Help & getting started

Find your download, get your plug-in running, and get back to making music.

Downloads & orders

Where are my paid downloads and license key?

Use the delivery links sent to the email address you used at checkout. If your plug-in requires activation, your license key is sent after payment and may arrive separately from your order confirmation or download email. Keep these emails for future installations.

If an email is missing, check your spam and promotions folders and search for Astron Audio. Still cannot find it, or entered the wrong address? Contact support with your order number and checkout email so we can help locate your purchase. You do not need to buy again.

Can I download again?

Keep your original download email and a copy of the release archive. If your delivery link no longer works, contact support with your order details. For free plug-ins, return to the free library.

One signup. The whole free library.

Open the free library, enter your email, and check the box agreeing to Astron marketing emails. This opens access to the free plug-in library. No checkout or payment is required. The plug-ins need no serial number or activation and work offline.

Why am I being asked to sign up again?

Access is remembered in the browser you used to sign up. A different device, another browser, a private window, or cleared browser storage may ask you to sign up again. Use the same browser to return without repeating the form. If browser storage is blocked, access may only last for that visit.

What if I unsubscribe?

You can unsubscribe using the link in a marketing email. Unsubscribing does not remove your downloaded plug-ins or the library access already remembered in your browser.

Check your setup

Check the product page and the instructions included with your download for supported operating systems, processor types, and plug-in formats. Requirements can vary by plug-in. Choose a format your DAW supports; installing an unsupported format will not make it appear in the plug-in list.

You will need a compatible DAW or plug-in host. If you need help checking your setup, send support the plug-in name, your operating system, and your DAW version.

Install your plug-in

Close your DAW before installing or updating. Extract the downloaded archive, then follow the instructions included with that release. Reopen your DAW afterward and rescan the appropriate plug-in format if needed.

Install on Mac

Extract the downloaded archive.
If the download includes an installer, open it and follow the prompts. If it contains plug-in files for manual installation, follow the included guide to place them in the correct folders.
Reopen your DAW and rescan the installed plug-in format if needed.
Load the plug-in. If it asks for activation, follow the license instructions below.

Standard system folders are /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ for Audio Units and /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ for VST3. Install only the formats supplied with your download.

Install on Windows

Extract the entire downloaded archive.
If an installer is included, run it and follow the prompts. For manual VST3 installation, copy the complete .vst3 file or folder into C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\, following the included guide. Keep any internal folders and files intact.
Reopen your DAW and rescan VST3 plug-ins if needed.
Load the plug-in. If it asks for activation, follow the license instructions below.

A plug-in file or bundle is loaded by your DAW; it is not a standalone application to double-click and run. Check the included guide for any additional runtime requirements.

Updating or reinstalling

Close all plug-in hosts first and follow the instructions supplied with the new release. Run the installer if one is included. When manually replacing a plug-in bundle, replace the entire existing bundle rather than merging files from two releases. Keep the earlier release archive if you may need to return to it. Reinstalling on the same computer and user account normally preserves the locally stored authorization.

Licenses & devices

How do I activate my plug-in?

If your plug-in requires activation, load it in your DAW, connect to the internet, and enter the key from your license email in its License panel. Follow the on-screen instructions and keep your license key private. Plug-ins that do not require activation are ready to use after installation.

Check the product page or included license information for the device allowance and offline-use terms that apply to your plug-in.

Moving computers or reached the device limit?

Use your key to activate the new computer if a device slot is available. If you have reached your license’s device limit, or an old computer is no longer available, contact support with your order number and checkout email for help resetting a device allocation.

Uninstalling the plug-in does not free a device slot. It also leaves local authorization in place for a later reinstall on the same user account. Contact support if you need a device reset.

Do free plug-ins need a license key?

No. Our free plug-ins require no serial number, device activation, or ongoing internet connection to use.

Troubleshooting

The plug-in does not appear in my DAW

Check that your operating system and DAW support the downloaded format.
Finish installation or extraction before opening the DAW.
Enable scanning for the installed format, rescan, then restart the DAW if needed. Consult your DAW’s manual for its rescan procedure.
Look in the appropriate effects or instruments list for the type of plug-in you installed.
If the DAW keeps finding an older version, tell support which version appears and where your plug-ins are installed.

Windows reports a missing runtime

Messages mentioning MSVCP140 or VCRUNTIME140 can indicate that the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime needs installation or repair. Follow the official Microsoft link in the included Windows installation guide, then restart if prompted and rescan your DAW.

A download is damaged, blocked, or will not load

Download a fresh copy using your official Astron delivery link. If the problem continues, send support the exact warning, your operating system and DAW versions, and the plug-in version. Do not disable your computer’s security protections to troubleshoot a download.

Still need a hand?

Use the support form or email support@astronaudio.com.

Technical help: plug-in name and version, operating system, DAW and version, exact error message, and steps that reproduce the issue.
Orders or licensing: order number and the email address used at checkout.

Please do not send passwords, payment details, or license keys.