Knowledge base > Getting started
Mantra quick start guide
Everything you need to start recording, mixing, and producing vocals with Mantra.
What is Mantra?
Mantra is a complete vocal production plugin that combines all the essential tools into a single, intuitive interface. It includes everything you need to record, mix, and shape vocals without stacking multiple plugins.
Tracking Mode lets you record with a fully processed sound and no noticeable latency. Mixing Mode gives you full-resolution processing and control for the final polish.
Whether you're working on vocals, voiceovers, podcasts, or creative sound design, Mantra delivers studio-quality results in a simple, streamlined workflow.
What you’ll need to use Mantra
1. A computer that meets the system requirements
macOS: 13 Ventura or newer, Intel i5 (4th Gen) or Apple Silicon, 8GB+ RAM
Windows: 10 or newer, Intel i5 (4th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3600+), 8GB+ RAM
Around 500MB of free space
Internet connection for license activation via iLok
2. An audio interface
Used to connect your microphone or other input source to your computer.
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3. A microphone and a balanced microphone cable
Use a microphone and a balanced XLR cable to record vocals. Mantra can also process audio from other sources, such as instruments or samples.
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4. Headphones and/or studio monitors
We recommend using headphones when tracking to avoid feedback, and studio monitors for mixing.
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5. iLok License Manager
Download the iLok License Manager and create a free iLok account. This is required to activate the plugin.
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6. A DAW (digital audio workstation)
Mantra runs inside your DAW. It has been tested with:
Ableton Live 12
Pro Tools 2024
Logic Pro 11
Cubase 13
Reaper 7
Presonus Studio One 6
Reason 12
FL Studio 21
Cakewalk by Bandlab
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Installing Mantra
Starting a free trial
1. Go to the Mantra product page and click Free trial
2. Download and install the plugin
3. Open your DAW and load Mantra on an audio track
4. Click Try, log in to your iLok account, and your 14-day trial will activate automatically
Activating a purchased license
1. Create a Neural DSP account
2. Link your iLok username under your account settings
3. Purchase Mantra
4. Download and install the plugin
5. Open your DAW, load Mantra, click Activate, and log in to your iLok account
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Loading Mantra in Your DAW
In most cases, your DAW will detect Mantra automatically after installation. If it doesn’t appear, rescan your plugins in your DAW’s preferences.
To get started:
1. Create a new audio track
2. Load Mantra as an insert effect
3. Select Tracking Mode for low-latency recording
4. Arm the track and start recording
5. Switch to Mixing Mode for final processing
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Setting up your DAW Settings
Use these settings to get the best performance from Mantra. You can access them in the audio preferences section of your DAW.
Audio driver:
macOS: Use CoreAudio
Windows: Use ASIO
Audio device: Select your audio interface
Audio input channels: Choose the inputs where your microphone is connected
Audio output channels: Choose the outputs you use for monitoring
Sample rate: Set to 48000 Hz unless your project requires something different
Audio buffer size: Set to 128 samples or lower. Increase the buffer size to 256 samples or higher if you experience performance issues.
If you're unsure where to find these settings, check your DAW’s manual or support site.
Mantra has all the tools you need for recording vocals
Mantra gives you everything you need to track and mix vocals in one place. Whether you're recording a song, podcast, voiceover, or livestream, it simplifies the entire vocal chain so you can focus on the performance, not the setup.
Learn more about what Mantra can do and download a 14-day free trial.
Need help?
Our support team is here to assist you.
Email: support@neuraldsp.com