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For installation help, bug reports, refund requests, or any other questions, email us at:
support@tweakbench.com OR try our Discord ServerDesktop Plugin Installation
After downloading, copy the plugin files to the appropriate folder for your operating system and plugin format.
macOS (AU/VST3/CLAP/LV2)
AU: Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/VST3: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/CLAP: Bitwig Studio, Reaper
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/CLAP/LV2: Ardour, Carla, Zrythm
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/LV2/Windows (VST3/CLAP/LV2)
VST3:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\CLAP:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP\LV2:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LV2\Linux (VST3/CLAP/LV2)
VST3:
~/.vst3//usr/lib/vst3/CLAP:
~/.clap//usr/lib/clap/LV2:
~/.lv2//usr/lib/lv2/LV2 Installation Tips
LV2 plugins are folders (not single files). Each plugin is a .lv2 folder containing the plugin binary and metadata files. Copy the entire folder - don't extract or rename anything inside it.
macOS
Use the PKG installer (recommended) or copy the .lv2 folders to:
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/LV2/To open this folder: Finder → Go → Go to Folder (Cmd+Shift+G) → paste the path above.
Windows
Copy the .lv2 folders to one of these locations:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LV2\Create the LV2 folder if it doesn't exist. Some DAWs also scan:
%APPDATA%\LV2\Linux
Copy the .lv2 folders and ensure they have execute permissions:
mkdir -p ~/.lv2
cp -R LV2/*.lv2 ~/.lv2/
chmod -R +x ~/.lv2/*.lv2Which DAWs support LV2?
Ardour - full LV2 support, auto-scans standard paths
Carla - plugin host with LV2 support, great for routing
Zrythm - modern DAW with native LV2 support
LMMS - LV2 support via Carla integration
Qtractor - lightweight Linux DAW with LV2
Reaper - LV2 support via ReaPack/extensions on Linux
macOS Gatekeeper Troubleshooting
Tweakbench plugins ARE notarized by Apple, but some macOS versions may prevent them from opening by default. Here's how to allow them:
Option 1: Right-Click to Open
Right-click (or Control-click) the plugin file and select "Open" from the context menu. You'll see a warning dialog with an option to open anyway.
Option 2: System Settings
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down, and you'll see a message about the blocked plugin with an "Allow Anyway" button.
Option 3: Terminal Command
Remove the quarantine attribute using Terminal:
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/CLAP/
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/LV2/As a very last resort you can try:
sudo spctl --master-disable
Run the installer pkg, then run:
sudo spctl --master-enable
This will disable all security features for that install run.
iOS (AUv3) Support
Tweakbench plugins are available as AUv3 instruments on iOS through the Tweakbench Studio app. For more information, visit our iOS page.
Loading AUv3 Plugins in iOS DAWs
Tweakbench AUv3 plugins work with any AUv3-compatible host app:
- GarageBand: Add a track, tap the instrument icon, choose "Audio Unit Extensions"
- Cubasis: Add an instrument track, tap the instrument slot, select from AU Instruments
- AUM: Tap an empty channel, select "Audio Unit Instrument"
- BeatMaker 3: Add an AU instrument in the instrument bank
- Other hosts: Look for "Audio Unit", "AUv3", or "AU Instrument" options
Still Need Help?
If you're still having trouble or have questions not covered here, don't hesitate to reach out. Email support@tweakbench.com and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.