Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to get Aeon Frost plugins running, plus fixes for the few things a Windows PC can be missing. Can't find your answer? Email help@aeonfrostcapsulecorp.com with your Windows version, DAW and what you see. Install help is free.

Before you buy: will it work on my computer?

What do I need?

  • Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit. Check in Settings > System > About > System type: it should say "64-bit operating system, x64-based processor".
  • A 64-bit DAW that loads VST3 plugins: REAPER, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Studio One, Bitwig Studio and other VST3 hosts.
  • A working graphics driver (it provides OpenGL 2.0, which draws the plugin screen). Any graphics card or built-in graphics from roughly the last 15 years is fine once its driver is installed.
  • About 50 MB of disk space. 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB or more recommended.

Do I need to install anything else? Visual C++, .NET, iLok, an account?

No. The plugins are fully self-contained: no Visual C++ Redistributable, no .NET, no iLok or dongle, no account and no internet connection. The only thing Windows itself must provide is a graphics driver, which almost every PC already has.

Does it work on Mac, Linux or Windows on ARM?

Not on Mac or Linux (so not in Logic Pro or GarageBand). Windows on ARM (e.g. Snapdragon laptops) is untested. Aeon Frost plugins are built for 64-bit Windows on Intel/AMD processors.

Does it work in Pro Tools?

Not at the moment. Pro Tools only loads its own AAX format, and our plugins are VST3. Every other major Windows DAW is supported.

Does it work in a 32-bit DAW?

No. You need the 64-bit version of your DAW. Every current DAW is 64-bit; this only matters for very old installs.

Installing

How do I get my download?

Your download link arrives by email right after checkout. Check spam or promotions if you don't see it within a few minutes, or email us with your order number.

How do I install it?

  1. Extract the zip first: right-click it > Extract All. Don't run anything from inside the zip.
  2. Copy the whole .vst3 folder (for example AeonFrostIgnazioGate.vst3) into C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3. If the VST3 folder doesn't exist yet, create it.
  3. Windows may ask for administrator permission to copy there. That's normal; click Continue.
  4. Open your DAW and rescan plugins (steps per DAW below). The plugins appear under Aeon Frost.

Can I install it somewhere else (no admin rights)?

Yes. Put the .vst3 folder in any folder you own, for example Documents\VST3, then add that folder to your DAW's plugin paths and rescan.

How do I rescan in my DAW?

  • REAPER: Options > Preferences > Plug-ins > VST > Re-scan. Check that the VST3 folder is in the path list.
  • Ableton Live: Preferences (Settings) > Plug-ins > turn on Use VST3 Plug-in System Folders > Rescan.
  • FL Studio: Options > Manage plugins > Find installed plugins. Then star the plugin so it shows in the plugin picker.
  • Cubase / Nuendo: scans the VST3 folder automatically at start-up. If it's missing, open Studio > VST Plug-in Manager and check the Blocklist.
  • Studio One: Options > Locations > VST Plug-ins, make sure the VST3 folder is listed, then restart. If it was blocked, use Reset Blocklist.
  • Bitwig Studio: Settings > Locations > Plug-ins. The standard VST3 folder is scanned automatically; add a custom folder there if you used one.

My antivirus or Windows flagged the download

Small independent plugins aren't always recognised by antivirus software yet. Download only from your order email link. If your antivirus quarantines the .vst3 file, restore it and add an exception for the VST3 folder. If you're unsure, email us and we'll confirm the file is genuine.

Using it

Does it remember my settings?

Yes. Every knob and the preset you picked are saved inside your project. They come back exactly when you reopen the project, switch between tracks, or close and reopen the plugin window.

Can I move it to a new computer?

Yes. The plugins are self-contained: copy the .vst3 folder to the new PC's VST3 folder, rescan, done. Nothing points back to the original machine. Keep your download zip with your backups.

Ignazio Gate: where do I start?

Pick a preset that matches your tone (Clean, Crunch I-IV, Heavy - Djent Chug and so on), turn on Auto Learn and play for a few seconds: it sets itself to your rig's noise floor. It has zero latency, so it's safe while tracking and in front of an amp sim.

Vocal Chopper: it isn't in time with my song

Press play in your DAW. The Chopper locks to your project tempo and bar position while the transport runs. When stopped, it keeps running at the last tempo so you can audition sounds.

Troubleshooting

The plugin window is blank, black or won't open

Your sound still works; only the plugin's screen is affected. The screen is drawn with OpenGL, which comes with your graphics card driver. It has to match your graphics card, so no plugin can pack it inside. To fix it:

  1. Check your driver is installed: right-click Start > Device Manager > Display adapters. If it says Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, your real graphics driver is missing, and that's the cause.
  2. Install or update your graphics driver. This installs OpenGL:
  3. Restart the computer, then reopen your DAW.
  4. Using Remote Desktop, a virtual machine or screen-sharing to run your DAW? Those often have no OpenGL. Run the DAW directly on the real computer.

My DAW doesn't show the plugin

  • Make sure you copied the whole .vst3 folder, not just the file inside it, into C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3.
  • Make sure you extracted the zip first (right-click > Extract All).
  • Rescan plugins (steps above) and check the DAW's blocklist or failed-plugins list.
  • Make sure the DAW is the 64-bit version.
  • Check your antivirus hasn't quarantined the file.

Audio crackles, pops or drops out

Aeon Frost plugins are light on CPU, so crackling usually means the audio driver or buffer size needs attention:

  • Use your audio interface's own ASIO driver (from the interface maker's website).
  • No audio interface? Try the free ASIO4ALL driver, or your DAW's WASAPI option.
  • Raise the buffer size to 256 or 512 samples in your DAW's audio settings.
  • Set Windows to the High performance or Best performance power mode, and plug laptops into power.

The plugin shows up twice, or an older version keeps loading

An older copy is still installed. Search your PC for the plugin name (for example AeonFrostIgnazioGate), keep only the newest .vst3 folder in your VST3 folder, move the others out, and rescan.

Is it safe for my ears and speakers?

Every Aeon Frost plugin has a built-in output safety limit that blocks runaway or corrupt audio. As with any plugin, lower your monitor volume before loading presets and keep a limiter on your master bus.

Still stuck?

Email help@aeonfrostcapsulecorp.com with your order number, Windows version, DAW and version, graphics card, and a screenshot if something looks wrong. We'll help you get running.