AirCheck User Manual
Complete guide to getting the most out of AirCheck.
Version 1.0.1
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
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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.
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Synchronized Editing
No need to export to MP3 and check on a separate player. Check your music using AirPods directly from the DAW.
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Smart Mute
When the plugin is active, the DAW's main output is automatically muted to prevent audio interference.
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Automatic Sample Rate Conversion
Supports various project sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz.
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Cross-Platform Support
Available for both macOS and Windows.
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Mobile Streaming NEW in v1.0.1
Stream audio to your smartphone via Wi-Fi (LAN). Scan a QR code and listen in any browser—no app required.
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Professional Metering NEW in v1.0.1
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. Download the AirCheck installer (.pkg).
- 2. Double-click to run the installer.
- 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 4. Restart your DAW.
Installation Paths:
AU: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/AirCheck.component
VST3: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/AirCheck.vst3
🪟 Windows
- 1. Download the AirCheck installer (.exe).
- 2. Run the installer.
- 3. Select the installation location (default recommended).
- 4. Restart your DAW.
Installation Path:
VST3: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\AirCheck.vst3
4. DAW Compatibility
| DAW | macOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Ableton Live | ✓ | ✓ |
| Logic Pro | ✓ | - |
| Reaper | ✓ | ✓ |
| FL Studio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cubase | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pro Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Studio One | ✓ | ✓ |
| GarageBand | ✓ | - |
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
- 100%: Default size
- 150%: 1.5x magnification
- 200%: 2x magnification
Status Indicators
Latency Display
The interface displays the current audio latency in milliseconds (ms) in real-time.
Mobile Streaming
NEWStream audio to your smartphone 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 for manual connection.
- Latency: Approximately 300ms over LAN.
Note: Your computer and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network. No internet connection required.
Metering Panel
NEWProfessional 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.
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
Trial Limitations
- 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).
Activation
- 1. Click "Activate" on the plugin interface.
- 2. Enter your license key.
- 3. Click "Confirm" to complete activation.
9. FAQ
No sound output? +
Please check the following:
- 1. Ensure AirPods are connected to the computer.
- 2. Ensure AirPods are set as the system's default output device.
- 3. Click the "Reconnect" button on the plugin.
Sound is stuttering or dropping out? +
- 1. Turn off Live Mode and use standard mode.
- 2. Ensure AirPods have sufficient battery.
- 3. Reduce the distance between the AirPods and the computer.
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.
How do I use Mobile Streaming? +
- 1. Click the "Mobile Streaming" button in the plugin.
- 2. A QR code will appear on the plugin interface.
- 3. Scan the QR code with your phone (or enter the URL manually).
- 4. A web-based audio player will open—press play to listen.
Make sure your computer and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Does Mobile Streaming require internet? +
No! Mobile Streaming works entirely over your local network (LAN). No internet connection is required.
What does the Metering Panel show? +
- • Peak Level (L/R): Stereo peak meters (-60 to 0 dB)
- • Phase Correlation: Stereo phase from -1 to +1
- • LUFS: Short-term loudness measurement
10. Troubleshooting
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
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Reconnect AirPods
Disconnect your AirPods in the system settings and reconnect them.
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Click Reconnect
Click the "Reconnect" button on the plugin interface.
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Reload the Plugin
Remove the plugin from the slot and load it again.
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Check System Audio Settings
Confirm that AirPods are selected as the system default output.
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Restart DAW
Close and reopen your DAW.
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