Cannot Read Nyquist Files

Audacity Help Forum macOS
1

Hi,

I seem to have a problem regarding .ny plug-ins on Audacity. I noticed it just a few moments ago while I was installing a new plug-in in the plug-ins folder that there were numerous .ny effects listed in it that I can’t seem to find on my effects toolbar on the application itself. All I have listed in said toolbar are the Built-in Effects and some effects provided by Apple. I suspect that it is a Directory mishap, but I’m not certain- which is why I ask you, the good people of the forums, if it might be otherwise. Would appreciate a solution as well.

Cheers, Nan

2

Which version of Audacity? (look in: “Audacity menu > About Audacity”)

For recent versions of Audacity, installation instructions are here (note that plug-ins have to be “enabled”): https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/installing_effect_generator_and_analyzer_plug_ins_on_mac_os_x.html#nyquist_install

3

You have to not only install them, that is, put them in the right place, but you have to introduce them to Audacity.

“Audacity, this is effect.ny. Effect.ny, this is Audacity.” We’re not shaking hands any more, so you’ll have to bump elbows…and then wash them.

Effect > Add/Remove Plugins. Scroll down to the one you just installed, select it, ENABLE IT, and OK.

Then it should be visible and work. Did you write it? Then it may or may not work, but it should be visible.

Koz

4

P.S. Sorry for not adding this earlier but my Versions are: MacOs High Sierra 10.13.6 and Audacity 2.1.1

5

Thank you for replying, Koz.
I assume that means I go to Effects then Manage then Enable my Plug-in, in which case the problem still remains because I can’t see my plug-in, nor any of the ones listed like: CrossFade, lowpass, highpass, etc. I followed the wikipedia manual on installing nyquist files manually, but… no luck so far.

Thanks again!

6

Thanks for replying, steve.
It’s Audacity 2.1.1

7

That’s a very old version.
I think the best way to handle this problem will be to completely trash your current version, including the folder “~/Library/Application Support/audacity/”, and then do a fresh install of Audacity 2.4.2.

You may want to make backup copies of any custom Nyquist plug-ins that you have installed. The standard set of Audacity plug-ins will be installed along with Audacity.

Note that “~/Library/Application Support/audacity/” is a hidden folder.
The squiggle (“~”) at the start is important - that means your “home” directory. If you copy and paste:

~/Library/Application Support/

into to “GO” finder tool, it should open finder at the right place and you should see the “audacity” settings folder there.
(See also: https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/preferences.html#stored)

8

Thank you so much for your help, steve. I’ve found the audacity folder and in it was the Plug-ins folder which had no Plug-ins (surprisingly).
Thank you again!