Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about what Aureo does, what it runs on, and where your data lives.
Product
Is Aureo a DAW?
No. Aureo doesn't record or process audio. It catalogs your hardware and plugins, maps your signal flow, and keeps your whole setup organized in one place.
Which plugin formats does Aureo detect?
Aureo scans for VST, VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, and LV2 plugins in the standard install locations for your operating system.
Does Aureo modify my plugins or audio files?
No. Scanning is read only. Aureo reads plugin metadata to work out what you have installed, and never moves, edits, or loads your plugins, projects, or audio.
Does Aureo need to be running while I work?
No. Aureo sits alongside your DAW rather than connecting to it. Open it to catalog gear, plan a setup, or look something up, and close it while you produce.
What is the G.A.S. Score?
A personalized score that tracks your gear acquisition habits over time, measured across four ADSR-inspired dimensions.
Is there a web version available?
No. A web version of Aureo was originally planned, but was dropped in favor of a more affordable, privacy-focused, and offline-first experience.
Platforms and installing
What platforms does Aureo run on?
Aureo runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. macOS builds are stable. Windows and Linux builds are in beta and available from the download page.
What does beta mean on the Windows and Linux downloads?
Those builds are complete and usable, but they see far less testing than macOS and are not code signed yet. Expect rough edges, and tell us about the ones you hit.
Which macOS versions are supported?
macOS 10.15 or later. There are separate builds for Apple Silicon and Intel, and the download page points you at the right one for your machine.
Why does Windows warn me when I open the installer?
The Windows build is not code signed yet, so SmartScreen shows a warning the first time you run it. Choose More info, then Run anyway. macOS builds are signed and notarized by Apple, so they open without a warning.
Should I download the .deb or the .rpm build?
Use the .deb build on Debian and Ubuntu, and the .rpm build on Fedora and RHEL. The download page shows the exact install command for each.
How do updates reach me?
Aureo checks for updates and, if you let it, downloads them in the background so your next launch is already current. You can also check by hand at any time, or turn automatic downloads off in Settings.
Pricing and licensing
Is Aureo a subscription?
No. Aureo is a one-time purchase that covers 2 device activations. Minor and patch updates are free for life, and major versions are optional paid upgrades, never a subscription.
What happens after the free trial?
After 14 days, aureo becomes read-only until you activate a license. Your data stays on your device, and you can still browse, export, archive, and delete anything. Editing returns as soon as you activate.
Do you offer refunds?
Yes: full refund within 30 days of purchase, no questions asked. Email [email protected] and we'll process it through LemonSqueezy.
Do I get free updates?
All minor and patch updates are included for life. Significant updates or optional functionality may be available for an additional cost.
How do device activations work?
One purchase activates Aureo on up to 2 of your devices. If you replace or lose a machine, email [email protected] and we'll free up your activation. Self-service device management is on the roadmap.
Can I use one license on a Mac and a PC?
Yes. The two activations are not tied to a platform, so a Mac and a PC together use both.
Can I use Aureo in a commercial studio?
Yes, at no extra cost. There is no separate business tier and no per seat pricing beyond the two activations a license already covers.
Do I need an internet connection?
Only occasionally. Your data and day to day use are fully offline, but Aureo revalidates your license from time to time and keeps working for up to 7 days without a connection between those checks.
Your data
Is my data secure?
Your data stays on your device - you own it completely. See our Privacy Policy and Terms for details. Read the security overview
Do I need an account?
No. There is no account, no sign in, and no cloud sync. A license is activated on the device, and everything else stays on your machine.
Where is my data stored, and can I back it up?
Everything lives in a local SQLite database on your machine. Aureo exports a full backup as a ZIP, photos and history attachments included, and imports it again on another machine.
What does the encryption cover?
Sensitive fields such as serial numbers and license keys can be encrypted with AES-256-GCM on your device. You start it, you control it, and your passphrase is never transmitted. Read the security overview
Does Aureo collect analytics?
Only if you turn it on. Telemetry is off by default, split into categories you can enable one at a time, and Do Not Track signals are respected. You can switch it all off in Settings, under Privacy. See the privacy policy
The catalog
What is the catalog?
A shared, read only database of music production hardware and software that Aureo matches your gear against. It downloads in the background, and its signature is verified before anything is applied. Browse the catalog
My gear is not in the catalog. Can I add it?
Yes. Search for it in Aureo, and when nothing matches, use the request option. That files a request against the public catalog, and once it is accepted the entry reaches everyone on the next catalog update.
Is the catalog open source?
Yes. The catalog data is public on GitHub, so anyone can read it, audit it, or contribute a correction. View the catalog on GitHub