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Installation Guide · v1.1.0

Get LEADR running

Thanks for installing LEADR, a polyphonic lead sampler & synth hybrid with chord lock, a WATERFALL arpeggiator, a full FX rack, and a built-in preset library. This guide gets you from download to first sound.

SystemmacOS 11 (Big Sur) or later · Apple Silicon & Intel (universal)
FormatsVST3 + Audio Unit (AU)
Size on disk~1.3 GB (includes the sound library)

1Install

  1. Double-click LEADR-v1.1.0-Installer.pkg.
  2. Follow the installer prompts and enter your Mac password when asked (it installs for all users).
  3. That's it. The installer is signed & notarized by Apple, so there's no "unidentified developer" warning.

The installer places the plugins and the full sound library automatically, there's nothing to copy by hand.

2Where it installs

  • VST3/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/LEADR.vst3
  • Audio Unit/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/LEADR.component
  • Sound library & presets~/Library/LEADR/ (your user folder)

3First launch & activation

The first time you open LEADR it shows an activation window (powered by Moonbase):

  • Create your account / sign in, then activate your trial or license. An internet connection is needed for this first activation.
  • Until it's activated, LEADR stays silent by design. Once activated, sound is enabled and the license is remembered.
  • On a fresh trial you may need to click Activate a second time after making the account, that's expected.

4Set it up in your DAW

After installing, tell your DAW to rescan its plugins:

  • Logic Pro / GarageBand (Audio Unit): Logic Pro → Settings → Plug-in Manager, find LEADR (or Reset & Rescan Selection), then restart Logic if it doesn't appear. LEADR shows up as an Instrument → AU Instruments → T.U.F.F NERDS.
  • FL Studio (VST3): Options → Manage Plugins → Find installed plugins, then add LEADR from the plugin database (under Instruments).
  • Ableton Live / Cubase / Studio One / Bitwig (VST3): enable VST3 and rescan in the app's plugin preferences, then load LEADR as an instrument.

?Troubleshooting

  • Plugin doesn't appear? Rescan plugins in your DAW (above) and fully quit + reopen the DAW.
  • Not in Logic? Logic caches its AU list. Open Plug-in Manager, select LEADR, Reset & Rescan, and relaunch Logic. (Logic only loads AUs that pass Apple's validation, LEADR does.)
  • No sound? Check it's activated (Step 3), the track isn't muted, and a preset is loaded.
  • Reinstalling? Safe to run the installer again, it won't overwrite presets you've made.

Need a hand? Email support@tuffnerds.net and we'll get you sorted.

LEADR v1.1.0 · © Tuff Nerds