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How to Open Third-Party Plugins in GarageBand

Rys Up Audio
GarageBand Audio Units plugin menu screenshot

GarageBand plugin setup

If a third-party plugin is installed on your Mac but you cannot find it in GarageBand, the missing step is usually the Audio Units menu. GarageBand does not load VST3 or AAX plugins. On Mac, it loads the AU / Audio Units version.

Quick answer

  1. Install the Mac AU version of the plugin. For Rys Up Audio plugins, use RysUpHub.
  2. Open GarageBand and go to GarageBand > Settings > Audio/MIDI.
  3. Turn on Enable Audio Units, then restart GarageBand if you changed that setting.
  4. Select your vocal track and press B to open Smart Controls.
  5. In the Plug-ins section, click an empty slot or an existing plugin slot.
  6. Choose Audio Units > Rys Up Audio > your plugin.

1. Make sure Audio Units are enabled

Open GarageBand > Settings, then click Audio/MIDI. Under Instruments and Effects, make sure Enable Audio Units is checked.

GarageBand Audio/MIDI settings with Enable Audio Units checked
Real GarageBand screenshot via FxFactory Support.

If this box was unchecked, turn it on, quit GarageBand completely, then open GarageBand again. That gives GarageBand a fresh chance to scan installed AU plugins.

2. Open the Plug-ins section on your track

Select the track you want to process. For vocals, this is usually your audio track. Press B to open Smart Controls. On the left side, look for the Plug-ins section.

GarageBand plugin slot in Smart Controls
Click a plugin slot in Smart Controls to open GarageBand's plugin menu.

You can replace an existing plugin, or choose an empty slot underneath it. If you do not see the Plug-ins section, make the Smart Controls panel taller or click the small disclosure triangle next to Plug-ins.

3. Pick the plugin from Audio Units

In the plugin menu, scroll down to Audio Units. GarageBand sorts third-party plugins by manufacturer. For Rys Up Audio plugins, choose Audio Units > Rys Up Audio, then select the plugin you want to open.

GarageBand Audio Units plugin menu showing manufacturer submenu
The exact manufacturer name changes depending on the plugin company. Rys Up Audio plugins appear under Rys Up Audio after installation.

For Rys Up Audio plugins

Install and update your plugins from RysUpHub. After installation, open GarageBand and load the AU version from the Audio Units menu. The most common vocal setup is to load RysUpRack on your vocal track, then open your RysUpRack preset inside the plugin.

See RysUpSuite plugins

If the plugin still does not show up

  • Make sure you installed the AU version. GarageBand on Mac uses Audio Units. VST3 and AAX are not the GarageBand plugin format.
  • Restart GarageBand. If you installed the plugin while GarageBand was open, quit and reopen it.
  • Restart your Mac. This can help if the plugin was installed but GarageBand has not rescanned it yet.
  • Check the install folder. Apple says third-party Audio Units appear as .component files in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components or ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components.
  • Toggle Audio Units. In GarageBand Settings > Audio/MIDI, uncheck Enable Audio Units, check it again, then restart GarageBand.
  • Open the right track type. Audio effects like EQ, compression, reverb, delay, tuning, and RysUpRack go on audio tracks. Instrument plugins go on software instrument tracks.

Can GarageBand use Rys Up Audio plugins?

Yes. GarageBand can use Mac Audio Units plugins, and Rys Up Audio plugins include AU support on Mac. If you are using RysUpTune, RysUpRack, or plugins included with RysUpSuite, install them through RysUpHub first, then load them from GarageBand's Audio Units menu.

Do GarageBand vocal presets need third-party plugins?

It depends which version you bought. Many GarageBand vocal presets are built for the stock plugins that already come with GarageBand. The RysUpAudio version uses our plugin chain, which means you need RysUpHub, RysUpRack, and the included Rys Up Audio plugins installed first.

Need help?

If you are a Rys Up Audio customer and your plugin still is not showing in GarageBand, send us a screenshot of your GarageBand Audio/MIDI settings and your Plug-ins menu through our contact page.

Contact Rys Up Audio

Sources: FxFactory Support guide to finding Audio Units in GarageBand and Apple Support's Audio Units install-location reference.