What is an AAX?

AAX stands for Avid Audio eXtension, a plugin format developed by Avid for use with its Pro Tools digital audio workstation. AAX plugins allow virtual instruments and audio effects to run inside Pro Tools, expanding the software’s capabilities for music production, mixing, and audio processing.

AAX plugins can function as virtual instruments, such as synthesizers and samplers, or as audio effects, including equalizers, compressors, reverbs, and delays. These plugins integrate directly with Pro Tools and are designed to work efficiently within the software’s professional production environment.

There are two main types of AAX plugins: AAX Native, which runs on the computer’s CPU, and AAX DSP, which runs on specialized Avid hardware such as HDX systems. This flexibility allows Pro Tools users to balance processing between their computer and dedicated audio hardware in professional studio setups.