the related jargon, a plugin is another piece of software that “plugs into” your main recording software, offering the ability to add new instruments, effects, and utilities. Plugins come in various formats, like Audio Units, which is an Apple/Mac-specific format and VSTs, which are universal for both Mac and PC. The process to install plugins is relatively simple, so let’s dive in.
How to Install plugins to Ableton Live
- Go to the Reverb SYNC Software & Plugin Collection
- Choose your desired plugin
- Reverb will auto-detect your computer operating system, so simply click the download button
- Click the downloaded plugin (it’s in your computer’s download folder) and unpack the file
- Open the installer and go through the installation process
- If Ableton is already open, go to Preferences
- Go to File and then Folder
- Click “Rescan plugins”
- Click on the Ableton folder where your plugin is located, then drag-and-drop it onto your track
How to Install plugins to Pro Tools
- Go to the Reverb SYNC Software & plugin Collection
- Choose your desired plugin
- Reverb will auto-detect your platform, so you can just click the download button
- Click the downloaded plugin and unpack the file
- Open the installer and go through the installation process
- Install the specific plugin version you want (AAX for Pro Tools)
- Click the Track menu and create a new track
- Select any of the available inserts
- Go to Multi-Channel plugins, then Instruments to find your new virtual instrument plugin
How to Install plugins to Logic Pro
- Go to the Reverb SYNC Software & plugin Collection
- Choose your desired plugin
- Reverb will auto-detect your platform, so simply click the download button
- Unpack the file by clicking the plugin
- Open the installer and go through the installation process
- Install the plugin
- Open Logic X
- Create a software instrument project if you downloaded a virtual instrument plugin
- Under Default Patch, go to AU Instruments and choose the plugin you just installed
How to Install plugins to Garage Band
- Go to the Reverb SYNC Software & plugin Collection
- Choose your desired plugin
- Reverb will auto-detect your platform, so simply click the download button
- Continue the installation process by following the prompt
- Hover your mouse over the smart control button
- Click Show Inspector icon
- Click on plugins and choose your desired plugin
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