Frequently Asked Questions

macOS: macOS 12 (Monterey) or later. Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) are both supported natively. Earlier versions of macOS may work but are not officially tested.

Windows: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.

iPad: iPadOS 15 or later.

Snorkel runs as a VST3 or AU plugin inside your DAW, so a compatible host is required.

Snorkel is available as VST3, AU (Audio Unit), and as a standalone application for Windows and macOS. AAX is not supported at this time.

Snorkel works with any DAW that supports VST3 or AU plugins, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, and more.

Download the macOS installer, open the .pkg file, and follow the prompts. The installer places the VST3 and AU plugins in the standard system locations. Restart your DAW after installation, and Snorkel will appear in your plugin list.

Download the Windows installer and run the .exe file. The installer places the VST3 plugin in the standard location (C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3). Restart your DAW after installation.

This is a standard Windows SmartScreen prompt that appears for new software from independent developers. It does not indicate a problem with the installer. Click More info, then Run anyway to continue with the installation.

Yes; to use the full version, purchase a license and enter the serial number you receive by email. The demo version works without a serial and lets you explore Snorkel freely.

The demo version gives you access to every feature with no restrictions. After 15 minutes, a short audio interruption plays periodically as a reminder that you're in demo mode. Purchasing a license removes this completely.

Snorkel has a lot to offer, but it is surprisingly simple to get fast results. Start with the standalone version, press Play, and you should already hear sound. Now switch to the Arp tab and enable it with the checkbox in the upper left corner. Press "Random" repeatedly and you will hear interesting, musical arp patterns. When you find one you like, start tweaking the dials and buttons to see what they do. From there, try changing the sequencer grid or exploring the other tabs.

In a DAW, play notes on your MIDI keyboard or draw them in the piano roll to trigger Snorkel. MIDI input activates all enabled tabs (Patterns, Arp, Chords, Drums) and transposes Snorkel's output, so different keys produce different pitches and chords.

Some Windows installations are missing the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime, which Snorkel requires. This is most common on fresh Windows installs or enterprise machines. Download and install the Visual C++ Redistributable (x64) from Microsoft, then try launching Snorkel again.