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# AudioUnit

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

```
typealias AudioUnit = AudioComponentInstance
```

## Discussion

The various types of audio units are described in the [Audio Unit Types](/documentation/AudioToolbox/1584142-audio_unit_types) enumeration. The subtypes of audio units provided by Apple are described in [Converter Audio Unit Subtypes](/documentation/AudioToolbox/1584145-converter_audio_unit_subtypes), [Effect Audio Unit Subtypes](/documentation/AudioToolbox/1584154-effect_audio_unit_subtypes), [Mixer Audio Unit Subtypes](/documentation/AudioToolbox/1584150-mixer_audio_unit_subtypes), and [Input/Output Audio Unit Subtypes](/documentation/AudioToolbox/1584139-input_output_audio_unit_subtypes).

---

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