21MUSIC / QUICK START

From download
to first activation.

Step-by-step installation for Mac and Windows · VST3 production release

Before you start: save your work and fully quit your DAW. Use a production license from your purchase email; sandbox keys do not activate these packages. The Mac package supports Apple Silicon and Intel. Both platforms use VST3; Audio Unit for Logic or GarageBand is not included.

Install on Mac

1

Download and extract

Follow the download link in your Freemius email and choose Download Mac ZIP. In Finder → Downloads, double-click the ZIP. Open the extracted folder.

2

Run the installer

Double-click Install.command. It copies the plugin into your user VST3 folder and preserves a previous copy if one exists.

If macOS blocks it because the developer cannot be verified, follow Privacy & Security → Open Anyway below. You do not need to turn off system-wide protection.

3

Alternative: install with Finder

If you prefer not to run the script, choose Go → Go to Folder… in Finder, or press ⇧⌘G, and enter:

~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

Copy the entire DarkoDimitrovMasteringLimiter.vst3 bundle into this folder. Do not open the bundle or copy only its internal files. Create the VST3 folder if needed. Back up an older plugin outside your DAW scan folders before replacing it.

4

Restart your DAW

Rescan VST3 plugins in your DAW's Plugin Manager if needed. Find Darko Dimitrov Mastering Limiter and insert it on an audio channel. Continue to activation.

Mac: Privacy & Security → Open Anyway

This test build is not Apple notarized. If macOS reports an unidentified or unverified developer, you may be offered an exception for the specific item you downloaded:

 → System Settings→Privacy & Security→Security→Open Anyway
  1. Try opening the installer first. If the warning names the VST3 plugin, try loading it in your DAW.
  2. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and scroll to Security.
  3. If Open Anyway appears for the exact 21Music item you recognize, select it, confirm Open, and authenticate if requested.
  4. Retry the installer or reload the plugin in your DAW.

This applies to that item only. Older macOS versions may use System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General.

A different warning needs a different response. If macOS says the file is damaged or will harm your computer, no Open Anyway option appears, or your Mac is managed by an organization, stop and contact support with the exact message. Do not disable Gatekeeper/SIP or remove security attributes in Terminal.

Apple's official instructions

Install on Windows

1

Get the latest Setup ZIP

Download 21Music-Windows-Setup-20261028.zip from the shared download page. Right-click → Extract All. Open the extracted folder. This package contains a real Setup.exe; do not use an older Install.ps1 package.

2

Run Setup with your DAW closed

Save your project and quit Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper and other audio hosts. Double-click Setup.exe and follow the English wizard. Confirm the requested Windows installation permission if you choose to install.

The default VST3 location is:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\

An older plugin is backed up outside the VST3 scan folder. Keep the backup until you have checked the new version. Remove duplicate old copies from other scan paths only after backing them up.

This installer is unsigned. If SmartScreen, antivirus or another protection blocks it, report the exact message. Do not disable protection to force installation.

3

Restart, rescan and activate

Restart your compatible VST3 DAW and rescan plugins if needed. Insert Darko Dimitrov Mastering Limiter. The activation dialog opens automatically unless a valid saved license already exists.

To uninstall, use Windows Installed apps → 21Music Mastering Limiter, or the included uninstaller in the selected VST3 folder. Close your DAW first. The installer preserves activation data and backups; modified or unrelated files are not removed.

Activate — the same on Mac and Windows

1

Copy the actual license key

Open the Freemius purchase confirmation email. Copy the full code next to License Key, not the words “License Key”. Check Spam if the email is missing.

2

Activate on first launch

When you first open an unactivated plugin, the license dialog opens automatically. The main controls remain locked until activation succeeds. If you close the dialog, click Enter License Key… on the activation screen to reopen it.

License Key→Activate→Main plugin controls

After activation, the gear icon → License Management remains available for license status and deactivation.

Keep every uppercase/lowercase letter and symbol exactly as shown. Remove spaces or line breaks at the beginning/end. The initial activation needs internet access.

3

Confirm activation

The status should show Activated. Your license allows two computers in total, including one Mac and one Windows PC. Use Deactivate This Computer to release a device slot. A separate 21Music registration is not required.

On Mac, a differently signed DAW may require entering the license again; the same physical Mac shares its device slot.

Quick troubleshooting

“Enter Freemius license key…”

The entered text was not recognized as a key. Copy the full License Key value from the email. Check letter case, punctuation, spaces and line breaks. Your Freemius account password is not the license key.

The plugin does not appear in my DAW

Check the VST3 folder, restart your DAW and rescan. Check its Blocklist/Blacklist and report the reason before re-enabling a blocked plugin. These packages do not include AU for Logic or GarageBand.

Activation returns a network error

Check your internet connection and confirm you are using a production license with a production build. Send the exact error to support; omit the license key from screenshots and public messages.

What should I send to support?

Your operating system/version, DAW/version, Apple Silicon or Intel Mac / Windows 64-bit, the failing step, and the exact error. Contact sharmerce@gmail.com.