Documentation

AirCheck User Manual

Complete guide to getting the most out of AirCheck.

Version 1.0.8

1. Introduction

What is AirCheck?

AirCheck is a plugin designed specifically for music producers and mixing engineers. It allows you to monitor audio directly through AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones within your DAW, without needing to change the DAW's audio output settings.

Key Features

  • ✓
    Instant Wireless Monitoring

    In large projects, changing the DAW's output device is often time-consuming. With this plugin, you don't need to change your Preferences output.

  • ✓
    Synchronized Editing

    No need to export to MP3 and check on a separate player. Check your music using AirPods directly from the DAW.

  • ✓
    Smart Mute

    When the plugin is active, the DAW's main output is automatically muted to prevent audio interference.

  • ✓
    Automatic Sample Rate Conversion

    Supports various project sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz.

  • ✓
    Cross-Platform Support

    Available for both macOS and Windows.

  • ✓
    Mobile Streaming

    Stream audio to your smartphone via Wi-Fi (LAN). Scan a QR code and listen in any browser—no app required.

  • ✓
    Professional Metering

    Logic Pro-style metering panel with L/R Peak levels, Phase Correlation, and LUFS loudness measurement.

Applicable Scenarios

Quick monitoring references during arrangement and mixing.

2. System Requirements

🍎 macOS

  • OS Version: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer
  • Plugin Formats: AU (Audio Unit) + VST3
  • Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (Universal Binary)

🪟 Windows

  • OS Version: Windows 10 or newer
  • Plugin Formats: VST3

Note: Pro Tools (AAX) version is currently not supported.

3. Installation Guide

🍎 macOS

  1. 1. Download the AirCheck installer (.pkg).
  2. 2. Double-click to run the installer.
  3. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  4. 4. Restart your DAW.

Installation Paths (system-level, requires admin password):

AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/AirCheck.component VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/AirCheck.vst3

🪟 Windows

  1. 1. Download the AirCheck installer (.exe).
  2. 2. Run the installer.
  3. 3. Select the installation location (default recommended).
  4. 4. Restart your DAW.

Installation Path:

VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\AirCheck.vst3

Note: The installer will automatically download and install Microsoft WebView2 Runtime if it is not already present on your system. This component is required for the plugin UI. If installing on a computer without internet access, please download WebView2 separately beforehand.

4. DAW Compatibility

DAW macOS Windows
Ableton Live ✓ ✓
Logic Pro ✓ -
Reaper ✓ ✓
FL Studio ✓ ✓
Cubase ✓ ✓
Pro Tools - -
Studio One ✓ ✓
GarageBand ✓ -

FL Studio Notes

FL Studio supports AirCheck as a VST3 effect. Insert it on the Mixer track where you want Bluetooth monitoring. On Windows, make sure your ASIO driver is configured (see Troubleshooting).

Reaper Notes

Reaper supports both AU (macOS) and VST3 formats. AirCheck appears under Sugoi in the FX browser. If you don't see it, run a VST3 rescan from Reaper Preferences → Plug-ins → VST.

5. Interface Overview

Volume

Range: 0% - 100%

Function: Controls the volume output to the AirPods.

Live Mode

  • Off (Default): Stable mode with a latency of approximately 100-120ms.
  • On: Low latency mode. Uses AI processing to reduce latency by approximately 20-30ms, resulting in a total latency of about 80-100ms.

Note: Live Mode may cause slight audio instability depending on system load. We recommend keeping it OFF for general monitoring.

Reconnect

Click this button to manually reconnect the AirPods. Use this when:

  • AirPods have just connected to the computer but the signal isn't reaching the headphones.
  • Audio drops out and the connection needs to be re-established.

Scale Buttons

  • 75%: Compact size (337 x 525)
  • 100%: Default size (450 x 850)
  • 150%: 1.5x magnification (675 x 1050)

Status Indicators

Green = Connected, operating normally
Red = Disconnected

Latency Display

The interface displays the current audio latency in milliseconds (ms) in real-time.

Open DAW Master Output

Controls whether audio also plays through your DAW's master output device.

  • Off (Default): DAW master output is muted. Audio only plays through AirPods.
  • On (Green): Audio plays through both AirPods AND your DAW master output device.

Use Case: Enable this when you want to share your audio with others in the studio via speakers while still monitoring through AirPods yourself.

Audio Streaming

Stream audio to your smartphone or any desktop browser over Wi-Fi (LAN).

  • Start/Stop Button: Click to generate a QR code and start streaming.
  • QR Code: Scan with your phone to open a web-based audio player.
  • URL Display: Shows the local IP address. Click the copy icon to copy the URL for sharing or opening on a desktop browser.
  • Latency: Approximately 300ms over LAN.
  • Multi-Device: Up to 8 devices can connect and listen simultaneously.
  • Supported Browsers: iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and desktop browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge).

Note: Your computer and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network. No internet connection required.

Mobile Player Features:

  • Play/Stop: Control audio playback directly from your phone.
  • Volume Control: Adjust listening volume on your phone.
  • Time Display: Shows real-time DAW playback position (MM:SS).
  • Add Note: Tap to add timestamped notes during playback—perfect for marking spots that need revision.

iOS Users: For best results, use Safari. The player includes silent audio bypass to work even when your iPhone's mute switch is on.

Metering Panel

Professional audio analysis in a collapsible bottom panel.

  • Meter Button: Click to expand/collapse the metering panel.
  • Peak Level (L/R): Stereo peak meters with dB scale (-60 to 0 dB).
  • Phase Correlation: Stereo phase meter from -1 (out of phase) to +1 (mono).
  • LUFS: Short-term loudness measurement for streaming compliance.

Peak Meter Color Guide:

-60 to -12 dB (Safe)
-12 to -6 dB (Caution)
-6 to 0 dB (Warning)

6. Use Cases

Reference Monitoring during Arrangement and Mixing

Quickly switch to AirPods to simulate the consumer listening experience. Check how your mix translates to the most popular consumer headphones without interrupting your workflow.

7. Technical Specifications

Supported Sample Rates 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz / 192kHz
Sample Rate Conversion Automatic (when DAW and device sample rates differ)
Bluetooth Latency Approx. 60ms (Hardware limitation)
Total Latency (Standard Mode) Approx. 100-120ms
Total Latency (Live Mode) Approx. 80-100ms
Audio Channels Stereo

8. Trial & Licensing

Demo Mode

Unlicensed copies of AirCheck run in Demo Mode with the following limitation:

  • A 1-second burst of white noise is inserted every 30 seconds of playback.
  • This is only calculated during active audio playback (no white noise when music is stopped).

Purchase a license to remove this limitation and unlock full, uninterrupted monitoring.

Purchasing a License

Please visit the official website to purchase a license key.

Buy Now

Activation

Option A: Online Activation (Recommended)

  1. 1. Click "Activate" on the plugin interface.
  2. 2. Enter your license key.
  3. 3. Click "Confirm" to complete activation.

Option B: Offline Activation

If your computer cannot reach the license server (firewall, proxy, or no internet), you can activate offline:

  1. 1. Click the "Offline Activate" button at the bottom of the plugin window.
  2. 2. A dialog will appear showing your Machine ID (a 16-character code unique to your computer).
  3. 3. Send your license key and Machine ID to support@sugoiaudio.com and we will generate your offline code
  4. 4. We will reply with an offline activation code. Enter it in the dialog to activate.

9. Update Notifications

AirCheck automatically checks for new versions when you open the plugin. This check runs at most once every 24 hours and does not affect performance or startup time.

How It Works

  • • When a new version is available, a notification appears in the plugin's Settings panel showing the new version number and a summary of changes.
  • • Click Download to open the download page in your browser.
  • • If your version is current, the Settings panel will show "Up to date" next to the version number.
  • • The check is completely silent if it fails (e.g., no internet). It will never interrupt your session.

10. FAQ

Will this affect my Export/Bounce? +

No! AirCheck automatically bypasses itself during export, ensuring your rendered audio files are normal and unaffected.

Can I use multiple instances of AirCheck simultaneously? +

We recommend using only one instance of AirCheck on the Master track. Using multiple instances may cause unpredictable behavior.

Does it support other Bluetooth headphones? +

Yes! AirCheck supports all Bluetooth audio devices, including brands like Beats, Sony, Bose, etc.

Why is there latency? +

Latency is primarily caused by Bluetooth transmission protocol limitations (approx. 60ms), which is a characteristic common to all Bluetooth audio devices.

Does Mobile Streaming require internet? +

No! Mobile Streaming works entirely over your local network (LAN). No internet connection is required.

How many devices can connect to Mobile Streaming? +

Up to 8 devices can connect and listen simultaneously. This is great for band rehearsals, client reviews, or sharing your mix with multiple collaborators in the same room.

Mobile Streaming has noise/artifacts when VPN is on? +

This is expected behavior. When a VPN is active, it routes all network traffic—including local LAN connections—through the VPN tunnel. This adds latency and can cause packet loss, resulting in audio noise or stuttering.

Solutions:

  1. 1. Turn off your VPN while using Mobile Streaming.
  2. 2. If your VPN supports split tunneling, configure it to exclude local network traffic.

Mobile Streaming works entirely over your local network—no internet or VPN is needed.

Can't connect to Mobile Streaming on hotel or public Wi-Fi? +

Hotel, airport, and coffee shop Wi-Fi networks often use client isolation (also called AP isolation). This security feature prevents devices on the same network from communicating with each other—which blocks Mobile Streaming.

How to tell:

  • • The Wi-Fi requires a login page (captive portal) or room code to connect.
  • • Your phone can scan the QR code but the player never connects.

Solution:

Use your phone's hotspot instead. Connect your computer to your phone's hotspot, then use Mobile Streaming as usual. This creates a private local network where both devices can communicate freely.

11. Troubleshooting

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

  1. 1

    Reconnect AirPods

    Disconnect your AirPods in the system settings and reconnect them.

  2. 2

    Click Reconnect

    Click the "Reconnect" button on the plugin interface.

  3. 3

    Reload the Plugin

    Remove the plugin from the slot and load it again.

  4. 4

    Check System Audio Settings

    Confirm that AirPods are selected as the system default output.

  5. 5

    Restart DAW

    Close and reopen your DAW.

🪟 Windows Users: ASIO Driver Required

AirCheck requires your DAW to use an ASIO audio driver on Windows. It does not work with DirectSound or WASAPI as the DAW audio driver.

When your DAW uses DirectSound, Windows locks the audio device exclusively, preventing AirCheck from routing audio to your Bluetooth headphones independently.

How to fix:

  1. 1. Open your DAW's audio settings (Preferences / Options).
  2. 2. Change the audio driver from DirectSound or WASAPI to ASIO.
  3. 3. Select your audio interface's ASIO driver (e.g., Focusrite ASIO, Steinberg UR ASIO).
  4. 4. If you don't have a dedicated audio interface, install ASIO4ALL (free universal ASIO driver).

Common symptoms of using DirectSound: AirCheck shows "Connected" but no audio reaches your Bluetooth headphones, or you hear crackling/distortion.

License Activation Issues

If you see "Invalid response from server" or cannot activate your license:

  • Make sure you are running v1.0.8 or later.
  • Check that your firewall or antivirus is not blocking connections to api.lemonsqueezy.com.
  • Disable any VPN and try again.
  • If online activation still fails, use Offline Activation: click the "Offline Activate" button and send your Machine ID to support@sugoiaudio.com. We will reply with an offline activation code.

WiFi Streaming Noise or Artifacts

If you experience noise, crackling, or audio artifacts during WiFi streaming (Mobile mode):

  1. 1. Press Stop Listening on your mobile device.
  2. 2. Press Start Listening again.

This resets the audio stream and usually resolves the issue immediately.

If the Issue Persists

Please contact our technical support team with the following information:

  • Operating System Version
  • DAW Name and Version
  • Description of the problem and steps to reproduce it
support@sugoiaudio.com →
Quick Start Guide Back to AirCheck