FAQ

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What is Aerial?

Aerial is a sample browser plugin (VST3, AU and AAX for macOS) built to help you find the right sound fast. Search by tag, folder, text, or 8 audio dimensions, then use the 2D scatter map when you want to explore visually. Click to audition, and once you find a sound you can play it across the keyboard straight away.

How is Aerial different from a normal folder/sample browser?

A normal browser shows file names. Aerial analyses each sample across 8 audio dimensions - pitch, brightness, attack time, richness, sustain level, spectral flux, inharmonicity and length - and positions it on a 2D map by the two attributes you choose. Similar-sounding samples sit near each other, so you discover sounds by ear and by region rather than by remembering file names.

Does Aerial work with my Splice and Logic sample libraries?

Yes. Aerial scans any folders you point it at, including your Splice downloads and Logic Sound Library, and analyses everything into one searchable map. The Splice default is /Users/[your username]/Splice and the Logic one defaults to ~/Library/Application Support/Logic Pro.

What formats and operating systems does Aerial support?

Aerial runs as a VST3, AU and AAX plugin on macOS 10.13 or later (Universal - Apple Silicon and Intel). It works in every major DAW, including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Studio One and Cubase.

What are the system requirements?

macOS 10.13 or later (Universal Binary - Apple Silicon and Intel), any DAW that hosts VST3, AU or AAX plugins, and 4 GB of RAM minimum (8 GB recommended).

How much does Aerial cost, and can I try it first?

Aerial is a one-time purchase of $39 - no subscription - and includes free lifetime updates plus Paid Version downloads through the downloads page. You can download the Demo Version from the downloads page; it is project-compatible with the Paid Version but mutes audio for 3 seconds every 45 seconds.

Should I add my Splice folder and Logic Sound Library?

So glad you asked - yes you absolutely should do that. Splice default is /Users/[your username]/Splice and the Logic one defaults to ~/Library/Application Support/Logic Pro.

Not sure where your Splice folder lives? Open the Splice app and in the Splice menu choose Open Splice Folder - it'll reveal the folder in Finder so you can point Aerial at it.

To find your Logic Sound Library: open Logic Pro, then from the menu bar choose Logic Pro > Settings (or Preferences) > General, and select the Sound Library tab. Your current library path is displayed there - click Show in Finder to reveal the folder directly.

Are there keyboard shortcuts in the folder browser?

Yes - two modifier-click shortcuts make multi-selecting folders much faster:

• Option-click a folder to select only that folder (deselects everything else).
• Command-click a folder to toggle all / none.

How do I loop in melodic mode?

Click the little L on the playback screen. Loop start and end markers on the waveform become active once it's enabled.

The plugin switched to dark mode - how do I switch back?

Click the Aerial logo in the top-left to toggle between light and dark mode. (Or leave it on dark mode if you prefer - we won't judge.)

Ready to try it? Download the Demo Version or buy Aerial.