Strangelight Audio

1.1. Install Throughline

One installer adds all three Throughline plugins to your Mac in Audio Unit (AU) and VST3 formats. You need macOS 13 or later, on Apple silicon or Intel, and a DAW that loads AU or VST3 plugins. For other platforms and current limits, see Compatibility and known limitations.

1.1.1. Install on macOS

  1. Quit your DAW and any other plugin hosts.
  2. Run the .pkg installer and follow the prompts. Enter an administrator password when asked.
  3. Reopen your DAW. If Throughline does not appear, rescan plugins.

The installer puts the plugins in these folders for every user on the Mac:

  • Audio Units: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
  • VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

If the installer stops, read its message:

  • A plugin host is running. Quit the apps it names, then run the installer again.
  • A newer version is installed. The installer does not replace a newer version with an older one. Contact support if you need to go back to an older version.

Result: the plugins are installed and available for the DAW scan.

1.1.2. Choose a variant

Your DAW lists three plugins. Throughline is the default instrument. Pick the one that matches the track:

Plugin Type Takes Produces
Throughline Instrument MIDI Audio
Throughline FX Audio effect Audio Audio
Throughline MIDI MIDI effect/processor MIDI MIDI

Each one opens with its own Init patch. Next, load the plugin in your host with Set up your DAW, then Play your first patch.

To remove Throughline or reset its preferences, see Uninstall and reset.