How to overcome DAW/NLE scanning problems

Modified on Fri, 8 Sep, 2023 at 2:19 PM

Make sure that the Aquarius Desktop application has successfully completed the product installation. To do so, go to the folder selected for your plug-ins and verify visually that the files and folders were successfully created.
In many cases, the problem is simply that you are installing another plug-in format, and your audio host, DAW or NLE, does not support it.

In case your product installation via the Aquarius Desktop application is not successful, please read the following solution: how to debug Aquarius Desktop application installation or authorization issues.

In case your plug-in files are present in the plug-in folder, proceed as follows:

  1. Before you make any changes to your computer system, we strongly recommend developing and running a contingency plan that integrates a solid and reliable backup system. 
  2. Close your host application, DAW or NLE, and reboot your computer.
  3. Find your plug-in folder path. The path for the VST2 format could not be fixed, and several paths can coexist. Please read the solution default paths for Acqua Effect plug-ins for more precise plug-ins path information.
  4. Create an auxiliary folder outside your current plug-in folder, for example, on a desktop or in a secure external device, with the name 'My plug-ins (unused).'
  5. Move all your plug-ins to the backup 'My plug-ins (unused)' folder. Your plug-in folder must be empty now.
  6. Run the Aquarius Desktop application and reinstall the problematic product from the purchased page.
  7. Run your host application, DAW, or NLE. The host application should re-scan your plug-in and should detect only one plug-in.


  • If your product is now recognized by your host, DAW or NLE, recover your plug-ins from your backup 'My plug-ins (unused)' folder. Be careful if some plug-in(s) is not working properly and your host scan is crashing; we recommend you move your plug-ins one by one until you detect the wrong one(s).
  • If your product is not yet recognized by your host, DAW or NLE, check your host documentation and delete the plug-ins blacklist and the plug-in cache file to force a new complete plug-in scan in the next host run.


The Acustica Audio single point of contact (SPOC) is the Acustica Audio help-desk portal. In order to access to Audio help-desk portal go to the Acustica Audio website and then to the support section. We do not provide help, assistance, or support via social networks, public forums, or through our email accounts.

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