If y'all want to use plug-ins in Live, they demand to be set up first whether it's VSTs or Audio Units (Mac only). It'south an easy and quick process when you know how. This tutorial will guide y'all step past step through it.

  1. First they need to be installed correctly. If they're new(ish) plug-ins, cheque if you've installed the 32-chip or 64-bit version of it. Also cheque the same for Live (there's a 64-bit beta since 8.3). Live can merely detect plug-ins of the same bit depth. Always check the manufacturer'south website for the about current version as this will assistance avert crashes.
  2. Now start Live and go to the Preferences > File/Binder.

  3. Plough on 'Utilise VST Plug-In System Folders' if the VSTs are installed in the default location every bit indicated past the plug-in installer.
  4. 'Employ VST Plug-In Custom Folder' if you have installed all or some of the VST plug-ins in a dedicated binder of your own pick, i.eastward. 'VST Plug-ins'. Click on the Scan button and navigate to this specific folder. Don't set it to a big folder, sectionalisation or hard drive as this will crash Live.
  5. On a Mac yous can as well utilize Sound Units. Plow on 'Use Audio Units' for this.
  6. You lot tin hit Rescan.
  7. At present y'all should see all your plug-ins in the Plug-In Browser. You lot can simply drag and drop them into tracks just like Live'southward own devices.

Quick tip:

If you've accidentally chosen a big folder every bit the VST custom folder, you can go along ALT pressed when starting Live. This will go on Alive from scanning for plug-ins and you can and so go into the Preferences > File/Binder to change information technology to the advisable folder.

Any questions or comments are welcome as usual. :)

There are plenty more Ableton Live tutorials where this one came from.