iLok Issues for Sonoma 14.4 Users! – Fixed with v14.4.1

The bug introduced with the recent Apple Sonoma 14.4 update that disrupted the functionality of iLok-authorized plug-ins when running on M2 or M3 has been fixed with the Sonoma v14.4.1 update. 

It is highly recommended for Sonoma 14.4 users to update their OS to version 14.4.1.  You can find the update in the macOS settings.

Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support

McDSP Recommendations

As you may be aware, a bug introduced with macOS Sonoma 14.4 has been causing certain PACE-protected Audio Units plugins to crash upon startup. We understand the frustration and inconvenience this may have caused for some of our users. We’re pleased to inform you that Apple has swiftly addressed this issue in the latest Sonoma 14.4.1 update.

To resolve the problem, we highly recommend upgrading your macOS to Sonoma 14.4.1 as soon as possible. You can find this update in your macOS System Settings.

iLok/Pace recommendations

macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduced a bug where some PACE-protected Audio Units plugins crash on startup, when running on M2 or M3 hardware under the ARM architecture.

Apple fixed this bug in 14.4.1. Please upgrade your macOS to resolve the problem.

If for some other reason you must use macOS 14.4, running your DAW under Rosetta might help if the plugin is a Universal binary.

Universal Audio Recommenations

A bug was introduced with macOS Sonoma 14.4 causing some PACE-protected Audio Units plugins crash on startup, when running on M2 or M3 hardware under the ARM architecture.

Apple fixed this bug in the Sonoma 14.4.1 update. Please upgrade your macOS to resolve the problem.

If for some other reason you must use macOS 14.4, running your DAW under Rosetta might help if the plugin is a Universal binary.

For more information about macOS Sonoma 14 compatibility with Universal Audio products, read this article.

Forbes also has an article about the problems with v14.4 and the fixes with v14.4.1. Read the article

Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support

The Issue

iLok/PACE recommendations:

We’ve identified an issue where some PACE-protected Audio Units plugins crash on startup with macOS Sonoma 14.4, when running on M2 or M3 hardware under the ARM architecture.

Apple is aware of this issue, and their fix is expected in an upcoming macOS point release, but they have not indicated a timeline.

Until then, we recommend:

• Avoiding macOS 14.4: If you haven’t upgraded, consider waiting.
• Downgrading: If you’ve already upgraded, you may want to revert to a previous macOS version if possible.
• Running your DAW under Rosetta: For those already on macOS 14.4, running your DAW under Rosetta might help if the plugin is a Universal binary.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update here if there are any changes.

Logic Pro recommendations:

There are several reports that indicate an update to Sonoma 14.4 might break functionality with iLok authorized plugins. Be careful, wait until there is a fix released. And remember, always de-activate “turn on Download new updates when available” and de-activate “install application updates from the App Store automatically” here:

Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support

McDSP recommendations

Action Required:

We strongly advise users to refrain from updating to Sonoma 14.4 until further notice. It is crucial to wait for a fix or confirmation of compatibility from McDSP before proceeding with the update.

Recommended Steps:

• Disable Automatic Updates:
• Deactivate the “Turn on Download new updates when available” option.
• Deactivate the “Install application updates from the App Store automatically” option.
• To access these settings:
• Go to “System Preferences” on your Mac.
• Select “Software Update.”
• Uncheck the mentioned options.

Note: It is essential to keep these settings disabled until a confirmed fix or update is released.

Additional Resources:

For more information on managing your Mac updates, refer to the official Apple Support guide: Keep your Mac up to date – Apple Support

Universal Audio recommendations

Following the introduction of macOS Sonoma 14.4, there have been reports of compatibility issues with PACE products, including the iLok License Manager. This problem specifically impacts plugins from various manufacturers that are safeguarded by PACE / iLok, including Universal Audio’s, when utilized with AU host DAWs such as Logic Pro.

Consequently, if you utilize Audio Units on an Apple Silicon computer, it is recommended to exercise caution when updating your operating system, particularly refraining from doing so on your studio machine during an ongoing project.

For more information about macOS Sonoma 14 compatibility with Universal Audio products, read this article.

Workaround

Temporarily setting your DAW and the iLok License Manager application to run in Rosetta mode appears to circumvent the issue. To do so, follow these steps:

• Quit all music-related applications such as your DAW, UA Connect and iLok License Manager.
• Navigate to the Applications folder and find your DAW and the iLok License Manager application.
• Right-click (or Control + Click) the application and choose Get Info.
• In the Info window that opens, look for the Open using Rosetta option and enable it.
• Reboot your computer and launch your DAW to check if the plug-ins still fail validation.