FAQ

Most Audio Unit (AU) plugins — effects in any mode, plus AU software instruments in Keys Mode. Some plugins just don't play nice, but if it works in Logic, it should work here.

No. There's no timeline, no MIDI sequencing, no mixing console. Standalone is a lightweight plugin host with a simple recorder and practice tools built in. It's for playing and practicing, not producing.

Keys Mode lets you host AU software instruments — synths, pianos, drums, and more — and play them with a MIDI keyboard, right alongside Guitar Mode. Like effects, instruments must be in AU (Audio Unit) format; VST and VST3 won't load. It's a free update for existing owners.

Keys Mode runs one instrument at a time as your sound source, then you can stack as many effects after it as you like — just like building a guitar chain. To switch instruments, change presets.

$24.99, with a 7-day free trial. Already own Standalone? KEYS MODE is a free update.

Yes! Download Standalone and get a 7-day free trial — no credit card required.

macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later

macOS 14.0+ for now.

No, AU only — for both effects and instruments. Most plugin developers offer AU versions alongside VST, so check with your plugin vendor if you're not sure.

For guitar, yes — you need a way to get your signal into your Mac. For Keys Mode, you just need a MIDI keyboard to play; any audio output works, though an interface gives you lower latency.

Yes!

No. There are many great ones that you can buy or there are also a bunch of free options you can check out.

The Looper records what you play and lets you add an overdub. Practice Mode is for importing audio, controlling speed and pitch, and setting loop points. Both let you record yourself playing along.

Standalone is designed for practice. Some people might take it to a gig, but that's not what we built it for.

You can use a different interface for input and output if you want.

Yes. Multi-Output Routing lets you send your guitar, keys, practice track, and metronome each to its own output pair on a multi-output audio interface — handy for sending a click or backing track to a separate output while your playing goes to the mains.

Yes! Stereo input support was added in v1.2. Use your stereo pedalboards with Standalone.

Yes! In Keys Mode, connect a MIDI keyboard to play your AU software instruments. You can also use a MIDI foot controller to control plugins and host functions — with MIDI Learn, Program Change preset switching, and a channel filter.

Yes. Bug fixes and improvements are always free — and KEYS MODE is a free update for everyone who already owns Standalone. We may offer major new features as paid upgrades down the road, but anything you've already paid for stays yours.

The free trial works without a key. After purchase, you get a license key — enter it once and you're done. Works on up to 2 Macs. No iLok, no dongles, no internet connection required after activation.

~/Music/Standalone/Recordings/, organized by preset name.

32-bit float WAV files.

Go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and click the button to open the data folder. Copy that folder somewhere safe.

Standalone scans your plugin folders automatically on launch. If you install new plugins, there's a rescan button in Settings.