FAQ

Q – Why can’t I see my plugins in my DAW?

A – Captain Plugin only supports 64-bit hosts on Mac. So, if your DAW is 32-bit, you won’t be able to see the plugins. On Windows, we support both 32 and 64-bit hosts. However, your DAW may not support 32-bit plugins.

Some DAWs may require your Antivirus to be disabled before installing Captain Plugins. This will prevent them from being blacklisted.

Q – My DAW is 64-bit and I still can’t locate the plugins. What should I do?

A – Rescan your plugins folder in your DAW*. This is usually achieved by rebooting your DAW, or selecting Rescan plugins in your DAW preferences.

*Ableton users: If you cannot find your plugins, they may be in the wrong location.

Mac users with Ableton.

After installing Captain Plugins to your computer:

• Go to Ableton > Preferences > File/Folder (this pane is called ‘Plugins’ in 10.1 and higher)
• Check the boxes marked “Use Audio Units” AND “Use Plug-In-System Folders” (10.1 and higher, check the box marked “Use VST2 Plug-In-System Folders”
• Then click the button above marked “Rescan Audio Units”
• Close Ableton and re-open

(Ableton 9 & 10 (up to 10.0) displays preferences differently to 10.1 and higher:

(Ableton 10.1 and higher):

Windows users with Ableton

After installing Captain Plugins to your computer:

• Go to Ableton > Preferences > Plugins
• Check the boxes marked “Use VST2 Plug-in Systems Folder”
• Set folder path to C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTplugins (this is the default installation location for Captain Plugins on Windows)
• Then click “Rescan”
• Close Ableton and re-open

If you still can’t see them, please email [email protected] and our customer service staff will help you troubleshoot this further.

Q – Why are my plugins out of sync with each other or not loaded in Logic Pro X?

A – Logic introduced dynamic plug-in loading in Logic Pro X 10.4.5, which disables plugins it thinks are not in use. Any software instrument tracks that do not contain MIDI regions are at risk of not loading automatically. We highly recommend disabling this setting on a per project basis by opening File > Project Settings > General, then deselect “Only load plug-ins needed for project playback.” In addition, you can simply select the track to load the plugins.

Q – Why can’t I see the preset sounds tab in my plugin?

A – If you are using your plugin in MIDI FX mode, you will not be able to see the sounds tab because is designed to route MIDI to your favorite VST synths. You should be able to see the sounds tab option in the VST and/or AU version.

In rare cases, the sound bank may have failed to fully download, so re-downloading the latest version from https://www.mixedinkey.com/captain-plugins/download and re-installing may be required.

Q – How many computers can I install Captain Plugins on?

A – We allow you to install Captain Plugins on multiple computers with the purchase of one license provided they are your own personal computers. You can use your original download link and activation code on up to 3 computers.

Q – How do I recover my download link for Captain Plugins?

A – You can download the latest build at https://www.mixedinkey.com/captain-plugins/download

Q – How are Captain Plugins different from Odesi?

A – Odesi is self-contained composition package for when you want to work on music outside of your DAW, a sketch pad to help get your ideas flowing. Captain Plugins are designed be used inside your DAW only, and can be used in the composition and production of a whole track

Q – Why isn’t my 3rd-party VST pLugins showing up in the Plugins tab?

A – In Captain Plugins 5, we added VST plugin hosting, so you can compose your MIDI in Captain Plugins, and route it directly through 3rd-party synths without leaving Captain Plugins.

We have added compatibility with the most commonly used VST instruments, such as Arturia V Collection, Omnisphere, Serum, Sylenth, NI Kontakt, U-HE Zebra and more. However, we intend to keep adding compatibility with more plugins and manufacturers. If your plugin isn’t showing up, please email us and tell us which plugin(s) you want compatibility for. Email: [email protected]

Q – Why can’t I add my own samples in Captain Beat?

A – There are 2 methods for adding samples:

• Windows: Drag the sample from your Windows File Explorer or DAW sample menu directly to the appropriate drum channel timeline.
• Mac: Drag the sample from your Finder or DAW sample menu directly to the button marked ‘drag your sample here’. Be sure to have the appropriate drum channel selected.

Q – Why is the final bar of my drum sequence different to the rest of my sequence in Captain Beat?

A – Captain Beat has a new tool called Fill. It adds a customisable drum fill at the final bar of each sequence. It is on by default, and can be turned off to return the sequence to it’s regular state.

Q – Why does Captain Plugins require an internet connection?

Captain Plugins and Odesi require an internet connection. This is for a number of reasons. We are able to send out faster updates, ‘hot-fix’ issues and bugs much more quickly, and share code across platforms, giving us more time to spend designing and developing the core functionality of Captain Plugins.

Using cloud-tech means a smaller installation footprint on your computer, since we don’t need to include the masses of music theory and performance data that works behind-the-scenes to make Captain Plugins so effective. In addition, using cloud-tech provides better security for all.

Q – Does it work on other DAWs other than Ableton and Logic?

A – Yes – we have added many more DAWs to our compatibility list. For a complete listing of compatible DAWs click here.

Q – Why doesn’t Captain Melody auto-generate notes when I open it, like it did in earlier versions?

A – We gave Captain Melody a radical overhaul. We redesigned almost every single aspect, to give you the greatest degree of control and customization. The preset patterns have been replaced by a much more powerful, multi-faceted tool for the creation of unique, exciting melodies. Captain Melody is now a deeper, more complex tool than earlier versions. We highly recommend watching the tutorials so you understand the controls better.

Q – Where are the old preset rhythms from Melody 1?

A – These can be accessed in the Brush Tool options. Click the Custom button to reveal the Melody rhythm presets from earlier versions.

Q – Why does Captain Plugins require an internet connection?

A. Captain Plugins and Odesi require an internet connection for a number of reasons. We are able to send out faster updates, ‘hot-fix’ issues and bugs much more quickly, and share code across platforms, giving us more time to spend designing and developing the core functionality of Captain Plugins. Using cloud-tech means a smaller installation footprint on your computer, since we don’t need to include the masses of music theory and performance data that works behind-the-scenes to make Captain Plugins so effective. In addition, using cloud-tech provides better security for all.

We know some users find it frustrating or difficult to be online while making music. Ultimately, we chose higher-quality results instead of offline functionality. For many reasons, the online model allows us to deliver a better product.

Another reason for the online model is piracy. As a small company, we have to take steps to reduce theft. Requiring a permanent network connection is the most effective way to combat piracy, and comes with the added benefit of improved functionality. Protecting our revenue in turn enables us to keep developing better products and more updates for our customers.

DAW Compatibility

Mac		Windows
Officially supported.
Ableton Live	9, 10	Ableton Live	9, 10
FL Studio	20	FL Studio	20
Logic Pro	X
Cubase	9,10	Cubase	9,10
Not officially supported, but appears stable.
Reaper	5	Reaper	5
Bitwig Studio	2	Bitwig Studio	2
Digital Performer	10	Digital Performer	10
Pro Tools*	12	Pro Tools*	12
Reason*	10	Reason*	10
Maschine*	2	Maschine*	2
Studio One	4	Studio One	4

*Midi Routing may not work. BlueCat Audio Patchwork may be needed in some instances.

Using Captain Plugins on a different DAW? We would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] and let us know your thoughts on it.

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