What Plug‑ins Can I Use in ListenHub’s FX Chain?

The FX Chain in ListenHub can host most Audio Unit (AU) plug‑ins on macOS.
It is primarily intended for headphone and speaker calibration plug‑ins, but can also load other compatible AU plug‑ins for monitoring‑related purposes.

This guide explains:

• Which plug‑ins are recommended for ListenHub’s FX Chain.

• The difference between post‑fader and pre‑fader use.

• Known limitations and compatibility notes.

Recommended Use

The FX Chain is designed mainly for room/headphone correction and monitoring enhancement, such as:

• Calibration & Monitoring Tools

  • Sonarworks Reference / SoundID

  • Steven Slate Audio VSX

  • Goodhertz CanOpener Studio

  • DearVR Mix

  • Acustica Sienna

  • Waves Nx series

These plug‑ins are ideal for:

• Correcting frequency response of headphones or monitors.

• Adjusting stereo image for immersive or binaural monitoring.

• Enhancing translation between monitoring environments.

Post‑Fader Signal Path

The FX Chain in ListenHub operates post‑fader.This means:

• The output volume control in ListenHub affects the signal level going into these plug‑ins.

• This is perfect for calibration and monitoring enhancement plug‑ins.

• Not recommended for critical metering tools that require a fixed reference level.

If you need to run metering plug‑ins (e.g. LUFS, spectrum analysis):

• Host them inside your DAW as you normally would.

• Examples: TC Electronic Clarity, SPL Hawkeye, iZotope Insight, Voxengo Span.

Compatibility Notes

• ListenHub supports 64‑bit AU plug‑ins only.

• 32‑bit AU plug‑ins are not supported — attempting to load them may cause crashes or instability.

• For maximum stability, keep all plug‑ins up‑to‑date.

• Some plug‑ins may not function as expected in a post‑fader monitoring context.

FAQ / Common Questions

Q: Can I use virtual instruments in ListenHub’s FX Chain?
A: No — the FX Chain is designed for monitoring effects, not for adding instruments to your mix.

Q: Will ListenHub pass plug‑in automation from my DAW?
A: No — automation data from your DAW does not affect plug‑ins in ListenHub’s FX Chain.

Q: Can I use VST or AAX plug‑ins in ListenHub?
A: No — ListenHub supports AU format only.

Related Articles / Links

• ListenHub User Guide

• [Using ListenHub with Headphone & Speaker Calibration Plug‑ins]