Why can't I change software instruments in the PlugIn selector?

Question

Level 1

47 points

Why can't I change software instruments in the PlugIn selector?

Running Garageband 10.2.0 on my MacBook Pro. After choosing a sound from the library, I can change/disable the audio effects as I see fit but not the actual instrument. I am using only the factory provided instruments, no third party AU plugins.

Here is a screenshot showing the plugin selector:

When I click on the right hand arrows to open up a menu of available instruments, nothing happens. The instrument field only changes when I select different sounds in the library. Is this normal? If not, how can I fix it?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Nov 28, 2018 1:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

200,519 points

Nov 29, 2018 11:29 AM in response to mudbucker

I had the same problem with GarageBand 10.3.1 on Mojave. I could not change the synthesizer, only the effect plug-ins. It was impossible to select the AuSampler.

When I noticed, that suddenly many software instruments were missing from the Instrument Library and showing download arrows instead, I tried to download the missing content from the sound Library.

GarageBand > Sound Library > Install all available Sounds.

GarageBand did not succeed to download the updated sounds. I used a detour and downloaded the updated sounds using Logic and MainStage. After that, I could change again the sound generator in GarageBand.

Reply

Answer 2

mudbucker Author

Level 1

47 points

Nov 29, 2018 11:29 AM in response to mudbucker

I've gone through the Garageband documentation and apparently ONLY external plugins can be switched from the Smart Controls. I had expected this to work like it does in Logic channel strips. My bad.

Reply

Why can't I change software instruments in the PlugIn selector?

Similar questions