Built VST3 examples fail to load on a different computer

Getting Started
1

Hello,
I’m just starting with audio plugin development and need help with building the plugin. It loads properly on the computer I built it on, but it fails to load on a different computer.

These are the minimal steps I have to do to reproduce the issue:

  1. I start a new project using the “Plugin > Basic” template on a M1 Macbook
  2. I build it using the “Play” button in XCode
  3. I find the built plugin in ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
  4. I copy the vst file to an older Intel-based Mac

On the Intel-based Mac, the plugin fails to load in both Reaper and Ableton Live.
I build AudioPluginHost on that computer, and when I try to load the plugin I get the following error:

Note that the following file appeared to be plugin files but failed to load correctly

I assume I’m making a dumb mistake, but I can’t figure out what. Any tips are appreciated.

2

I figured it out! For anyone facing a similar issue - this is what worked for me.

In top menu click Product > Archive

It seems to create a production build and export it so it can be used everywhere.

3

Most likely you issue is that debug builds are only built for the current architecture you are running (arm) while release builds are fat binaries for arm and intel processors.

4

Yes, I believe that was the problem. I just did not know how to use XCode properly. :slight_smile: