ampLion Free vs ampLion Pro: Key Differences

Troubleshooting ampLion Free: Common Fixes

1. Confirm system requirements

• Clarity: Ensure your macOS version and CPU meet ampLion Free’s minimum requirements (macOS 10.12 or later and a modern Intel/Apple Silicon CPU).
• Action: Update macOS and firmware, or run on a supported machine.

2. Installation issues

• Corrupt download: Re-download from the official source.
• Permissions: Right-click the app, choose Open, then allow if macOS blocks it.
• Gatekeeper block: In System Preferences > Security & Privacy, click Open Anyway for ampLion Free.

3. Plugin not appearing in DAW

• Rescan plugins: In your DAW’s plugin manager, force a rescan of AU/VST/VST3 folders.
• Correct format: Verify ampLion Free installed the plugin format your DAW uses (AU for Logic, VST/AU for others).
• Plugin path: Confirm the plugin files are in the DAW’s scanned folders (e.g., /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST).

4. Crashes or freezes

• Update software: Install the latest ampLion Free and DAW updates.
• Audio buffer: Increase buffer size in audio settings to reduce CPU load.
• Sample rate mismatch: Ensure project and interface sample rates match.
• Isolate the plugin: Load ampLion Free in a new, empty project to check for conflicts with other plugins.

5. No sound or distorted audio

• Input/output routing: Check track input is receiving signal and monitor is enabled.
• Gain staging: Lower input gain and plugin levels to avoid clipping.
• Bypass check: Toggle plugin bypass to confirm it’s the sound source.
• Driver issues: Update or reinstall audio interface drivers; switch between Core Audio and aggregate devices carefully.

6. MIDI or automation problems

• Automation lanes: Verify the correct parameter is automated; redraw automation if needed.
• MIDI mapping: Ensure your controller is mapped to ampLion Free parameters and that the DAW routes MIDI to the plugin.

7. Preset or settings lost

• Permissions: Store presets in a writable folder; avoid system-protected directories.
• Export presets: Save important presets to an external location for backup.

8. Performance optimization

• Freeze tracks: Freeze or bounce tracks with ampLion Free to reduce CPU usage.
• Use instance limits: Use fewer instances or render heavier parts offline.
• Plugin delay compensation: Enable in DAW if timing shifts occur.

9. Licensing and activation

• Free version limits: Confirm features are consistent with the free edition; Pro-only features may be locked.
• Activation errors: For any registration step, check internet connection and firewall/antivirus settings.

10. When to contact support

• Collect: DAW name/version, OS version, audio interface, steps to reproduce, console/log messages, and crash reports.
• Contact ampLion support with these details if issues persist.

Quick checklist (try in order):

1. Update macOS, DAW, ampLion Free.
2. Reinstall plugin and rescan.
3. Check plugin format and paths.
4. Increase buffer and match sample rates.
5. Test in a new project and disable other plugins.
6. Save presets externally and gather logs before contacting support.