Use the Plug-in Manager

Logic Pro uses a validation tool to ensure that only plug-ins that fully comply with the Audio Unit plug-in specification are used in Logic Pro. This minimizes problems that may be caused by third-party plug-ins. The validation process takes place automatically when Logic Pro is first opened, when an updated version of Logic Pro is installed, and when you install new plug-ins or update existing ones.

In the left column of the Plug-in Manager window, all internal Logic Pro plug-ins are sorted by Category, and all installed Audio Unit plug-ins are sorted by Manufacturer. The results of the validation scan are shown in the Compatibility column at the right of the window.

Figure. Audio Units Manager window.

You can organize and manage plug-ins by simply dragging within the Plug-in Manager window. You can also create new plug-in categories and rename or remove existing ones as well as search for individual plug-ins by name.

The Plug-in Manager is only available when Show Advanced Tools is selected in the Advanced preferences pane.

Open the Plug-in Manager

  • Choose Logic Pro > Preferences > Plug-in Manager.

Create a new category

  1. Click the Plus button (+) to the right of the Category column header.

  2. Enter a new name for the Untitled folder that appears, then press Return.

Rename an existing category

  • Double-click the folder, enter a new name, then press Return.

Remove an existing category or plug-in

Do one of the following:

  • Select the category or plug-in, then press the Delete key.

  • Control-click the category or plug-in, then click Remove.

Search for plug-ins by name

  • Enter a search term in the search field, then press Return.

Any plug-ins that match your search term are displayed in the results list.

Manually enable plug-ins that fail the validation test

  1. Select Show All in the upper-left part of the Plug-in Manager window.

  2. Select the plug-in’s checkbox in the Use column to enable it.

You should be aware that these plug-ins can cause problems. If you encounter problems with manually-enabled failed plug-ins, click the Disable Failed Audio Units button.

Disable a plug-in

  1. Select Show All in the upper-left part of the Plug-in Manager window.

  2. Deselect the plug-in’s checkbox in the Use column.

Rescan a selection of plug-ins

You can rescan a selection of plug-ins after installing plug-ins/updaters or moving components in the Finder, while the Plug-in Manager is open.

  • Click the Reset & Rescan Selection button.

The plug-ins will be activated automatically, if they pass the validation scan.