Some GarageBand users may experience issues where the Studio Instrument Collection is showing as activated within the inMusic Software Center, and works via the standalone application. But are prompted to activate the plugin, or are given an error message, when attempting to use the same plugin in GarageBand. This article will provide common troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.



TABLE OF CONTENTS


Confirm the license is activated within the inMusic Software Center

Before troubleshooting this prompt, please ensure the license is activated within the Software Center. To do this:

  • Launch the inMusic Software Center
  • Go to the My Software tab
  • On the right side of the plugin list, there will be a Deactivated/Activated icon
  • If the plugin is not currently activated, manually activate the plugin by clicking on the three-dot icon and selecting Activate


Reset the plugin license via the inMusic Software Center

For most users, deactivating and reactivating your license via the Software Center while the plugin is loaded within GarageBand will correct this behaviour. To do this:


  • While GarageBand is open, remove the Studio Instrument Collection track
  • Launch the inMusic Software Center
  • Under the My Software tab, locate the affected plugin
  • If the plugin is ACTIVATED:
    • Click on the three-dot icon and select Deactivate
    • Once deactivated, click the same icon and select Activate
  • If the plugin is DEACTIVATED:
    • Click the three-dot icon, and select Activate
  • Load the Studio Instrument Collection back into your GarageBand


Reset the GarageBand Plugin Cache

If prompted to activate the plugin when loaded in GarageBand, but it is showing as activated within the Software Center. Please follow the steps below to reset your Audio Unit (AU) plugin cache:


  • Close GarageBand 
  • Launch Finder
  • Go to the following location:
    Users\username\Library\Caches\AudioUnitCache
    • To access the hidden user library - Go to the main user folder and press CMD + Shift + . (Period)
      Alternatively, click the Go menu, hold down the Option key, and select Library
  • Delete the following files:
    • com.apple.audiounits.cache 
    • com.apple.audiounits.sandboxed.cache
  • Empty the trash can
  • Relaunch GarageBand and attempt to load your plugin


Clear GarageBand Preferences

In cases where the activation prompt persists. It is highly recommended to reset GarageBand's preferences via the steps below:


Important note - these steps will reset any user preferences in GarageBand. You may wish to take a screenshot of your settings if any adjustments have been made. 


  • Close GarageBand
  • Open Terminal
  • Copy and paste the following prompts below into Terminal:

    defaults delete com.apple.garageband10

    • Users who have updated GarageBand from an older version will need to copy and paste an additional prompt:
      defaults delete com.apple.garageband

  • Press Enter for Terminal to complete the prompt

  • Reopen GarageBand and load your plugin


If you continue to experience activation issues within GarageBand, please get in touch with our support team, who will be happy to assist you further!