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Getting started

Supported formats

Run the Preamble installer for your platform.

Platform Formats
macOS AU, VST3, AAX
Windows VST3, AAX
Linux VST3
iOS AUv3

On Linux, use the release tarball (Preamble_Linux_*.tar.xz) and run ./install.sh, or build Release and copy the plugin into ~/.vst3. Factory presets install to ~/.local/share/Reasonable Audio/Preamble/Presets.

System requirements

  • macOS: 11.0 or later (Apple Silicon, or Intel with AVX2)
  • Windows: 64-bit Windows
  • Linux: 64-bit (see README for build dependencies and the Linux release package)

First steps

  1. Insert Preamble on an audio track or bus in your DAW.
  2. Set Input for how hard the preamp is driven and Output for the final level in the Signal section. Leave Auto gain on to keep the level matched while you drive.
  3. Shape the wet path with Lo cut and Hi cut.
  4. Blend dry and wet with Mix.
  5. Browse factory presets from the header preset strip. Turn HQ on for the higher-quality neural model when your system allows.

Context help

When the context help bar is enabled (default), move the mouse over any control to read a one-line description at the bottom of the editor. This manual provides fuller explanations organised by panel section.

UI themes

Use the theme button in the header to switch between light and dark UI themes. See Header & presets.