---
title: AudioUnit
framework: audiotoolbox
role: symbol
role_heading: Type Alias
path: audiotoolbox/audiounit
---

# AudioUnit

The data type for a plug-in component that provides audio processing or audio data generation.

## Declaration

```swift
typealias AudioUnit = AudioComponentInstance
```

## Discussion

Discussion The various types of audio units are described in the Audio Unit Types enumeration. The subtypes of audio units provided by Apple are described in Converter Audio Unit Subtypes, Effect Audio Unit Subtypes, Mixer Audio Unit Subtypes, and Input/Output Audio Unit Subtypes.

## See Also

### Initializing the Audio Unit

- [AudioUnitInitialize(_:)](audiotoolbox/audiounitinitialize(_:).md)
- [AudioUnitUninitialize(_:)](audiotoolbox/audiounituninitialize(_:).md)
- [AudioUnitProcess(_:_:_:_:_:)](audiotoolbox/audiounitprocess(_:_:_:_:_:).md)
- [AudioUnitProcessMultiple(_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:)](audiotoolbox/audiounitprocessmultiple(_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:).md)
- [AudioUnitReset(_:_:_:)](audiotoolbox/audiounitreset(_:_:_:).md)