- Effects basics
- Using the Effects Rack
- Amplitude and Compression effects
- Delay and echo effects
- Filter and EQ effects
- Modulation effects
- Noise reduction/restoration
- Reverb effects
- Special effects
- Stereo imagery effects
- Time and Pitch effect
- Third-party effects (VST and AU)
- Using the Effects menu
- Managing presets
- Review questions
- Review answers
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Third-party effects (VST and AU)
In addition to using Audition’s effects, you can load effects (plug-ins) made by third-party manufacturers. Audition is compatible with the following formats:
- VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is the most common Windows format and is also supported by the Mac. However, you need separate plug-in versions for Mac and Windows. For example, you can’t buy a particular VST plug-in for the Mac and use it with Windows.
- VST3 is an updated version of VST2 that offers more efficient operation and other general improvements. Although not quite as common as standard VST, it’s gaining in popularity.
- AU (Audio Units) is Mac-specific, was introduced with OS X, and is the most common format for the Mac.
On either platform, plug-ins are installed in specific hard drive folders. You need to let Audition know where to find these plug-ins. The information in the following sections applies to both Windows and Macs unless otherwise specified.
The Audio Plug-In Manager
Audition’s Audio Plug-In Manager provides several functions:
It scans your computer for plug-ins so Audition can use them, and creates a list showing the name, type, status, and file path (where the plug-ins are located on your computer).
- It allows you to specify additional folders that contain plug-ins and then re-scan these added folders. Most plug-ins install to default folders, and Audition scans these folders first. However, some plug-ins may install into a different folder, or you might want to create more than one folder of plug-ins.
- It lets you enable or disable plug-ins.
Now, let’s walk through working with the Audio Plug-In Manager.
- From the Effects option in the menu bar, choose Audio Plug-In Manager.
- Click Scan for Plug-Ins. Audition must inspect your hard drive, so this can take a while.
When scanning is complete, you’ll see the plug-in listing and status, which usually indicates the manager is done. However, if needed, also complete the following steps.
- To add an additional folder with plug-ins, click Add and navigate to the folder.
- Select the check box to the left of the plug-in’s name to enable or disable a particular plug-in.
- Click Re-Scan Existing Plug-Ins to re-scan the existing plug-ins.
Note that you can enable or disable all plug-ins by clicking the appropriate button.
- When you’re finished with the Plug-In Manager, click OK.
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Using VST and AU plug-ins
VST and AU plug-ins appear as part of the same drop-down menu that opens when you click an Effects Rack insert’s right arrow. For example, with Windows you’ll see entries for VST and VST3 effects along with the other entries for Modulation, Filter and EQ, Reverb, and the like; the Mac adds another entry for AU effects. Here’s how to use these effects in Audition.
- Choose File > Open, navigate to the Lesson04 folder, and open the file DeepTechHouse.wav. Then click an Effects Rack insert’s right arrow.
- Choose the entry (VST, VST3, or on the Mac, AU) containing the effect you want to insert.
- Click the effect you want to insert, as you would with any of the effects included with Audition.
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