STL Tones Help Center
Technical support and instructions for all STL Tones products
Our Products
STL Tones creates professional audio plugins for guitarists, bassists, and mix engineers. Get to know our product lineup and find the right tools for your creative workflow.
AmpHub
The ultimate collection of amplifiers, pedals and cabinets. An all-encompassing electric guitar suite featuring an ever-expanding set of stomp-box, amplifier, cabinet, microphone, and effect models, covering every possible guitar player's needs for any genre.
ToneHub
Thousands of signature tones from the biggest names in the industry. Access a massive collection of world-class tones created by top producers and artists for every genre and playing style. Includes groundbreaking Tracer technology to capture your own gear.
ControlHub
The mixing plugin designed to do it all. An all-in-one mixing plugin that lets you load, customize, and save complete signal chains in seconds. Capture your own gear or use pro-built chains from world-class mixers.
Tonality
Professional tone shaping and guitar processing. Advanced tools for musicians and producers looking for precision control over their guitar and bass tones.
Looking for something specific? Use the search bar above or browse through the navigation menu to find detailed guides, troubleshooting tips, and answers to common questions.
System Requirements
Before installing any STL Tones plugin, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for optimal performance.
What You Need
The hardware required to run our plugins is similar to any digital recording setup. You'll need:
Computer
Mac or Windows laptop or desktop. We do not currently support mobile operating systems.
Audio Interface
This is how you get your signal into your computer. Most standard audio devices are supported. Recommended brands: Focusrite, Audient, Universal Audio, RME.
Monitoring
Studio monitors hooked up to your interface, or headphones plugged into your interface to listen back to your audio.
Instrument
For guitar plugins, plug in through the hi-z input on your interface, or into a DI box connected to your interface.
Supported Operating Systems
We currently support the following Mac & Windows versions. We do not support mobile operating systems.
Mac
Apple recently classified macOS Sierra as End-of-Life. Older builds of our plugins may work on Sierra; however, we cannot guarantee compatibility with Sierra moving forward.
Windows
Available Formats
Our plugins are currently available in the following formats:
- VST2 (64-bit)
- VST3 (64-bit)
- AU (Audio Units)
- AAX (Pro Tools)
Downloads & Updates
Keep your STL Tones products up to date with the latest versions, bug fixes, and new features.
How to Update Your Plugins
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Check for Updates
Click on the update notifier within your plugin, or visit our downloads center directly.
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Download Latest Installer
Head to www.stltones.com/pages/file-downloads to get the latest version.
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Run the Installer
Simply run the latest installer, which will update your plugin while keeping files such as your presets in place.
Your Presets Are Safe! Updating your plugins won't delete your user presets or custom settings. All your personal content remains intact.
How to Uninstall
To uninstall any STL Tones plugin, delete the plugin data from your system using the locations found in the File Locations section. For amp plugins, you'll additionally want to delete the standalone apps from your applications folder.
Need Help? Access user manuals, changelogs, and additional resources in your plugin's Documents folder at Documents/STL/[Product Name]/
Activation Guide
Learn how to activate your STL Tones plugins and get started making music.
For Subscriptions & Free Trials
No Activation Codes Required! If you have a subscription or free trial, you don't need an activation code.
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Login to the Plugin
Use the same email and password as your STL Tones website account.
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Verify Your Email
When logging in for the first time, you'll be sent a 6-digit verification code. Check your spam folder if you don't receive it.
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Select Your Subscription
Click "Activate now" and then select your subscription from the list.
For Perpetual Licenses (Own Outright)
If you purchased the plugin outright, you'll receive an activation code via our SendOwl email service.
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Login to Your Account
Use your STL Tones website credentials to login to the plugin.
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Enter Your Code
Select "Activate now" (or "Redeem Activation Code") and then enter your activation code for the core plugin.
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Activate Expansions
For expansion packs, click on the lock icon next to the pack and enter the pack's unique activation code.
Finding Your Activation Codes: Select the "more settings" icon at the top right of the activation window. There you'll find "My Activation Codes" which shows your Activation Code Summary.
Important Notes
- Once activated, your licenses are saved to your account within the plugin
- AmpHub, ToneHub, and ControlHub are separate plugins requiring separate subscriptions
- Make sure you've downloaded the correct installer for your subscription
- STL Licensing System is used - no iLok account required
- 3 concurrent activations available per user
If you're using a legacy version (pre-June 2025), the activation process may look different. We recommend updating to the latest version for the best experience.
Licenses & Multiple Machines
Manage your plugin activations across multiple computers and understand how licensing works.
How Many Machines Can I Use?
You have 3 concurrent activations available per user. This means you can use your plugins on up to 3 different machines at once.
Deactivating a Machine
If you've used all three activations and need to deactivate an old machine:
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Open My Devices Menu
Navigate to the "My Devices" menu in the plugin settings.
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Select Computer to Deactivate
Choose the machine you wish to deactivate - this will remove the licenses from that computer.
Important: Deactivation is meant to be a permanent action and will prevent you from using the plugin on the deactivated machine. If you need assistance, contact support@stltones.com
Email Association
The associated email will always be the one entered during your first activation. If you try to activate the same code on a second machine with a separate email, you'll encounter an error. Make sure you're using the same email address across all machines.
Your STL Tones Account
Manage your subscriptions, view purchases, and access downloads all from your STL Tones account.
What You Can Do
Manage Subscriptions
View, upgrade, or cancel your active subscriptions at any time.
View Purchases
Access your complete purchase history and download receipts.
Make New Purchases
Browse and purchase new products or expansion packs.
Access Downloads
Download the latest versions of all your licensed products.
Account Login
Login at www.stltones.com/account/login to manage your account. Use the same credentials to login to your plugins for activation.
Cancelling Your Subscription
To cancel your subscription at any time, login to your account and follow these steps:
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Navigate to Subscriptions
Click "Manage My Subscriptions" on the left side menu
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Open Subscription Manager
Click "Manage Subscriptions" on the right side menu
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Cancel Subscription
Choose the subscription you wish to cancel and follow the prompts
Your access will continue until the end of your current billing period.
If you have trouble logging in, please use the password reset option. If issues persist, contact our support team.
Common Errors
Quick solutions to the most frequently encountered activation and login issues.
Your login is the same as you use to login to the STL Tones website to make a purchase. If you are unable to login, please reset your password. If you are still unable, please contact support.
If you're receiving this error message and you think it's a mistake, please contact our Support Team via the Contact Page. This security measure helps protect accounts from unauthorized access.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection and that you don't have any firewalls or proxies blocking your system from connecting to our server.
For offline systems: You can hotspot to a cellular device momentarily to connect to the server and activate the license. Once activated, you can use the plugins offline.
Solution:
- Log out of the plugin
- Navigate to:
- Windows: C:\Users\Public\Documents\STL\
- Mac: /Users/Shared/STL/
- Delete the folder for your plugin
- Log back into the plugin and try activating again
Steps to resolve:
- Double check that you've logged in with the correct email for your account
- If you have multiple accounts or have updated your email address, reach out to support for assistance
- Verify you've downloaded the correct installer from the Downloads Center
- For expansion packs, make sure you're entering the specific activation code for that individual pack
No Sound in Standalone Plugin
Troubleshoot common issues when your standalone plugin isn't producing sound.
Plugin Not Receiving Input Signal
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Check Audio IO Settings
Click on your AUDIO IO settings and confirm that your audio interface is selected as your input and output. On Windows, ensure device type is set to ASIO.
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Verify Routing
Confirm your routing matches your interface (e.g., Input channel 1 is enabled if your guitar is plugged into channel 1).
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Check Interface Settings
Confirm your routing is correct on your interface, you have suitable input gain, and any "Direct Monitoring" is disabled.
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Mac Only: Microphone Access
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and confirm that your plugin app has microphone access turned on.
You See Input But Don't Hear Output
- Go to AUDIO IO menu and confirm "Mute Audio Input" is disabled
- Verify your output channels are enabled
- Confirm your output on your audio interface is enabled
You Only Hear Your Clean Tone
Disable any "Direct Monitoring" on your audio interface. Direct monitoring bypasses the plugin processing and sends your dry guitar signal directly to your outputs.
Recommended Starting Settings
When first using your plugin, these are the recommended settings for getting up and running. Access these settings by clicking into the Audio IO menu in the standalone plugin.
No Sound in DAW
If your plugin isn't producing sound when loaded in your DAW, follow these troubleshooting steps.
Common Causes
- DAW track not armed for recording or input monitoring not enabled
- Plugin inserted on wrong type of track (needs to be on audio/instrument track)
- DAW output routing issues
- Input levels too low on your audio interface
- Direct monitoring enabled on your audio interface (bypassing plugin)
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
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Verify Track Setup
Make sure the track with your plugin is armed for recording and input monitoring is enabled.
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Check Plugin Placement
Ensure the plugin is inserted on an audio or instrument track, not a MIDI track.
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Test Input Signal
Confirm you're getting input signal by checking your DAW's meters before the plugin.
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Disable Direct Monitoring
Turn off direct monitoring on your audio interface to ensure signal goes through the plugin.
Still having issues? Each DAW has specific setup requirements. Consult your DAW's documentation or contact support for DAW-specific help.
Why Are My Presets Missing?
If your preset packs aren't loading or you're seeing an "empty" plugin, follow these steps to resolve the issue.
ToneHub & AmpHub
All packs are built into the core installer. If your preset pack isn't loading or you're seeing an activation error:
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Update to Latest Version
Confirm that you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the plugin.
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Verify Pack Activation
Confirm that you have activated the pack in the plugin. Click the lock icon next to the pack to activate.
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Check Cloud Storage
Make sure you are not using any sort of Cloud storage for your documents folder (such as iCloud). This can prevent presets from loading properly.
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Mac Only: File & Folder Permissions
On newer versions of MacOS, a security setting can block your DAW from properly loading presets. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Privacy > Files & Folders and make sure that your DAW has access to your documents folder.
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Verify File Locations
Confirm that you have not moved the "Banks" or "Traces" folder from "Documents/STL/[Product Name]". If you have, either move the folders back, or reinstall the plugin & your preset packs.
Important: Do not move the Preset Banks or Trace files from the Documents/STL/ folder, and do not offload this folder onto cloud storage, or else your plugin may not function normally.
ControlHub
All packs are built into the core ControlHub installer. Your purchase provides access to the plugin and the Core Pack (117 presets captured using many popular hardware and software signal chains).
Sharing & Backing Up Presets
User Presets are saved in the folder located at: Documents/STL/{Product Name}/Banks
To backup your presets: Copy the entire Banks folder or individual .bank files to your backup location.
To share presets between computers: Copy the .bank files into the Banks folder on the second system.
File Locations
Find where your plugins, presets, and other content are stored on your system.
Default Plugin Locations
Your plugins are installed to the following locations by default:
Windows
Mac
Presets, Traces, Manuals & Changelogs
The contents of your plugin will be installed to your documents folder:
Documents/STL/[Product Name]/
This folder contains your user presets, trace files, user manuals, and changelog information.
Important: Do not remove the Preset Banks or Trace files from this folder, or offload this folder onto cloud storage, or else your plugin may not function normally.
Sharing Presets Between Computers
User Presets are saved in the folder located at:
Documents/STL/{Product Name}/Banks
To backup your presets: Copy the entire Banks folder or individual .bank files to your backup location.
To share presets between computers: Copy the .bank files into the Banks folder on the second system.
Common ToneHub Questions
Frequently asked questions specific to ToneHub and the Tracer technology.
The tracing of the original signal chain is built into ToneHub's primary design. Since these are the core components of the snapshot of the signal chain, you cannot bypass them.
However, you can layer additional processing before and after the Trace, or use ToneHub's built-in effects to shape your tone further.
The ToneHub Tracer is designed to capture the sound and feel of real guitar gear. Below are the types of setups you can capture:
- Amp + Cab
- Full Rig
- Amp
- Stomp + Amp
- Stomp
Adaptive Tracing allows you to capture the sound of your favorite amp or pedal and combine it with the tone stack of your choice. This enables your tone stack to react how your original amp would, giving you unprecedented tonal flexibility.
All packs are built into the core ToneHub installer. Your purchase of the ToneHub plugin provides access to:
- The plugin itself with all core features
- The Core Pack with 60 presets
- Ability to download Sky Dreams, Archean, J800, HK Pure & Pvy Vector preset packs
- Access to the STL Exchange community traces
STL Exchange: Get access to full rigs, stomps, and amps created by users around the world. Create your own rig Traces to share with the ToneHub community.
Common AmpHub Questions
Frequently asked questions specific to AmpHub.
All packs are built into the core AmpHub installer. Your subscription or purchase provides access to an ever-expanding library of stomp-box, amplifier, cabinet, microphone, and effect models.
Yes. All preset packs load in the AmpHub plugin itself, so a copy of the core plugin is required. Preset packs cannot be used standalone without the AmpHub plugin.
AmpHub LE is free for all customers who purchase Focusrite and Novation registered hardware units. Your activation code for AmpHub LE will be available within your Focusrite account.
If you haven't received an activation code yet, please reach out to Focusrite support or contact us for assistance.
Common ControlHub Questions
Frequently asked questions specific to ControlHub and mixing workflows.
All packs are built into the core ControlHub installer. Your purchase of ControlHub provides access to the plugin and the Core Pack that includes 117 presets captured using many popular hardware and software signal chains.
ControlHub now supports on-demand Downloadable Content, giving you more control over your library. Download only the Artist Packs or Trace Exchange Presets you want, when you want them.
With ControlHub Tracer, you can precisely replicate the sound of your analog or digital equipment, making your unique tones instantly recallable in any session. You can capture:
- Preamps
- Equalizers
- Compressors
- Complete signal chains
- Hardware or software processors
When tracing compressors specifically, use these optimized settings before running the TracerTone:
- Attack: 20ms
- Release: 100ms
- Ratio: 4:1
These standardized settings allow the Tracer to capture the fundamental compression characteristics of your gear. The 20ms/100ms/4:1 configuration is a neutral starting point that reveals the compressor's inherent sonic signature.
Pro Tip: After creating a trace, test it on various sources to ensure it behaves as expected across different material. Take detailed notes about your settings and gear used to make your presets more valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about STL Tones products.
There are no activation codes required for subscriptions or free trials. You'll login to the plugin with the same email and password as your STL Tones website account, click "Activate now", and then select your subscription.
If you purchased the plugin outright, you'll receive an activation code via our SendOwl email service. Check your email inbox and spam folder. You'll login to the plugin using your STL Tones account, select "Activate now", and then enter your code.
AmpHub, ToneHub, and ControlHub are all separate plugins that require separate subscriptions. Make sure you've downloaded the plugin that correlates with your subscription.
If you have signed up for a subscription but the plugin is asking for an activation code, please double check that you have downloaded the correct installer from the Downloads Center.
You need an internet connection to initially activate your license. After activation, you can use the plugins offline.
For offline systems, you can hotspot to a cellular device momentarily to connect to our license server and activate. The latest versions also support offline activation request generation.
You have 3 concurrent activations available per user. This allows you to use your plugins on up to 3 different computers or configurations at the same time.
Yes! AmpHub, ControlHub, ToneHub, and Tonality - Josh Middleton can all operate natively on Apple Silicon systems. Our other plugins run under Rosetta 2 on Apple Silicon.
Our amp plugins (ToneHub, AmpHub) include standalone versions that allow you to use the plugin without a DAW. The standalone version is perfect for practice and live use.
You can also use all our plugins as VST, VST3, AU, or AAX plugins within your favorite DAW.
You can cancel your subscription anytime from your account page at www.stltones.com/account/login. Then follow these steps:
- Click "Manage My Subscriptions" on the left side menu
- Click "Manage Subscriptions" on the right side menu
- Choose the subscription you wish to cancel and follow the prompts
Your access will continue until the end of your current billing period.
Perpetual License (Own Outright): One-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to the plugin. You receive an activation code via email and own the license forever.
Subscription: Monthly or annual payment ($14.99/month or $144/year for most products) that gives you access to the plugin and all its content. No activation codes needed - just login with your account. Includes full access to all current & future expansion pack releases. Cancel anytime.
No! As of October 2024, we officially completed our transition to our proprietary STL Licensing System, and iLok is no longer required (with the exception of Libra).
No iLok account or USB dongle is needed for any of our current plugins.
Contact Support
Still need help? Our support team is here to assist you.
Live Chat
Click the 'Chat' button on the bottom right corner of our website for immediate assistance during business hours.
Submit a Request
Visit our contact page to submit a detailed support request. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Email Support
Reach out to our team at support@stltones.com for technical assistance and product questions.
Business Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (Nashville, TN)
Before Contacting Support: Please check this FAQ section and search our help center, as most standard support questions are answered here. This helps us respond to complex issues faster!
What to Include in Your Support Request
- Your operating system (Mac/Windows and version)
- The plugin name and version number
- Your DAW (if applicable) and its version
- A detailed description of the issue
- Screenshots or error messages (if applicable)
- Steps to reproduce the problem
Note: The emails you receive from STL Tones for your orders are not related to our support team and are not monitored. For support issues, please use the methods listed above.
Additional Resources
Find more information and resources:
- Downloads Center: href="https://www.stltones.com/pages/file-downloads">www.stltones.com/pages/file-downloads
- Your Account: href="https://www.stltones.com/account/login">www.stltones.com/account/login
- Main Website: www.stltones.com
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