GSnap Won’t Enable (Fixed)

GSnap is a fantastic free autotune plugin, but can cause some issues, causing many producers to complain that GSnap won’t enable when used with Audacity. This is easily fixed with a few simple steps.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to fix GSnap and even show you how to install plugins correctly in Audacity on both Mac and Windows.

GSnap Won’t Enable Step by Step Fix

Usually GSnap won’t enable because you have installed the 64-bit version and are trying to use it in a 32-bit environment. You can’t do this with plugins unless you use bridging software.

1. Make sure GSnap.ll is in C:\Program Files (x86)\Audacity\Plug-Ins

When you install GSnap, it might have been put in the default plugins folder, which is –
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VstPlugins

If you have another DAW and are using Audacity for simple recording work, you may have put GSnap here. If you have it won’t show up.

Make sure to put the GSnap dll file here – C:\Program Files (x86)\Audacity\Plug-Ins

2. Check GSnap is added to effects in Audacity

To add new plugins to the plugin menu in Audacity, you must first add them from your plugin effects menu.

To do this simply click: Effect->Add/Remove Plugins.

This will open a new window where you’ll see the plug in manager and a list of plugins. Browse this list and look for GSnap. Then, click “Enable” and GSnap will be in your effects library.

3. Check Audacity is enabled to use VST plugins

In your Audacity preferences menu, you may have VST plugins deselected for use. If this is the case, then none of your VST plugins will show up in Audacity’s menu.

To fix this head to: Edit->Preferences->Effects->Make sure VST is checked

(you can also hit cntrl+p on your keyboard to open the preferences menu)

4. Check your GSnap is 32-bit

Audacity is a 32-bit software and cannot run any plugin that is 64-bit. It’s quite common that you’ll have downloaded the 64-bit version and are trying to get it to work in Audacity.

To ensure you have the 32-bit version, re-download GSnap and make sure you select 32-bit. Then, reinstall the plugin in the correct location listed in step 1.

5. Delete pluginregistry.cfg

If all else fails, you will have to clear your plugin registry by deleting the file. Don’t worry, this won’t break anything and is fairly simple to do.

To do this hit the Windows button and type: %appdata% and hit “enter”

Alternatively you could: type “run” into the Windows menu, open it, type “%appdata% and hit “enter”

Then, open the Audacity folder and delete “pluginregistry.cfg”. Close and restart Audacity. This should clear the file, creating a new one that will have GSnap in it.

GSnap MIDI Isn’t Working Audacity – What Do I Do?

If you’re serious about music making it’s best to try another free DAW that supports 3rd party VST plugins. Great picks include:

• Garageband (for Mac)
• Tracktion Waveform (for Win & Linux)

Does Audacity Support 64-bit Plugins?

Audacity does not support 64-bit plugins. Audacity is 32-bit software and unfortunately, you cannot use 64-bit plugins in 32-bit software. This is the same when trying to use 32-bit plugins in 64-bit software. Unless you use bridging applications, it’s not possible.

Bridging is not possible for downgrades from 64-bit to 32-bit. It is only possible to upgrade.

How Do I Install Plugins in Audacity?

Installing Plugins on Audacity (Windows)

1. Download a 32-bit free plugin from a plugin site or list, you can find great free plugins here
2. Extract the .zip folder using WinRar or another zipping software equivalent
3. Find the dll file and move it to C:\Program Files (x86)\Audacity\Plug-Ins
4. Open Audacity, choose Effects->Add/Remove Plug Ins
5. Find your new plugin from the window and select add
6. You will now be able to use your plugin in Audacity

Installing Plugins on Audacity (Mac)

1. Download a free 32-bit AU component from a plugin site or list
2. Extract the file (if it is a zip file)
3. Take the .component file and move it to Library->Audio->Plugins->Components
   1. If you can’t find the Library folder, learn how to find the library folder and install plugins on Mac for Audacity, Garageband & any other DAW.
4. Open Audacity, choose Effects->Add/Remove Plug Ins
5. Find your new plugin from the window and add it
6. You will now be able to use plugins in Audacity on Mac

GSnap Won’t Work At All – What Should I Do?

Reinstall Audacity

If GSnap isn’t working at all, and you’ve tried all the steps above, reinstalling Audacity is a last resort that could help you in this situation. However, if this doesn’t work, you should try using a different free autotune plugin.

Use a Free GSnap Alternatives for Audacity

There are loads of options available to use and are better than GSnap.

Here’s a quick list of the best free autotune plugins for Audacity:

1. Graillon 2
2. MAutoPitch
3. KeroVee

Use Another DAW

Audacity is great for recording vocals, but there are far better free DAWs out there that offer more functionality, better VST plugins, support for VST instruments and even include a library of samples to use in your productions.

You can record your vocals in many popular free DAW options too, using better EQ tools and compression to really hone in on your sound.

Here’s a quick list of the best free DAW alternatives to Audacity:

1. Tracktion Waveform
2. Apple Garageband
3. Studio One Prime V5