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.
1Install
- Double-click
LEADR-v1.1.0-Installer.pkg. - Follow the installer prompts and enter your Mac password when asked (it installs for all users).
- 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.
1Run the installer
- Double-click
LEADR-Setup-v1.1.0.exe. - When Windows asks for permission (UAC), click Yes, the installer needs it to place the plugin in the system VST3 folder.
- Follow the prompts to finish. That's it. There's nothing to configure.
Seeing "Windows protected your PC"? That's Microsoft SmartScreen flagging a brand-new installer that isn't code-signed yet, not a sign anything is wrong. Click More info, then Run anyway to continue.
2What gets installed
- The plugin →
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\LEADR.vst3 - The sound library (presets, one-shots, environments) →
%APPDATA%\LEADR
3Find LEADR in your DAW
- Open your DAW's plugin manager and run a rescan / "Find plugins."
- Make sure
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3is in your VST3 search paths (it is by default). - Add LEADR to an instrument track / channel.
FL Studio: Options → Manage plugins → Find installed plugins, then add LEADR to a channel.
4Activate your license
- On first launch, LEADR shows an activation screen (powered by Moonbase).
- Start your trial or enter your license as prompted.
No sound before you activate is normal. LEADR stays silent until a trial or license is active. Once you activate, audio is unlocked, no reinstall needed.
?Troubleshooting
- No sound? Make sure you've activated (Step 4), the track isn't muted, and a preset is loaded.
- LEADR doesn't appear? Rescan plugins, confirm the VST3 path above, then restart your DAW.
- SmartScreen warning? Safe to proceed, see Step 1.
Need a hand? Email support@tuffnerds.net and we'll get you sorted.
LEADR v1.1.0 · © Tuff Nerds
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