On Mac, is it best to use AU, VST, or VST3?

[Naenyn]

It is my understanding that the AU plugin format offers developers performance enhancement opportunities over VST/VST3. However, I have no idea how true that is or how often developers take advantage of it. So, my question is: on a Mac, when using Waveform and having all three formats available, which format is, on average, the best choice? Maybe first VST3, then AU, then VST? Or does it even matter?

[Gamma-UT]

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. For example, Tone2's AUs are VSTs in a wrapper - so the VST has less stuff going on around it. Whether it has an effect on performance to a measurable degree is another matter.

Some VST3 implementations have problems. AUs can't send MIDI. Sometimes you'll find the AU works but the VST doesn't and vice versa.

[Naenyn]

I was hoping for a general rule of thumb, but I understand that could be difficult. Thank you for the input!

[tovokas]

Yes, unfortunately it's often a case by case decision for each plugin. I have the best luck with VST's in Waveform 9 on my iMac, but some plugins require VST3 to work properly, others AU. (For example, Scheps Omni only works as a VST3. MTM Reference only works properly as an AU).

At least in my case, it's also DAW specific. AU's crash spectacularly for me in Studio One, and overall VST3's seem to work the best. Go figure.

[aMUSEd]

Soundtoys work best in AU in Tracktion

Bug in VST