Check these in order:
Check to make sure you gave the app "Microphone" permissions.
On first launch, there should have been a Mac alert asking for permission
If you missed it, go to System Settings β Privacy & Security β Microphone β enable Standalone
Is the audio engine active? Look for green ACTIVE light
Is output muted? Press M to unmute
Check output device in Settings - is the right interface selected?
Check input device - is your guitar input selected?
Check input levels - is the input meter showing signal?
Check MASTER volume - is it turned up?
Causes and fixes:
Reduce latency:
Lower buffer size (64 or 32 samples)
Use lower sample rate (48000 vs 96000)
Reduce plugin count
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)
Try these:
Wait - some plugins take 10+ seconds to initialize
Restart audio (ββ₯R)
Remove plugin and re-add it
Check if plugin works in another host (Logic, GarageBand)
Standalone isolates plugins - a crash won't take down your whole rig.
If a plugin crashes:
Other plugins should keep running
Remove the crashed plugin
Re-add it (often fixes the issue)
If it keeps crashing, the plugin may have a bug - contact its developer
Check macOS version (requires 14.0+)
Try right-click β Open (bypasses Gatekeeper on first launch)
Check System Settings β Privacy β Microphoneβensure Standalone has access
If you denied folder access on first launch:
Open System Settings β Privacy & Security β Files and Folders
Find Standalone in the list
Enable access to required folders
Disconnect and reconnect the interface
Check System Settings β Sound - is it visible there?
Restart Standalone
Restart your Mac
Update the plugin to latest version
Contact plugin manufacturer if issue persists
Update interface drivers
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
rm ~/Library/Preferences/com.oortmedia.standalone.plist