Audio Cradle icon

Audio Cradle

Run your Audio Unit plugins without a DAW

A lightweight macOS plugin host built for guitarists and musicians who just want to play.

Try It Free Buy Now — $19.99

macOS 14+ · Apple Silicon · No account required

Helix Native
Neural DSP
AmpliTube

Built for Musicians, Not Producers

Lightweight

No bloated DAW. Audio Cradle launches fast and stays out of your way so you can focus on playing.

Fast Launch

From cold start to playing in seconds. Your last plugin state is restored automatically.

Low Latency

Supports buffer sizes down to 32 samples. Play through your plugins with imperceptible delay.

MIDI Support

Full MIDI controller support with Program Change, CC, and bank select for hands-free preset switching.

Live Performance Ready

Automatic crash recovery, state persistence, and App Nap prevention. Reliable enough for the stage.

Full Screen Mode

Expand your plugin UI to fill the entire screen. Perfect for stage use with no distractions.

Try It Free. No Strings Attached.

Every feature. No time limit. Seriously.

Audio Cradle runs for 30 minutes per session with full functionality — every feature, every plugin, no restrictions. When the session ends, just restart the app and keep playing. There's no account, no credit card, and no nag screens. Use it as long as you want to make sure it's right for you.

When you're ready, a one-time $19.99 purchase removes the restart and lets you play uninterrupted.

What you get in the trial

  • All audio and MIDI features
  • Every AU plugin supported
  • Full plugin UI with all controls
  • Low-latency performance
  • State saving and restore
  • MIDI foot controller support

The only limitation

  • Sessions end after 30 minutes
  • Restart the app to begin a new session
  • No limit on how many times you restart

Works With Any Audio Unit Plugin

Helix Native Neural DSP STL Tones AmpliTube BIAS FX FabFilter Valhalla DSP Soundtoys Universal Audio ...and more

Simple Pricing

$19.99

One-time purchase. No subscription. No recurring fees.

Already using the free trial? Remove the 30-minute restart and play uninterrupted.

Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Audio Cradle?
Audio Cradle is a lightweight macOS app that hosts Audio Unit (AU) plugins without a full DAW. Connect your audio interface, load a plugin, and play. It handles audio routing, MIDI, device management, and plugin state — everything a guitarist or musician needs to use their plugins for practice, recording, or live performance.
Can I use Audio Cradle with any AU plugin?
Audio Cradle hosts any Audio Unit (AU) plugin, though it's optimized and most-tested with Line 6 Helix Native. Other AU effect plugins — amp sims, reverbs, delays — should work. The plugin must be installed in the standard macOS location (/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/).
What buffer size should I use?
Lower buffer sizes reduce latency but require more CPU. For live performance with guitar effects: 64 samples is a good balance for most interfaces, 128 samples is a safe choice if you hear glitches at 64, and 32 samples gives ultra-low latency but only works reliably with high-quality interfaces.
Does it work with MIDI foot controllers?
Yes. Audio Cradle routes MIDI from any connected controller to your plugin. This includes Program Change messages for switching presets, CC messages for parameter control, and bank select (CC32) for navigating setlists — perfect for hands-free live performance.
Why not just use a DAW?
DAWs are built for recording and production. If you just want to plug in and play through your plugins — for practice, jamming, or live performance — a DAW is overkill. Audio Cradle launches in seconds, restores your last state, and stays out of the way.
What macOS versions are supported?
Audio Cradle requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later on Apple Silicon Macs.
Does Audio Cradle work with USB hubs?
Yes, but with caveats. USB hubs can add 1–10ms of additional latency depending on the hub quality. For the lowest latency, connect your audio interface directly to your Mac. If you must use a hub, a powered USB 3.0+ hub is recommended.