Frequently Asked Questions

macOS: Download the installer, run it, choose your formats (VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone). Restart your DAW.

Windows: Download the installer, run it. VST3 and Standalone are installed automatically. Restart your DAW.

Make sure you restarted your DAW after installation. In most DAWs, go to Preferences → Plugin Manager and rescan. For Pro Tools, make sure AAX plugins are enabled. For Logic, check Audio Units Manager.

macOS 10.13+ (including Apple Silicon natively), Windows 10+. VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone formats. Works in all major DAWs (Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, FL Studio, Studio One, Cubase, Reaper, etc.).

Yes, Carbonator runs natively on Apple Silicon. No Rosetta needed.

After purchase, you'll receive a license key via email. Open Carbonator (standalone or in your DAW), click the key icon, paste your license key, and click Activate. Works on up to 3 machines.

Yes, your license works on up to 3 machines simultaneously.

No. Carbonator uses simple key-based activation. No iLok, no dongle, no account required.

No. $20 one-time purchase. You own it forever with lifetime updates.

• Cola: Warm, punchy console-style saturation. Great on drums and mix bus.
• Cherry: Aggressive tube-style grit. Perfect for bass and guitars.
• Grape: Lo-fi, vintage character. Amazing on vocals and synths.
• Lemon-Lime: Bright, airy harmonic saturation. Ideal for adding presence.
• Orange Cream: Smooth, creamy tape-style warmth. Works on everything.

Carbonated mode blends all 5 saturation circuits together for a unique, complex harmonic character. It's our signature sound.

The Fizz knob controls the entire signal chain for the selected flavor — drive, compression, EQ, and makeup gain all morph together as you turn it up. One knob, full control.

Yes! The demo includes all 5 flavors with no feature limitations. It cycles between 60 seconds of audio and 10 seconds of mute so you can hear everything before buying.

If you're not happy with Carbonator, email hello@carbonatedaudio.com within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. No questions asked.

Yes. $20 one-time. No subscription, no upsells, no hidden fees. Lifetime updates included. Launch price goes to $35 after April 30, 2026.

You're running the demo version. Enter your license key to unlock unlimited playback.

Carbonator is lightweight by design. If you're seeing high CPU, make sure you're running the latest version and that your buffer size is set to at least 256 samples.

Download the latest installer from carbonatedaudio.com and run it. It will update your existing installation. Your license key carries over.