CONTENTS


Troubleshooting Steps for AIR Plugins Not Appearing in GarageBand

If your AIR Music Technology plugins aren’t showing up in GarageBand, follow these steps to resolve the issue. These steps will help you ensure your plugins are correctly installed and configured.


1. Verify Plugin Installation

Ensure the AIR plugins are installed correctly:

  • Make sure your plugin files are located in the correct folder:
    /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components for AU plugins (Audio Units), which GarageBand uses.


2. Rescan Audio Units in GarageBand

GarageBand may need to rescan your plugins if they aren't showing up:

  • Open GarageBand.
  • Navigate to GarageBand > Preferences > Audio/MIDI.
  • Select Reset Audio Units and restart GarageBand. This will force GarageBand to rescan all installed AU plugins, including the AIR plugins.


3 Ensure Plugin Compatibility

GarageBand only supports Audio Units (AU) plugins, not VSTs. If you have installed a VST version of an AIR plugin, it won’t show up in GarageBand. Ensure you have downloaded and installed the AU version of your AIR plugin. This can be confirmed in each plugin installer.


4. Check macOS Compatibility

Make sure that your macOS version is compatible with the version of GarageBand and AIR plugins you are using. For example, some older AIR plugins may require Rosetta to run on Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2).

  • Check if your macOS version matches the system requirements for your AIR plugin on the AIR Music Tech website.
  • If using an Apple Silicon Mac, try running GarageBand under Rosetta:
    • Close down / Quit Garageband
    • Find GarageBand in Applications.
    • Right-click the GarageBand app, select Get Info.
    • Check the box labelled Open using Rosetta.


5. Reinstall Plugins

If the plugin is still not showing up, try reinstalling it:


6. Update GarageBand and Plugins

Make sure both GarageBand and your AIR plugins are up to date. Check the Mac App Store for any GarageBand updates and the AIR Music Technology website for plugin updates.