Install the official package
The Windows installer places the VST3 in the standard location and also includes Standalone. On macOS, install or copy the VST3 from the official package.
Start with the workflow you actually need
Use ArSonKuPik without guessing where the audio goes.
Choose VST3 for a DAW, Standalone for an audio-device input, or VB-CABLE routing when you want to enhance YouTube, Spotify, a browser, media player or other laptop sound on Windows.
Workflow 01 · Production
Use VST3 inside a compatible DAW.
This is the right choice when the audio already lives inside a music-production, recording, editing or mixing project. ArSonKuPik becomes an effect on a track, bus or master.
Download VST3 + StandaloneOpen the DAW and rescan plug-ins
Use the DAW's plug-in manager or scan command when ArSonKuPik does not appear immediately.
Insert ArSonKuPik where you need it
Use it on an individual track, vocal, instrument, mix bus or master. Begin with one instance so the result remains easy to judge.
Start from Signature Balanced
Play familiar material, choose Signature Balanced, then move one control at a time. Use a role-specific preset only when it matches the source.
Compare at a sensible level
Gain Match is OFF for the intended full enhancement. Turn it ON only when you want a stricter level-equal comparison of tone.
Workflow 02 · Separate application
Use Standalone with a selected audio input and output.
Standalone runs without a DAW, but it still needs an audio source. Choose the input that carries the sound and the output device where you want to listen.
Important: opening Standalone alone does not automatically capture every sound from the laptop. Use the next workflow with VB-CABLE for Windows system audio.
Open ArSonKuPik Standalone
Use the installed application or the official Standalone package for your operating system.
Select the audio input
Choose the audio interface, soundcard, microphone/line input, loopback source or virtual cable that actually carries the signal.
Select the listening output
Choose the laptop speaker, audio interface, USB soundcard, headphones or Bluetooth/TWS stereo output.
Match sample rate and set a stable buffer
Use the same sample rate across the source and output when possible. Raise the buffer if you hear clicks; lower it only when latency matters.
Confirm meters move before tuning
Do not change presets until the input and output meters show a valid signal. Then start from Signature Balanced.
For normal listeningPrioritize stability and clean playback over the smallest possible buffer.
For live monitoringUse a wired audio interface when low latency matters.
Workflow 03 · Windows system audio
Enhance YouTube, Spotify and all laptop sound through VB-CABLE.
VB-CABLE acts as the virtual route between Windows playback and ArSonKuPik Standalone. The processed result then leaves ArSonKuPik through your real listening device.
Open the official VB-CABLE websiteVB-CABLE is third-party software from VB-Audio. ArSonKuPik and MasArray are not affiliated with or endorsed by VB-Audio.
YouTube / Spotify / browserAny Windows playback application
CABLE InputSelected as Windows output
CABLE Output → ArSonKuPikSelected as Standalone input
Speaker / soundcard / TWSSelected as Standalone output
The naming is intentional: Windows sends audio to CABLE Input as a playback device. ArSonKuPik receives that same stream from CABLE Output as an input/recording device.
Install VB-CABLE and restart Windows
Download it from the official VB-Audio website, extract the package, run the correct setup as Administrator, then reboot.
Send Windows sound to CABLE Input
Open Windows Settings → System → Sound and choose CABLE Input (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) as the output device.
Select CABLE Output inside ArSonKuPik
Open Standalone and select CABLE Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) as the input source.
Select the real listening device
Choose the laptop speaker, audio device, soundcard, audio interface, wired headphones or TWS as ArSonKuPik's output.
Play familiar music and verify the route
Start YouTube or Spotify. Confirm ArSonKuPik meters move and the processed sound reaches the selected output.
Restore the normal Windows output when finished
If ArSonKuPik is closed, switch Windows output from CABLE Input back to your normal speaker or headphones.
For TWS: select the Stereo/A2DP output, not Hands-Free or Headset mode. Using the TWS microphone at the same time can force Windows into a lower-quality communication profile. Bluetooth latency is normal for listening but not ideal for live monitoring.
First listening setup
Make the first result obvious without over-processing.
Use material you already know. Confirm the route first, then judge one change at a time.
Choose Signature Balanced
It is the most useful neutral starting point for understanding the Mas Ari Signature engine.
Keep the source and output below clipping
If the output becomes too hot, reduce Output Trim before pushing more enhancement.
Move one control at a time
Enhance sets the overall amount; then use Bass, Treble, Vocal and Stereo only to solve a clear listening need.
Use bypass and Gain Match deliberately
Bypass answers “do I prefer the processed result?” Gain Match helps answer “is the tone better at a similar level?”
Fast troubleshooting
When there is no sound, check the route before the DSP.
Most first-run problems come from selecting the wrong input, output or Windows playback device.
Standalone opens but no meter moves
Confirm the selected input actually carries audio. For laptop sound through VB-CABLE, Windows output must be CABLE Input and ArSonKuPik input must be CABLE Output.
Meters move but I hear nothing
Check ArSonKuPik's output device and its volume. The output should be the real speaker, soundcard, audio interface, headphones or TWS—not CABLE Input or CABLE Output.
I hear dry and processed audio together
Disable any extra Windows “Listen to this device” monitoring path and make sure only ArSonKuPik sends the virtual-cable signal to the listening device.
Clicks, dropouts or unstable playback
Match sample rates where possible, close competing exclusive-mode applications and increase the audio buffer until playback is stable.
TWS sounds thin or telephone-like
Select the Stereo/A2DP output and avoid using the TWS microphone simultaneously. Hands-Free/Headset mode has lower playback quality.
The VST3 does not appear in my DAW
Confirm you installed the VST3 package, open the DAW plug-in manager and perform a full rescan. Compatibility still depends on the specific host and system.
Ready to listen
Download once, then choose the workflow that matches your source.
The Windows installer includes VST3 and Standalone. macOS packages are available from the same official download section.