auval -a auval -v aufx <manufacturer> <subtype> <version> Example (check Apple’s AUReverb2):
1. What is an Audio Unit? An Audio Unit (AU) is a modular, system-level software component for real-time audio generation, processing, and analysis. Developed by Apple, it is the native plugin format for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. audio unit (au)
| Type | Description | Examples | |------|-------------|----------| | | Process incoming audio (in-place) | Reverb, Delay, Chorus, EQ, Distortion | | Instrument | Generate audio (no input) | Synthesizer, Sampler, Drum machine | | Generator | Produce audio (non-MIDI) | Tone generator, Noise generator | | Mixer | Combine multiple audio streams | Stereo mixer, Surround panner | | Panner | Spatial positioning | 3D panner, Surround panner | | Offline Effect | Non-real-time processing (e.g., file analysis) | Loudness meter, Audio editor | | Format Converter | Change sample rate / bit depth (rarely used directly) | Sample rate converter | Note: Most third-party AUs are either Effect or Instrument . 3. Audio Unit vs. Other Plugin Formats | Feature | Audio Unit (AU) | VST (Steinberg) | AAX (Avid) | CLAP | |---------|----------------|-----------------|------------|------| | Platform | macOS/iOS | Windows/macOS/Linux | macOS/Windows | Cross-platform | | System integration | Deep (Core Audio) | None | Pro Tools only | None | | Real-time safety | High (RT safety API) | Varies | High | High | | MIDI 2.0 support | Yes (macOS 11+) | Partial | No | Yes | | Sandboxing | Yes | No | No | Optional | | Parameter automation | Yes (Floating point) | Yes | Yes | Yes (advanced) | Developed by Apple, it is the native plugin