Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Appearing

Anima doesn't show up in my DAW:

• Rescan plugins in your DAW preferences
• Verify Anima is installed in the correct location:
  • macOS AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
  • macOS VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
  • Windows VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
• Restart your DAW completely
• On macOS, check System Settings → Privacy & Security for blocked apps

Anima appears but won't load:

• Make sure your DAW supports the plugin format (VST3, AU, or CLAP)
• Check that your system meets requirements (macOS 10.15+ or Windows 10+)
• Try removing and reinstalling Anima

Audio Issues

No sound when playing notes:

• Verify a sample is loaded (waveform should be visible)
• Check that DRY/WET isn't set to 0%
• Make sure at least one harmonic has gain above 0%
• Verify your MIDI track is armed and receiving input
• Check that the amplitude envelope isn't closing too quickly (low sustain or release)

Sound is too quiet:

• Increase INPUT GAIN on the left sidebar
• Increase OUTPUT GAIN on the right sidebar
• Raise harmonic gains in the resonator section
• Check amplitude envelope SUSTAIN level

Sound is harsh or distorted:

• Lower INPUT GAIN if the sample is too hot
• Reduce RING if harmonics are building up excessively
• Lower individual harmonic gains
• Adjust DRY/WET balance

Clicking or popping:

• Increase amplitude envelope ATTACK slightly
• If using granular mode, increase GRAIN SIZE
• Check loop points aren't at zero-crossings (enable TRANSIENT SNAP)

Pitch is wrong:

• Check SAMPLE TRANSPOSE and FINE TUNE settings
• Verify HARMONIC TRANSPOSE is at 0
• If using scale mode, the pitch follows scale degrees, not semitones

Sample Issues

Can't load sample:

• Make sure the file format is supported (WAV, AIFF, MP3)
• Check the file isn't corrupted
• Try a shorter sample (max 60 seconds)

Sample sounds different after loading:

• Anima normalizes samples on load - this is intentional
• Use INPUT GAIN to adjust level if needed

Loop points not working:

• Make sure LOOP is enabled
• Verify loop start is before loop end
• Try disabling TRANSIENT SNAP if it's interfering

MIDI Issues

Notes aren't triggering:

• Verify your MIDI track is armed
• Check MIDI routing in your DAW
• Make sure Anima is receiving on the correct MIDI channel

MPE expression not working:

• Enable MPE mode in your DAW's MIDI settings
• Check your controller is sending MPE messages
• Verify Anima isn't set to a fixed MIDI channel

Pitch bend range seems wrong:

• In scale mode, pitch bend operates in scale degrees, not semitones
• Disable scale mode for chromatic pitch bend

Performance Issues

High CPU usage:

• Reduce VOICE COUNT in settings
• Disable granular mode if not needed
• Lower GRAIN DENSITY when using granular
• Mute unused harmonics
• Increase your DAW's buffer size

Audio dropouts:

• Increase DAW buffer size
• Reduce voice count
• Simplify the patch (fewer active harmonics, lower grain density)

Preset Issues

Presets sound different after loading:

• Presets include embedded samples, so they should be consistent
• Check that the correct slot (A or B) is selected
• Verify global settings (scale, tuning) match your expectations

Can't save presets:

• Check you have write permissions for the preset folder
• Try saving to a different location

Factory presets missing:

• Factory presets are built into the plugin
• Reinstall Anima if they're missing

License Issues

"License already activated on maximum devices":

• Deactivate on another computer first
• Contact support@sequins.music to reset activations

"Invalid license key":

• Check for typos - the key format is XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
• Keys are case-insensitive but dashes are required
• Verify you're using an Anima license, not a license for a different product

"Unable to connect to license server":

• Check your internet connection
• Verify your firewall allows outbound HTTPS
• Try again in a few minutes
• If it persists, contact support

Still Having Issues?

Contact support@sequins.music with:

• Your operating system and version
• Your DAW and version
• Anima version (visible in the license panel)
• Description of the issue
• Steps to reproduce
• Screenshots if helpful