diff --git a/source/utils/CarlaString.hpp b/source/utils/CarlaString.hpp
index 7aef521c9..8197c0c6e 100644
--- a/source/utils/CarlaString.hpp
+++ b/source/utils/CarlaString.hpp
@@ -827,6 +827,12 @@ public:
         return operator+(str.fBuffer);
     }
 
+    // needed for std::map compatibility
+    bool operator<(const CarlaString& str) const noexcept
+    {
+        return std::strcmp(fBuffer, str.fBuffer) < 0;
+    }
+
     // -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 private: