Installation

Getting started with Stillwell Audio plugins

Download

All plugins are available for download directly from their product pages. Each plugin page has a download section where you can choose your platform:

  • macOS – Universal binary supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon
  • Windows – 64-bit installer with ARM64 support for Windows on ARM

Downloads are provided as installer packages that will place the plugin files in the correct locations automatically.

macOS Installation

Running the Installer

  1. Download the .pkg installer from the product page
  2. Double-click the installer package
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts
  4. The installer will place plugins in the standard locations:
    • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ – VST3 plugins
    • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ – Audio Unit plugins
    • /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/ – AAX plugins
  5. Rescan plugins in your DAW if necessary

Gatekeeper

macOS may display a warning that the installer is from an "unidentified developer." Our installers are properly signed and notarized by Apple, but if you see this warning:

  1. Right-click (or Control-click) the installer
  2. Choose "Open" from the context menu
  3. Click "Open" in the dialog that appears

Windows Installation

Running the Installer

  1. Download the .exe installer from the product page
  2. Double-click to run the installer
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts
  4. Default installation locations:
    • C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ – VST3 plugins
    • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\ – AAX plugins
  5. Rescan plugins in your DAW if necessary

SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen may warn about running the installer. Our installers are code-signed, but if you see a warning, click "More info" and then "Run anyway."

License Installation

After installing the plugin, you need to install your license file to unlock full functionality. There are two methods:

Method 1: Drag and Drop (Recommended)

New in Version 4.0! Simply drag your license file directly onto the plugin interface while it's running. The license will be installed immediately – no restart required.

Method 2: Manual Placement

Place your license file in the appropriate folder:

macOS

/Library/Application Support/Stillwell Audio/Licenses/

Windows

C:\ProgramData\Stillwell Audio\Licenses\

Create the folders if they don't exist. The plugin will find the license automatically on next load.

Uninstallation

macOS

Remove the plugin files from:

  • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Stillwell Audio/
  • /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ (remove Stillwell .component files)
  • /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/ (remove Stillwell .aaxplugin files)

Windows

Use "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows Settings, or manually remove from:

  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Stillwell Audio\
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\

Troubleshooting

Plugin Doesn't Appear in DAW

  • Make sure you've rescanned plugins in your DAW
  • Check that your DAW supports the plugin format (VST3, AU, AAX)
  • Verify the plugin is in the correct folder
  • On macOS, ensure the plugin has the correct permissions

License Not Recognized

  • Ensure the license file is in the correct folder
  • Try the drag-and-drop method instead
  • Make sure the license file hasn't been corrupted (re-download if necessary)
  • Check that the license matches the plugin version

Need More Help?

If you're still having issues, please contact us: