> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://standalone-audio.gitbook.io/standalone-audio-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://standalone-audio.gitbook.io/standalone-audio-docs/troubleshooting.md).

# Troubleshooting

### No Sound

**Check these in order:**

1. Check to make sure you gave the app "**Microphone**" permissions.
   1. On first launch, there should have been a Mac alert asking for permission
   2. If you missed it, go to **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → enable Standalone**
2. **Is the audio engine active?** Look for green ACTIVE light
3. **Is output muted?** Press M to unmute
4. **Check output device** in Settings - is the right interface selected?
5. **Check input device -** is your guitar input selected?
6. **Check input levels -** is the input meter showing signal?
7. **Check MASTER volume -** is it turned up?

### Audio Glitches / Crackling

**Causes and fixes:**

| Cause           | Fix                             |
| --------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Buffer too low  | Raise buffer size to 128 or 256 |
| CPU overload    | Reduce number of plugins        |
| Background apps | Close other audio apps          |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Disable if not needed           |
| External drive  | Move session to internal SSD    |

### High Latency

**Reduce latency:**

1. Lower buffer size (64 or 32 samples)
2. Use lower sample rate (48000 vs 96000)
3. Reduce plugin count
4. Use lighter plugins (some amp sims are heavier than others)

**Realistic expectations:**

* 64 samples @ 48kHz = \~3ms (unnoticeable)
* 128 samples @ 48kHz = \~5ms (comfortable)
* 256 samples @ 48kHz = \~10ms (slight delay)

### Plugin Won't Load

**Try these:**

1. Wait - some plugins take 10+ seconds to initialize
2. Restart audio (⌘⌥R)
3. Remove plugin and re-add it
4. Check if plugin works in another host (Logic, GarageBand)
5. Update the plugin to latest version
6. Contact plugin manufacturer if issue persists

### Plugin Crashed

Standalone isolates plugins - a crash won't take down your whole rig.

**If a plugin crashes:**

1. Other plugins should keep running
2. Remove the crashed plugin
3. Re-add it (often fixes the issue)
4. If it keeps crashing, the plugin may have a bug - contact its developer

### App Won't Launch

1. Check macOS version (requires 14.0+)
2. Try right-click → Open (bypasses Gatekeeper on first launch)
3. Check System Settings → Privacy → Microphone—ensure Standalone has access
4. Delete preferences and restart:

   ```
   rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.oortmedia.standalone.plist
   ```

### Can't Save Recordings or Presets

If you denied folder access on first launch:

1. Open **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders**
2. Find **Standalone** in the list
3. Enable access to required folders
4. Restart Standalone

### Interface Not Showing Up

1. Disconnect and reconnect the interface
2. Check System Settings → Sound - is it visible there?
3. Restart Standalone
4. Restart your Mac
5. Update interface drivers