AudioThing FAQ
🔑 License & Activation
Q: How do I activate my plugin?
A: You can choose between Online and Offline activation methods:
- Online Activation: Log in to your AudioThing account directly within the plugin.
- Offline Activation: Download your license file from your account, then load it into the plugin by dragging and dropping or using the “Load License File” option.
Q: How do I activate my plugin with a redeem code?
A: If you received a redeem code from a third-party distributor, follow these steps:
- Sign up for an AudioThing account using the same email address used at checkout.
- Navigate to the Redeem Code page.
- Enter your redeem code to add the plugin to your account.
Q: My computer won’t open the license file. What should I do?
A: The license file (.atl) is used inside the plugin. It’s not meant to be opened directly.
You can drag it onto the plugin window or use the “Load License File” option.
Q: How many computers can I activate with one license?
A: You can activate the plugin on up to three computers, as long as you’re the only one using it.
Q: Do I need an internet connection or iLok to activate?
A: No, AudioThing plugins do not require an internet connection or iLok for activation. You can activate your plugins offline using the license file.
🛠️ Installation & Compatibility
Q: Where are the plugins and related files installed?
A: Installation paths vary by operating system:
- macOS:
- AU:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
- VST:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/
- VST3:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
- AAX:
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/
- Data:
/Users/Shared/AudioThing/
- AU:
- Windows:
- VST: Custom path chosen during installation
- VST3:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
- AAX:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\
- Data:
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\AudioThing\
- Linux:
- VST:
~/.vst/
- VST3:
~/.vst3/
- CLAP:
~/.clap/
- Data:
~/.local/share/AudioThing/
- VST:
Q: Are your plugins compatible with Silicon (M chips) Macs?
A: Yes, all AudioThing plugins are compatible with Apple Silicon (M chips) Native (Universal 2 Binary). No need to use Rosetta.
Q: Why can’t Pro Tools First find the AAX plugin?
A: Pro Tools First doesn’t support third-party plugins, including ours.
It’s a free, simplified version of Pro Tools that only works with AAX plugins made by Avid.To use our plugins, you’ll need the full version of Pro Tools, or a DAW that supports VST or AU formats like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Reaper, and others.
👉 Read more on the Avid website
🧪 Demo Versions
Q: What are the limitations of the demo versions?
A: Demo versions have the following restrictions:
- Output silence for 3 seconds every 45 seconds.
- Preset saving is disabled.
- An authorization window appears each time the plugin is opened.
Despite these limitations, you can save and recall DAW sessions, allowing you to continue your work seamlessly if you decide to purchase and activate the plugin later.
🧩 Troubleshooting
Q: How do I clear my Audio Unit cache?
A: To clear your Audio Unit (AU) cache, please follow these steps:
- In the Finder, press ⇧⌘G or choose Go > Go to Folder… from the menu.
- Type ~/Library/Caches in the “Go to the folder” field and press the Go button
- Delete the AudioUnitCache folder
The next time you start your DAW, the installed Audio Unit plugins will be rescanned.
Q: Pro Tools shows AAE error -7106 when loading the plugin. What should I do?
A: This is a known issue with macOS and Pro Tools. To fix it, try the following steps:
- Close Pro Tools
- Go to
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins
- Remove the plugin file from that folder
- Reopen Pro Tools and confirm the plugin is no longer listed
- Reinstall the plugin
This should resolve the AAE -7106 error. If the problem continues, feel free to contact support.
Q: I’ve updated to High Sierra, and now my DAW crashes or won’t activate plugins. What should I do?
A: Upgrading to macOS High Sierra (10.13) can cause issues in Logic Pro X, MainStage, GarageBand, or other DAWs, especially if you previously upgraded from Logic Pro 9.
You might see problems like:
- Plugins can’t validate the license file
- The DAW crashes or hangs when scanning plugins or loading a session
- Presets and templates can’t be saved or loaded
This usually happens because the “Audio Music Apps” folder is broken or missing. Here’s how to fix it:
- Quit Logic Pro X, MainStage, or GarageBand
- Go to your Music folder (
/Users/yourname/Music
) - If you see an alias (shortcut) called Audio Music Apps, delete it
- Create a new folder called Audio Music Apps in the Music folder
Your path should now be:/Users/yourname/Music/Audio Music Apps
- Open Terminal (in
/Applications/Utilities
) and paste this command:open /.HFS+\ Private\ Directory\ Data?/
- A hidden folder will open — copy everything you find there into the new Audio Music Apps folder you just created
- Restart your Mac
This should fix the licensing and crashing issues.
Q: Plugin installation fails on Windows with “CreateFile failed; code 2”. What can I do?
A: This error is often caused by a Windows security feature called Controlled Folder Access, which is part of Windows Defender. It’s designed to block unauthorized changes to protected folders like Documents or Public Documents, but it can also prevent plugin installers from copying necessary files.
To fix this, you can temporarily turn off Controlled Folder Access during installation:
- Open Windows Security (type it in the Start menu)
- Click Virus & threat protection
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings
- Scroll down and click Manage Controlled Folder Access
- Turn Controlled Folder Access off
- Run the plugin installer
- After installation, turn Controlled Folder Access back on
This should allow the installer to copy all required files. If you’re still having trouble, feel free to contact support.
💸 Orders & Refunds
Q: Do you offer refunds for plugin orders?
A: We offer refunds or partial refunds only for plugins that don’t have a demo version available.
If that’s the case, you can request a refund within 14 days of your purchase by contacting us directly.
Otherwise, all sales are final.
Q: The download links have expired. How can I download my products again?
A: You can access your purchased plugins and download them anytime by logging into your AudioThing account.
📬 Contact & Support
Q: How can I contact AudioThing support?
A: You can reach out to us through our Contact Page. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am – 6 pm (GMT+1).
Q: Is there a community where I can discuss AudioThing products?
A: Yes, join our Discord server to connect with other users, share experiences, and get tips.