Everything about Rabea is distinctive, from his look, the breadth of styles he effortlessly flows throughout, to his tone-crafting abilities. We have been working together since our very beginnings and knew that when it was time to make his Archetype, we would have to do something as inspired and extraordinary as the man himself. We ensured that every element in this plugin–every amplifier and effect, was completely novel.

And nothing symbolizes novelty more than the Overlord monosynth, the first of its type in a commercial guitar plugin. This algorithm represented uncharted territory for us in every way. Delivering extraordinarily seamless tracking and such a complete feature-set in a simple user interface pushed us to new limits. It truly embodies the uncompromising and inspired spirit with which we created this plugin.

We proudly present you: Archetype: Rabea X.

Synth Section

Overlord - Monophonic Synth Pedal

Overlord is a synth device designed to trigger up to two oscillators simultaneously. It performs best with monophonic sources, as playing multiple notes while the pedal is engaged may cause the oscillators to respond unpredictably.

Top controls

1. Gate Knob: Dial up the knob to increase the gate threshold, reducing the level of the Synth signal when it drops below the set threshold value.

2. Sensitivity Knob: Determines how much input signal is needed to activate the oscillators.

3. Glide Knob: Adjusts the smoothness and speed of pitch transitions between notes. The higher the value, the slower the pitch shift.

4. Env. Retrigger Switch: Click to toggle. When enabled, the oscillators trigger a new envelope each time a new note is played.

5. Tuning: Adjusts the reference pitch of the arpeggiator (390-490Hz).

6. Pre/Post Switch: Toggles the position of the Synth pedal in the audio chain: Before the Pre FX Section (Pre), or in parallel with the Audio chain mixing it back in before the Post FX Section (Post).

7. Mix Knob: Controls the amount of Synth signal that is added to the direct input signal.

8. Output Knob: Adjusts the output level of the Synth pedal.

Arpeggiator controls

1. Active Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Arpeggiator.

2. Note Toggles: Determines which notes will form the arpeggio. The root note is always active.

3. Key Dropdown: Determines the key of the arpeggio.

4. Scale Dropdown: Determines the musical scale (Major/Minor).

5. Octave Selector: Determines the range of the Arpeggio (±2 Octaves)

6. Pattern Selector: Sets the pattern that the arpeggiated notes will follow (Up, Down, Up/Down, Down/Up, Random)

7. Rate Slider: Adjusts the speed of the arpeggio.

8. Sync Switch: Click to sync/unsync the Arpeggiator rate to the host tempo.

Amplifier controls

1. Decay/Attack Knob: Controls the Synth signal envelope. Turning the knob clockwise increases the attack time for a softer onset, while turning it counterclockwise shortens the decay, reducing sustain.

2. Sustain Knob: Controls the level at which the signal holds after a note is played. High sustain values hold the signal at a louder level, while lower values result in a softer, subtle sustain.

Hint:

By default, the envelope is shaped by the instrument signal.

Oscillator controls

1. Active Switches: Click to activate/deactivate the Oscillators.

2. Waveform Selector: Determines the waveform shape for each Oscillator (Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, White Noise, Pink Noise).

3. Semitones Knob: Transposes the waveform pitch up and down up to 24 semitones.

4. Detune Knob: Detunes the waveform pitch up and down up to 100 cents.

5. Level Knob: Adjusts the output level of the Oscillator.

6. OSC1 and OSC2 Buttons: Click to toggle the unisons for each Oscillator.

7. Unison Selector: Drag up and down to increase or decrease the amount of unisons.

8. Width Knob: Adjust the panning of the unison voices. Not available in Pre mode.

9. Detune Knob: Detunes the unisons’ pitch up and down.
   

Filter controls

1. Active Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Filter.

2. Slope Selector: Adjusts the aggressiveness of the filter cutoff, which is measured in decibels of gain reduction per octave.

3. Cutoff Knob: Determines the frequency at which the filter begins to reduce the signal amplitude.

4. Resonance Knob: Adjusts how much the frequencies around the cutoff point are boosted, creating a peak in the frequency response.

5. Envelope Slider: Increase to make the envelope modulate the cutoff frequency (1/100). Decrease it to invert the movement of the filter (-1/-100). When set to 0, the Cutoff parameter is fixed to the set frequency.

6. Decay/Attack Knob: Controls the filter envelope. Turning the knob clockwise increases the attack time for a softer onset, while turning it counterclockwise shortens the decay, reducing sustain.

7. Drive Knob: Adjusts the amount of saturation of the filter.

Pre FX Section

This section consists of four effects in series which can be used either separately or combined.

Twin Blade - Dual Compressor Pedal

This pedal combines two cascaded FET-style compression stages, providing precise control over dynamics, sustain, and overall response.

1. Dry Knob: Adjusts the balance between the direct and compressed signals.

2. In Knob: Adjusts the input level of the pedal.

3. Out Knob: Adjusts the output level of the pedal.

4. ATT/REL 1 and 2 Knobs: Set the speed of the first and second compression stages, respectively.

5. Thru Knob: Adjusts the amount of signal sent from the first to the second compression stage.

6. Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Twin Blade pedal.
   

Hint:

Turning the ATT/REL clockwise knob slows the attack and speeds up the release. Turning them counter-clockwise speeds up the attack and slows the release.

Chaos Bed - Octaver Pedal

This pedal combines a vintage inspired octave-fuzz circuit with a modern digital pitch shifter, offering two distinct approaches to octave effects.

1. Mode Switch: Toggles between Vintage and Modern modes.

2. Direct Level Knob: Adjusts the amount of direct input signal passing through the pedal.

3. Oct Up Knob: Sets the level of the octave-up signal.

4. Oct Dwn Knob: Sets the level of the octave-down signal.

5. Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Chaos Bed pedal.

Colossus - Fuzz Pedal

This fuzz pedal features two distinct circuits, combining the raw character of vintage fuzz with the tighter, more defined response of a modern design.

1. Fuzz Knob: Sets the amount of fuzz effect applied to the signal.

2. Level Knob: Adjusts the output level of the pedal.

3. Mode Switch: Toggles between Vintage and Modern modes.

4. Bass and Treble Knobs: Controls the amount of low and high frequencies, respectively.

5. Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Colossus pedal.

Paragon - Overdrive Pedal 

This overdrive pedal combines two distinct circuits, offering a mid-focused overdrive character in vintage mode and a more transparent and dynamic response in modern mode.

1. Drive Knob: Adjusts the amount of distortion applied to the signal.

2. Level Knob: Adjusts the output level of the pedal.

3. Mode Switch: Toggles between Vintage and Modern modes.

4. Bass and Treble Knobs: Controls the amount of low and high frequencies, respectively.

5. Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Paragon pedal.

Amp Section

Clean Amplifier

This amplifier captures the bright, dynamic character of classic American clean amps, delivering tones ranging from pristine cleans to tight edge-of-breakup sounds.

1. Mid Boost Switch: Toggles the mid-frequency boost.

2. High Boost Switch: Toggles the high-frequency boost.

3. Volume Knob: Input gain control.

4. Bass Knob: Adjusts the bass-frequency response of the amp.

5. Mid Knob: Adjusts the mid-frequency response of the amp.

6. Treble Knob: Adjusts the high-frequency response of the amp.

7. Output Knob: Controls the amp’s output level without coloring the tone.

8. Power LED: Click to activate/deactivate the Clean amp.

Crunch Amplifier

Based on Rabea’s favorite amplifier, it captures the dynamic feel and response of his go-to rhythm tones, ranging from articulate crunch to rich overdrive.

1. Mid Boost Switch: Toggles the mid-frequency boost.

2. High Boost Switch: Toggles the high-frequency boost.

3. Gain Knob: Adjusts the preamp gain level, determining the amount of distortion produced.

4. Bass Knob: Adjusts the bass frequency response of the amp.

5. Middle Knob: Adjusts the mid frequency response of the amp.

6. Treble Knob: Adjusts the high frequency response of the amp.

7. Master Knob: Sets the amp’s master level—higher settings add power amp saturation and sag.

8. Depth Knob: Adjusts the amount of low frequencies in the power amp stage.

9. Output Knob: Controls the amp’s output level without coloring the tone.

10. Tube Switch: Toggles between EL34 and 6L6 power tubes to adjust the amplifier's tonal character.

11. Power LED: Click to activate/deactivate the Crunch amp.

Lead Amplifier

Based on Rabea’s favorite amplifier, this model captures the massive gain, tight response, and dynamic character of his go-to high-gain tone.

1. Gain Knob: Adjusts the preamp gain level, determining the amount of distortion produced.

2. Tight Knob: High-pass filter. Increase to remove low frequencies.

3. Bass Knob: Adjusts the bass frequency response of the amp.

4. Middle Knob: Adjusts the mid frequency response of the amp.

5. Treble Knob: Adjusts the high frequency response of the amp.

6. Master Knob: Sets the amp’s master level—higher settings add power amp saturation and sag.

7. Presence Knob: Adjusts the high-end response of the amp.

8. Depth Knob: Adjusts the amount of low frequencies in the power amp stage.

9. Output Knob: Controls the amp’s output level without coloring the tone.

10. Tube Switch: Toggles between EL34 and 6L6 power tubes to adjust the amplifier's tonal character.

11. Power LED: Click to activate/deactivate the Lead amp.

Cab Section

A comprehensive cabinet simulation module that features virtual mics that can be positioned around the speakers. Additionally, in this section, you can load your own Impulse Response files.

What is an Impulse Response?

An Impulse Response is the measurement of a dynamic system reacting to an input signal. This information can be stored in WAV files that can be used to recreate the sound of spaces, reverberations, and instrument speakers.

Cab Section Controls

1. Microphone Selector Drop Down Menu: Click to select between the factory microphones or loading your own IR files.

2. Navigation Arrows: Click to cycle through factory microphones and custom IRs.

3. Bypass Button: Click to bypass/enable the selected microphone or custom IR.

4. Position and Distance Knobs: Control the position and distance of the factory microphones around the speaker cone.

5. Mic Level Knob: Controls the volume level of the selected mic/IR.

6. Pan Knob: Controls the output panning of the selected mic/IR.

7. Room Send Switches: Click to activate/deactivate the room reverb Send per microphone.

8. Room Level Knobs: Determine how much signal is sent to the room reverb module. Room Send adds an algorithmic “room” ambience, giving you the sense of hearing the cabinets in a real space, similar to what a room mic might capture.

9. Phase Button: Inverts the phase of the selected mic/IR.

How can I load custom IR files on Neural DSP plugins?

Click on the Microphone Selector and select Load next to the “Custom IR” field. After that, use the browser window to search and load your custom IR file. Once the IR is loaded, you can adjust its Level, Pan, and Phase. Using the navigation arrows above the Microphone Selector while a custom IR is loaded will cycle through all the IR files in that folder.

EQ

4-Band Semi-Parametric EQs

This section includes a 4-Band semi-parametric equalizer per amplifier, giving you precise control over different frequency ranges.

1. Frequency Knobs: Adjust the center frequency of each band. 

2. Lo, Lo Mid, Hi Mid & Hi Knobs: Each knob adjusts the gain of a specific range of frequencies (bands) determined by the frequency knobs. Click-and-drag the knobs up or down to increase or decrease their volume +/- 12dB.

3. HPF Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter. Increase to remove low frequencies.

4. LPF Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter. Decrease to remove high frequencies.

5. Bypass Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the EQ module.

Post FX Section

This section consists of three effects in series which can be used either separately or combined.

Atlas - Delay Pedal

This pedal is a comprehensive delay effect combining features commonly found in studio units. Its position in the signal chain can be switched between the front of the amp section and the Post-FX section, as displayed in the UI.

1. Mix Knob: Controls the amount of delay effect that is added to the original input signal.

2. Sync Switch: Selects delay timing mode: Free (manual), App/DAW tempo sync, or Tap tempo.

3. Position Switch: Toggles the position of the Delay pedal in the audio chain: Before the Amp Section with output summed to Mono (Pre), or in the Post FX Section (Post).

4. Mode Switch: Toggles between Single and Dual modes. The Cross Feed and Time R knobs are disabled in Single mode.

5. Feedback Knob: Controls how many times the echo repeats. Higher values create more repeats.

6. Low Cut Knob: Cuts the low frequencies from the delayed signal. High settings produce a brighter sound.

7. Time L/R Knob: Sets how long it takes for the echo to repeat after the original sound.

8. Cross Feed Knob: Determines how much delayed signal is sent from one side to another in Dual mode. For this purpose, the Cross Feed feature chooses the feedback from the longer of the delay times.

9. Icicles Knob: Controls the amount of Icicles effect added to the signal. This effect is produced by adding pitched-up delay layers to the signal.

10. High Cut Knob: Cuts high frequencies from the delayed signal. Lower settings will give a darker sound.

11. Engage Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Stereo Delay pedal.

12. Tap Tempo Switch: Sets how long it takes for the echo to repeat after the original sound.

Aeons - Reverb pedal 

This reverb draws inspiration from classic studio units, with an additional Freeze mode that can hold the reverb tail indefinitely.

1. Mix Knob: Adjusts the mix amount between the dry and the reverberated signal.

2. Decay Knob: Controls the length of the reverb tail.

3. Low Cut Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter. Increase to remove low frequencies.

4. High Cut Knob: Sets the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter. Decrease to remove high frequencies.

5. Volume Knob: Adjusts the level of the Freeze Reverb signal.

6. Pitch Knob: Adjusts the pitch of the Freeze Reverb signal ±12 semitones.

7. Engage Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Reverb pedal.

8. Freeze Stomp Switch: Click to activate/deactivate the Freeze effect. 

Freeze:

When engaged, the Freeze effect captures and sustains the current direct input signal indefinitely. The sustained signal will continue until the footswitch is pressed again.

Utility bar

• Input Knob: Adjusts the level of the signal being fed into the plugin.

• Gate Knob: The noise gate helps to reduce unwanted noise or hum in your signal. The level of audio signal will be reduced when it drops below the set value.

• Transpose Knob: Transposes the signal up or down in pitch by a constant interval (+/-12 semitones). Use it to easily change the tuning of your instrument. The transpose module is bypassed at its default position (0 st).

• Input mode Switch: Toggles between Mono and Stereo input processing. The Doubler is disabled while in Stereo Input Mode.

• Doubler Knob: While in Mono Input mode, the doubler can simulate a larger stereo mode. The higher the value, the wider the stereo image is.

• Output Knob: Adjusts the level of the signal the plugin feeds out.

All top-bar Utility Controls can be preserved across presets, just hover your mouse/cursor over to it to see the Lock icon.

• Undo/Redo and History: Revert or restore to a past state by using either the Undo/Redo icons, or by navigating the Action History list by clicking the History icon.

Preset Manager

A Preset is a saved configuration of settings and parameters that can be recalled instantly. Neural DSP factory presets are an excellent starting point for your tones. After loading a preset, you can fine-tune the parameters across the different sections of the plugin to create a new tone that suits your needs.

Presets you make can be organized into folders and subfolders, making it easier to find and manage them.

• Preset Dropdown Menu: Quick preset access. Click to open a dropdown list of all the Presets available. Use the navigation arrows above to cycle through presets.

• Favorite: Adds the selected preset to your favorites folder for quick access.

• Preset Browser: Access to the full preset browser experience.

• Edit: Only available for user presets, use it to update the selected preset's name or tags.

• Delete: Click to delete the currently loaded preset (factory presets cannot be deleted)

• Save: Used to update a preset with the latest changes (indicated by a dirty state: an *asterisk in the preset name).

• Save As: Used to save the current configuration as a new user preset.

Clicking the More button (⋮) will display additional features:

• Import: Used to import Preset files from custom locations.

• Reset: Click to make all parameters recall their default values.

• Locate file: Click to find the preset's actual location in your computer. Neural DSP presets are stored as shareable, encrypted XML files.

Saving Presets

When creating or modifying sounds, you can save them as presets to access later on. The Save As window makes it easy to name, tag, and organize your presets.

When saving a preset, the Save As window will appear with the following options:

• Preset Name: Enter a custom name for your preset. By default, the name of the preset will match the name of the edited preset.

• Tags: Add tags to make your presets easier to find. There are three types of tags available, each with fixed options: Category, Character, and Style.

  • Category: Choose a main category to describe the preset’s overall type (e.g. Clean, High-Gain, Lead, Rhythm, etc.) Only one category can be selected per preset.

  • Character: Add descriptive tags that define the tonal qualities or effects of the preset (e.g. Compressed, Atmospheric, Delay, Modulated, etc.) Multiple character tags can be applied.

  • Style: Select the musical style or genre the preset fits best (e.g., Metal, Pop, Jazz, Rock & Hard Rock, etc.). Multiple style tags can be applied.

• Add to Favorites: Tick this box to automatically add the new preset to your favorites list for quick access.

About Tags

Factory presets are already tagged by default. For user presets, tags should be added manually during the saving process. Appropriate tagging helps when searching and filtering presets in the Preset Browser.

Preset Browser

Our plugins include a preset browser that makes it easier to organize, search, and filter presets. It can be accessed by clicking the Folder icon next to the Preset dropdown. The browser has two main views.

Directory View

The Directory view is a list of presets in their specific folder. In addition to all specific folders, you can see All, Recent and Favorite presets. The list includes Tags to help describe what each preset sounds like.

Search view

The Search view is accessed by clicking the Search Bar. You can either type in queries, or use the Tags to narrow down your search. The Locate icon will take you back to the folder where that specific preset is, for editing purposes.

Footer

• Tuner: Click to open the Tuner interface.

• MIDI: Click to open the MIDI Mappings window.

• Tap: Controls the standalone global tempo by clicking. The tempo value is set as the interval between the last two clicks.

• Tempo: Displays the current standalone app’s global tempo value. Click to enter a custom BPM value with the keyboard. Click-and-drag them up and down to increase or decrease the BPM value respectively.

• Metronome: Click to open the Metronome interface.

• Settings: Click to open the audio settings. MIDI devices can also be assigned from this menu.

• Tooltips area: Hover over parameters to display tooltips in the bottom utility bar. 

• About: Click to access extra information about the plugin (Version, Store shortcut, etc). 

• Window Size: Click to resize the plugin window to five fixed sizes. The latest window size used is recalled upon opening new instances of the plugin.

Note

The Tap Tempo, Metronome and Settings features are only available on the Standalone app.

Tuner

Both standalone and plugin versions feature a built-in chromatic tuner. It works by detecting the pitch of the note that is being played and then displaying it on the screen.

• Tuning: Displays the note that is being played and its current pitch.

• Mute: Mutes the DI signal monitoring. This setting is recalled upon opening new instances of the plugin.

• Mode: Toggles the pitch values between Cents or Hz.

• Live Tuner: Enables a compact tuner that is displayed in the footer. You can also use ⌘ or CTRL + Click on the Tuner button in the footer to toggle the Live Tuner on and off.

• Frequency: Adjusts the reference pitch (420 - 460 Hz)

Metronome

The standalone app features a built-in Metronome. It works by producing a steady pulse to help you to practice and play in time. Playback for the metronome can be quickly started or stopped by clicking the Play button in the bottom bar.

• Volume: Adjusts the output level of the metronome's playback.

• Time signature: Navigate time signatures. Includes compound and complex variations.

• Sound: Set your preferred sound for the metronome beats.

• BPM: Displays the current beat tempo. Click-and-drag it up and down, or use the arrows, to increase or decrease the BPM value (40 - 240 BPM).

• Pan: Adjust the output panning of the metronome beats.

• Tap: Set the tempo by clicking. The BPM value is set as the interval between the last two clicks.

• Rhythm: Determines how many pulses can be heard per beat.

• Beat LEDs: Click to customize the different accents, or whether a beat will be played or not.

MIDI

Neural DSP plugins can be controlled by external MIDI devices and DAW commands. This allows you to connect MIDI controllers such as footswitches and expression pedals to control parameters and UI components within the plugin. Any MIDI device capable of sending Control Change, Program Change or Note messages to your computer will be compatible with Neural DSP plugins.

MIDI Device setup

Follow these steps to set up a MIDI controller to use with our plugins:

1. Connect your device to your computer. Depending on your device, this might be done via USB (straight into your computer using a USB Cable) or MIDI Out to MIDI In (into a MIDI interface using a MIDI cable).

2. Although most MIDI controllers are plug-and-play devices, some require driver software to be installed before they can be used. Double-check the user manual for your specific controller to see if this is necessary.

3. Once your MIDI controller is connected to your computer, check that it is recognized by your plugin standalone app. Click Settings in the bottom bar and check if the controller appears in the MIDI Input Devices menu.

4. To use MIDI controllers with a DAW, look for its MIDI settings menu and enable your MIDI controller as a MIDI Input device. (Optional)

MIDI Learn

Using the MIDI Learn function is the quickest and easiest way to map MIDI messages on your plugin. To do so:

1. Right-click a parameter that you wish to control and click Enable MIDI Learn.

2. Press the button or move the pedal/slider on the MIDI controller that you want to use to control that parameter. The plugin will then automatically assign the button or pedal to the chosen parameter, which will now be highlighted in the interface.

3. All the assigned MIDI messages will be registered in the MIDI Mappings window in the bottom bar.
   
   
   

MIDI Mappings

In the MIDI Mappings window, you can view and modify all the MIDI messages you have assigned to your plugin.

To add a new MIDI message, click on “New MIDI Mapping” located on the left side of the empty row. This will allow you to manually map a MIDI message to a parameter. You can also save and load MIDI Mapping Preset XML files.

Making your Mac® a Bluetooth MIDI host

1. Open the “Audio MIDI Setup” app.

2. Click on Window > Show MIDI Studio.

3. In the MIDI Studio window, click on “Open Bluetooth Configuration...”. Set your Bluetooth MIDI device peripheral in pairing mode.

4. Select the peripheral in the list of devices, then click “Connect”.

Once your Bluetooth MIDI controller is connected to your computer, check that it is recognized by your plugin standalone app. Click on Settings in the Footer and check if the controller appears in the MIDI Input Devices menu.

Basic requirements

Getting set up is very simple, but there are a few things you will need before you begin:

1. Any Windows® PC or Apple Mac® capable of multitrack audio processing. Make sure your computer meets the minimum required specifications:
   
   Mac

   • Intel Core i3 Processor (i3-4130 / i5-2500 or higher)

   • Apple Silicon (M1 or higher)
     8GB of RAM or more

   • macOS® 13 Ventura (or higher)

   
   Windows

   • Intel Core i3 Processor (i3-4130 / i5-2500 or higher)

   • AMD Quad-Core Processor (R5 2200G or higher)

   • 8GB of RAM or more

   • Windows® 10 (or higher)

2. An audio interface to connect your instrument to your computer via USB, Thunderbolt or PCIe. Neural DSP hardware such as Quad Cortex can be used as USB interfaces.

3. Studio monitors or headphones. Having the sound play back from the computer speakers is not recommended due to quality and latency issues.

4. iLok License Manager: A free app that allows you to manage all your plugin licenses in one place and transfer them between different computers.

Supported DAWs

DAWs, short for “Digital Audio Workstations”, are music production software programs that have a comprehensive set of tools for recording, editing, and mixing digital audio.

All Neural DSP plugins include a standalone app version, meaning that you don’t need a DAW to use them. However, if you are planning on recording your playing, you will need to install your plugins to your DAW.

A complete installation setup will automatically install all the different plugin formats:

APP: Standalone app.
AU: Plugin format developed by Apple for use on macOS®.
VST2: Multi-platform format compatible across multiple DAWs on both macOS® and Windows® devices.
VST3: An improved version of the VST2 format that only uses resources during monitoring/playback. It’s also available on both macOS® and Windows® devices.
AAX: Pro Tools native format. It can only be used on Avid Pro Tools.

Most DAWs automatically scan for new plugins upon launch. If you cannot find the plugins in your DAW’s plugin manager, manually rescan the plugin folder to locate the missing files. Our plugins are compatible with a wide range of DAWs. Below is a list of DAWs we have tested:

Ableton Live 12 (VST, Audio Unit)
Pro Tools 2024 (AAX)
Logic Pro 11 (Audio Unit)
Cubase 13 (VST)
Reaper 7 (VST, Audio Unit)
Presonus Studio One 7 (VST, Audio Unit)
Reason 12 (VST)
FL Studio 21 (VST)
Cakewalk by Bandlab (VST)

Note that even if your DAW is not listed above, it might still work. If you encounter any compatibility issues, don’t hesitate to contact support@neuraldsp.com for further assistance.

Once your plugins are available in your DAW, create a new project, insert a new audio track, arm it for recording, and load the plugin onto the track.

Default file locations

Neural DSP plugins will be installed in default locations for each plugin format unless a different custom location is selected in the process.

MacOS®

By default, the plugin files are installed in the following directories: 

AU: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/Components
VST2: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST
VST3: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST3
AAX: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-ins
Standalone App: Macintosh HD/Applications/Neural DSP
Preset Files: Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Presets/Neural DSP
Settings Files: <User Folder>/Library/Application Support/Neural DSP
Manual: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Neural DSP

Windows®

By default, the plugin files are installed in the following directories: 

VST2: C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins
VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3
AAX: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins
Standalone App: C:\Program Files\Neural DSP
Preset Files: C:\ProgramData\Neural DSP
Settings Files: C:\Users\<Your profile>\AppData\Roaming\Neural DSP
Manual: C:\Program Files\Neural DSP

License activation

In order to use Neural DSP plugins, you will need an iLok account and the iLok license Manager application installed on your computer. iLok is completely free to use.

iLok setup

1. Go to iLok’s account registration page and fill out the required fields in the registration form.

2. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided during registration. Open the confirmation email in your inbox and click on the verification link.

3. Download iLok License Manager and install it on your computer. After that, open the app and login using your iLok account email address and password.

4. Link your iLok account to your Neural DSP account by entering your iLok username in your account settings. This will ensure that purchased licenses are deposited automatically in your iLok account after checkout.

Once a plugin is installed and launched for the first time, an iLok dialog will appear.

• If you want to start the 14-day trial: Click the Try button. You will be prompted to enter, or confirm your account information and the plugin trial will begin.

• If you've purchased the plugin: Click the Activate button. Login to your iLok account when prompted and activate the license on your machine. Your Perpetual License then will be activated.

You do not need an iLok USB dongle to use Neural DSP plugins as they can be activated directly onto computers. Note that a single license can be activated on 3 different computers at the same time as long as the same iLok account is used on all of them.

Licenses can be deactivated from computers that are not in use and transferred to other devices. This process can be repeated indefinitely.

Setting up your plugin

Once you have installed and activated your plugin, you can set it up and start using it. To get started, launch the plugin’s standalone app and click Settings in the footer.

Use the following settings to optimize your plugin’s performance and achieve the best possible tone.

• Audio device type: All available audio drivers on your computer are listed here. For most audio recording applications on Windows®, ASIO is the preferred driver format. CoreAudio is the recommended option on macOS®.

• Audio device: Choose the audio interface that your instrument is connected to.

• Audio input channels: Select the interface input(s) your instrument is connected to.

• Audio output channels: Select the interface output(s) that you use for monitoring.

• Sample rate: We recommend 48000 Hz unless a different rate is required for your session.

• Audio buffer settings: Set it to 128 samples or lower. Increase the buffer size to 256 samples or higher if you experience performance issues.

What is latency?

When monitoring plugins in real-time, you may experience a slight delay between playing a note on your instrument and hearing the sound through your headphones or studio monitors. This delay is called latency. Decreasing the buffer size reduces the latency, but demands more from your computer’s processing power.

How do I change these settings in a DAW audio session?

To set up audio settings for plugins within a DAW, open the audio settings section of your DAW’s preference menu. From there, you can select your audio interface, set the I/O channels, adjust the sample rate and buffer size.

Uninstalling Neural DSP software

To uninstall Neural DSP software on macOS®, delete the files manually in their respective folders.

On Windows®, Neural DSP software can be uninstalled either from the Control Panel or by selecting the “Remove” option from the setup installer.

Get in touch

Neural DSP Technologies is happy to provide professional technical support via email to all registered users, absolutely free of charge.

Before contacting us, we recommend searching our support and knowledge base sections below to see if the answer to your question has already been published.

Support

Knowledge Base

If you cannot find a solution for your problem on the pages above, please contact support@neuraldsp.com to help you further.

Corporate contact

Neural DSP Technologies OY
Merimiehenkatu 36 D
00150, Helsinki, Finland

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Beta testing

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