Standalone

A plugin host for musicians
who just want to play.

Load your plugins, plug in, and go. No DAW. No distractions.

Now Available

STANDALONE 2.0

Now with KEYS MODE — host your favorite software instruments.

A free update for existing owners.

Also New Stereo Inputs · Multi-Output Routing · Preset Linking · Snap to Transients · MIDI Support · PDF Charts
One app, two modes
Standalone in Guitar Mode Standalone in Keys Mode
Download Free Trial Buy Now — $24.99
7-day free trial · No credit card required macOS 14.0+ (Sonoma)

How it works

Simple by design

01

Load your plugins

Add your favorite amp sims, software instruments, and effects.

02

Plug in and play

Connect your interface and start playing. Your rig is ready in seconds.

03

Capture ideas

Hit record. No project setup, no file management. Just your playing, saved.

04

Practice

Import tracks, make setlists, change tempo or key, add markers, and loop sections.

05

Low profile

There when you need it, invisible when you don't.

Size it up

Built for practice

Standalone practice mode

Ready to play?

$24.99

macOS 14.0+ (Sonoma)

Already own Standalone? KEYS MODE is a free update.

Buy Now Free Trial

7-day free trial · no credit card required

Always there

Thoughtfully crafted

Standalone recording

Recording

Capture ideas instantly. No project setup needed.

Standalone tuner

Tuner

Three modes, with adjustable reference pitch.

Standalone metronome

Metronome

Syncs tempo to your plugins. Count-in for recording.

Standalone mini mode

Mini Mode

Minimize when you need screen space. Your rig stays running.

Standalone setlists

Setlists

Make setlists of songs you need to practice for a gig.

FAQ

What plugins work with Standalone?
Most Audio Unit (AU) plugins — effects in any mode, plus AU software instruments in Keys Mode. Some plugins just don't play nice, but if it works in Logic, it should work here.
Is this a DAW?
No. There's no timeline, no MIDI sequencing, no mixing console. Standalone is a lightweight plugin host with a simple recorder and practice tools built in. It's for playing and practicing, not producing.
What is Keys Mode?
Keys Mode lets you host AU software instruments — synths, pianos, drums, and more — and play them with a MIDI keyboard, right alongside Guitar Mode. Like effects, instruments must be in AU (Audio Unit) format; VST and VST3 won't load. It's a free update for existing owners.
Can I load more than one instrument at a time?
Keys Mode runs one instrument at a time as your sound source, then you can stack as many effects after it as you like — just like building a guitar chain. To switch instruments, change presets.
How much does it cost?
$24.99, with a 7-day free trial. Already own Standalone? KEYS MODE is a free update.
Is there a free trial?
Yes! Download Standalone and get a 7-day free trial — no credit card required.
What are the system requirements?
macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later
What about Windows?
macOS 14.0+ for now.
Does Standalone come with plugins?
No. There are many great ones that you can buy or there are also a bunch of free options you can check out.
Do I need an audio interface?
For guitar, yes — you need a way to get your signal into your Mac. For Keys Mode, you just need a MIDI keyboard to play; any audio output works, though an interface gives you lower latency.
View all FAQs