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Install KnobShift on your Mac

Setup3 min read

KnobShift consists of an iPad app and a package for your Mac. The package connects the iPad to your plugins in Logic Pro and Ableton Live. This article shows you how to install it and what ends up on your Mac.

What do you need?

  • A Mac running macOS 14 or later (Apple silicon or Intel).
  • For a Wi-Fi connection, macOS 26.4 or later. A USB cable works with any supported version.
  • An iPad with iPadOS 17 or later and the KnobShift app. The app is not on the App Store yet; testers currently get it directly from the developer.
  • The current KnobShift-….pkg package from the download page.

Install KnobShift

  1. Double-click the downloaded KnobShift-….pkg file.
  2. macOS says the package can't be checked. Click Done.
  3. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and scroll down.
  4. Next to “KnobShift-….pkg was blocked”, click Open Anyway and confirm with your Mac password.
  5. Click through the installer.

When the installation is done, an icon with three sliders appears at the top right of the menu bar. That's KnobShift Companion.

Why does macOS block the package?

KnobShift is a test release. The package is not yet signed and notarized by Apple, and macOS doesn't open such packages the first time without asking. You only need to allow it in Privacy & Security once per package.

Note: Only download the package from the official download page. You'll also find the file's SHA-256 checksum there.

What gets installed?

The package installs the following:

  • KnobShift Companion in your Applications folder: the small menu bar app that connects the iPad to your plugins over MIDI 2.0.
  • KnobShift Bridge (instrument) and KnobShift Bridge FX (effect) as Audio Unit and VST3 in /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins. In your DAW, you load the plugin you want to control into this bridge.
  • A launch agent so the Companion starts every time you log in.
  • The KnobShiftRemote remote script for Ableton Live. If an Ableton User Library already exists on your Mac, it is copied there automatically.
  • A removal script at /Library/Application Support/KnobShift/uninstall.sh.

The installer also refreshes the list of Audio Units so Logic finds the bridge right away.

How can you tell everything is running?

Click the three-slider icon in the menu bar. The Companion menu shows you:

  • under Plugins, which KnobShift Bridge instances are currently loaded,
  • under iPad, whether an iPad is connected via USB or Wi-Fi,
  • at the bottom, the version and the number of connected bridges.

Until a bridge is loaded, the menu shows a hint to insert “KnobShift Bridge” in Logic. That's expected.

Note: The Mac components (Companion menu and Bridge window) currently show their labels in German.

Tip: If you don't see the icon in the menu bar, open Applications → KnobShift Companion manually.

What's next?

If something goes wrong during installation, describe the problem in the forum, ideally with a screenshot of the Companion menu.

Frequently asked questions

Why does macOS say the KnobShift package can't be checked?

KnobShift is a test release and not yet signed and notarized by Apple, so you allow the package once in Privacy & Security.

Which macOS version does KnobShift need?

The package runs on macOS 14 or later on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. A Wi-Fi connection with MIDI 2.0 needs macOS 26.4 or later.

Do I have to open KnobShift Companion after every restart?

No. After installation, the Companion starts automatically every time you log in.

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