Instruments & plug-ins

An instrument turns MIDI notes into sound. An audio effect processes audio already present. Select a track, then open Plugins in the bottom panel. Add Effect is one clickable button. In Library, use Instrument Tools for the stock instrument engines, Effects for audio processing, or MIDI Effects → Devices for note processors. Instruments contains playable sounds by family. Search by name if you are unsure which category holds a device.

1. Select the track whose sound you want to change.
2. Add an appropriate effect from Library or Add Effect.
3. Play a short section and change one parameter at a time.
4. Compare the device enabled and bypassed at a similar listening level.
5. Reorder devices only when you mean to change the signal flow.
6. Save the project after a useful result.

Knobs and value fields show parameter values and units. Hover a control for a short explanation. Drag to adjust; many numeric controls support exact entry through their value interaction. A preset changes a collection of device settings, so compare it carefully with the current sound. Presets are starting points, not a substitute for listening in context.

A response or transfer graph shows the effect of its controls. A live meter, spectrum or envelope marker needs incoming sound or notes. A fixed waveform preview is not an audio oscilloscope.

The device reference in this guide lists individual instruments, audio effects and MIDI processors, with their controls and limitations. Start with EQ and dynamics for the most common sound-shaping tools.

Library → Plug-ins lists discovered installed plug-ins in the current build. Install a plug-in using its vendor's installer and follow the app's scan/error messages. A scanned entry is not proof that every editor, preset or automation workflow works. If a plug-in is unavailable or fails, preserve the project and its placeholder rather than deleting it to make a warning disappear. Compatibility depends on the plug-in, format and setup.

Step Sequencer opens a separate pattern window from its Open button or overview. Read Step Sequencer; it is different from Clip → Steps. EQ bands, multiband controls, rack chains and sampler pads expose child controls when selected. Their reference pages describe those sections as well as the device-wide controls. Fine-adjust a parameter with Shift or Option, double-click to reset, or Option-double-click for exact entry.

A downloaded installer is not an installed plug-in. Follow the vendor’s installation instructions first. Then choose Settings → Plug-ins → Installed Plug-ins → Scan for Plug-ins. Opening this Settings page does not start a scan. Scanning requires the Dawnamite desktop app; the browser explains that scanning is unavailable.

Library → Plug-ins can group installed entries by company or category. Rescan searches again and retries failed entries. Library and Settings show the same discovered inventory. Check the discovered format and the insertion target. An instrument replaces the track's instrument; an effect joins its chain. Save before replacement and compare the result. The Free Plug-ins directory links to external vendors; those entries are not installed devices or compatibility approvals.

Use Command+Z to restore a deleted plug-in instrument. In version 1.3.0, the instrument and its saved state return before its audio connection starts again. Wait for the plug-in to finish loading, then compare its sound and settings. Shift+Command+Z reapplies the deletion.

The Mac app sends available audio to each plug-in helper sooner and selects a scheduled native plug-in transport delay when the output opens. At 48 kHz, the small-buffer profiles reserve 10.67, 16.00 or 21.33 ms, instead of the older 58.67 ms allowance. Selection uses the accepted output buffering and observed callback requirements, not only the requested buffer size. Larger buffers retain the longer policy; higher rates scale the small-buffer profiles. Browser transport is unchanged.