macOS 12 Monterey: Compatibility Guide
- macOS 12 Monterey release date
- Should I upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey?
- Which Macs can run macOS 12 Monterey?
- macOS 12 Monterey compatibility list
macOS 12 Monterey release date
Apple’s macOS 12 Monterey is the latest version of macOS and was announced for official public release on October 25. We are excited to start using the new software but, at the same time, are extremely cautious. Pro audio and music production users probably should not upgrade until all of their respective third-party software and hardware are officially supported by their respective manufacturers. When you do that, you’re making sure your computer environment stays working and intact, rather than running the risk of one software app not launching or a hardware device losing connectivity.
While updates are pushed to our mobile devices and computers all the time, upgrading macOS on a music or multimedia production computer is a big deal, and it should be done with caution. On one hand, the latest, greatest features are oh so appealing but, on the other hand, are potentially unverified and unsupported hardware/software configurations that compromise your workflow and ability to work.
Should I upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey?
Before macOS 11 Big Sur’s release in fall 2020, Apple released updates to “OS X” in chapters (10.8, 10.9, 10.10, 10.11, etc.). Now named “macOS,” the software has been released as macOS 11 Big Sur and now as macOS 12 Monterey. When a new version of macOS becomes available, the latest Macs start shipping with that version. Any recent Mac with compatible hardware specifications also has the option to upgrade.
When you upgrade macOS, you’re not just updating a single app or device driver; you’re updating the entire computer. That has the potential to cause some serious incompatibility issues with third-party software (DAWs, plug-ins, apps) and audio interfaces (drivers, software).
What to consider before upgrading macOS
Before upgrading macOS you’ll want to perform the following:
- Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac’s current state.
- Back up current projects, software licenses, and important files to another storage device.
- Check, double-check, and then triple-check that your third-party software and hardware are supported on macOS 12 Monterey.
DAW and plug-in software
Software is a big deal for music makers, audio engineers, and those who work with multimedia production. What are you supposed to do if one of your most important apps or plug-ins isn’t working correctly? You try to reinstall it, but it just won’t install! Oh no!
When it comes to using the latest version of macOS, there is no way to trust that your software will work correctly unless it is officially supported by its manufacturer. That means digital audio workstations like Pro Tools and Studio One won’t be usable on that version of macOS until their respective creators have tested compatibility and made an official statement on the manufacturer’s product or support pages.
Audio and MIDI device drivers
External hardware devices like audio interfaces and MIDI controllers are especially affected by macOS upgrades. External hardware connects to your Mac with software drivers, and while some devices don’t require custom drivers to work, many, if not most, do. Class-compliant devices use native audio, MIDI, and display drivers to connect to Macs and PCs alike. Many devices require a custom software driver designed by the manufacturer. Control software such as Focusrite Control (Focusrite), Universal Control (PreSonus), and Console (Universal Audio) are all examples of third-party driver software that are required for their respective devices to connect to your Mac and work correctly. Each of those companies also has class-compliant audio interfaces that do not require software drivers. They connect via native audio/MIDI drivers found on PCs, Macs, and even Android/iPad tablets.
Remember, 32-bit is not compatible
Apple’s macOS 10.14 Mojave was the final version to support 32-bit apps and plug-ins; macOS Catalina and all subsequent versions no longer support 32-bit software, and they cannot be installed. You’ll need to use an updated 64-bit version or find a compatible alternative. Learn more in Apple’s article about 32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later.
Which Macs can run macOS 12 Monterey?
Most recently released Macs are compatible with macOS 12 Monterey and have the ability to upgrade their version of macOS. If your Mac is not compatible, then it cannot upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey and will only be able to upgrade to the latest compatible version respective to its model. Locate your model identifier or part number to help specify its exact version. You can also use your Mac’s “About This Mac” feature on the Menu Bar to learn more about your specific Mac.
- iMac late 2015 and later
- Mac Pro late 2013 and later
- iMac Pro 2017 and later
- Mac mini late 2014 and later
- MacBook Air early 2015 and later
- MacBook Pro early 2016 and later
- MacBook Pro early 2015 and later
macOS 12 Monterey compatibility list
Like in years past, we’re excited about Monterey’s October 25 release and anticipate third-party hardware and software manufacturers will immediately begin testing and confirming compatibility status as soon as possible.
Software compatibility often involves next-gen products, and some software and hardware become no longer supported as new products are released. If this is an issue and compromises your system’s integrity, then staying on your current compatibility configuration is the best decision. If your needs are not hardware/software specific, consider using class-compliant devices that aren’t bound to third-party software/driver updates.
– Contact Acon Digital tech support at this link.
– Akai Pro Support
– Alesis | macOS 12 Monterey Compatibility
– Audient Specifications & Information– Monterey and Silicon Compatibility
– Audified Downloads
On macOS 12 Monterey all Audio Ease plug-ins require Pro Tools 2021.12 or up.
– AudioEase macOS 12 MontereyAltiverb 7, Indoor, Speakerphone 2 and 360pan suite 3 work fine through Rosetta 2 emulation on Apple Silicon (M1).
The latest BarbaBatch, Snapper and Make a Test Tone feature native M1 support.
– M1 Apple Silicon CPU compatibility
The newest versions of SWAM Solo Brass, Solo Strings and Solo Woodwinds run natively on Apple Silicon (M1) .
If you use Logic Pro or GarageBand, make sure to start them in Rosetta mode.
All SWAM instruments should be compatible with any host or DAW supporting VST / Audio Units / AAX formats.
– Audio Modeling | Do SWAM instruments run on Silicon / M1 architecture?– Audio Modeling Compatibility
– Avid Pro Tools Operating System Compatibility Chart Avid Sibelius version 2022.3 and higher is compatible with macOS 12 Monterey.
– Avid Sibelius Operating System Compatibility ChartFor Avid Media Composer compatibility information, please follow this link.
– Avid Media Composer System Requirements
Behringer’s X32/M32 Edit app and X-Air/M-Air Edit app support macOS 12 Monterey.
– More information at this link.
– For the latest Best Service product updates, please follow this link.
The Big Fish Momentum plugin is available in AAX, VST and AU format, and should work within a macOS 12 Monterey-compatible DAW, but Big Fish does not provide official support for macOS 12.
– Big Fish Momentum
Make sure your DAW is compatible with macOS 12 Monterey.
– MacOS 12 Monterey and Windows 11 Support
– Boss Compatibility With macOS Monterey (macOS 12) (Intel-Based)
– Boss Compatibility With macOS Monterey (macOS 12) (Apple M1 Chip)
– Celemony Melodyne System Requirements: Technical Matters
There is a separate installer for the M1 version of Voltage Modular. Follow this link for more information.
– Cherry Audio Apple Silicon M1 processor support
– Cinesamples Product Compatibility & Version Chart
– **MacOS12 Monterey Compatibility Chart**
– East West Software Updates
– Electron | Resources for Overbridge
– eMedia EarMaster product page
AU, VST2, and VST3 plugins natively support M1 and Intel processors
AAX natively supports Intel, and M1 under Rosetta 2
– **Latest OS Compatibility Info**
– Download the latest updated plugins at this link
Intel Compatibility
– Focusrite product compatibility with macOS 12 “Monterey” on Intel-based systems
Apple Silicon Compatibility
– Focusrite product compatibility with macOS 12 “Monterey” on Apple Silicon-based systems
GetGood Drums’ drum libraries run inside Native Instruments Kontakt and should be compatible when used with a version of Kontakt which is macOS 12-Monterey-compatible.
They report that all other GForce instruments work on Big Sur.
Information on their website is limited, so please contact GForce Technical Support with questions.
– What Operating Systems do iConnectivity interfaces work with?
– ILIO Product Frequently Asked Questions
– FL Studio Apple Silicon ARM Processors – M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max Support
– iZotope Compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey– iZotope Compatibility with Apple silicon
– Download the latest versions at this link.
Korg provides a highly detailed chart for all its supported products:
– Korg Mac Compatibility Chart
If your system already has Korg’s macOS MIDI driver installed from previous years (prior to 2019), you must un-install it, which will enable connection using Apple’s built-in MIDI driver instead. Follow this link:
– Instructions to un-install the legacy Korg Mac OS X MIDI driver
– Line 6 macOS 11 Big Sur/Silicon M1 chip compatibility
– Lynx | How to Install driver on macOS Big Sur or Monterey
– macOS 12 Monterey and Finale Notation and Garritan Products
The newest versions of McDSP plugins run native on Apple Silicon (M1).
– **McDSP Plug-In Support Page**
– Modartt FAQ
– MOTU and macOS Monterey
For Apple Silicon (M1) Macs, Native Instruments reports that all of their products are supported via Rosetta 2 emulation.
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 is natively compatible with Apple Silicon (M1) Macs.
However, Native Instruments states that their products are not yet compatible with the MacBook M1 Max / Pro / Ultra or Macs with M2 processors.
This information was last updated by Sweetwater on August 5, 2022.
– Read Native Instrument’s latest update: Apple Silicon (M1 / M2) Compatibility News
– **Novation product compatibility with macOS Monterey (12) on Intel-based systems**- **Novation product compatibility with macOS Monterey (12) on Apple Silicon**
– Nugen Audio Frequently Asked Questions
– Numark | macOS 12 Monterey Compatibility
Output is still working to provide native support for Apple Silicon (M1).
– Output macOS Monterey & M1 Compatibility
– All Gem plug-ins are now Apple Silicon compatible! Free Upgrade
– **System requirements**
– Positive Grid Windows 11 & macOS 12 Update
– macOS 12 – Monterey / iOS 15 / iPadOS 15 Compatibility with PreSonus Products
– Pyware 3D System Requirements
– **macOS Monterey compatibility statement**
– Roland Compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey (Intel-Based)– Roland Compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey (Apple M1 Chip)
• Serato DJ Pro 2.5.7 and higher
• Serato DJ Lite 1.5.7 and higher
• Serato Studio 1.6.4 and higher
• Serato Sample 1.4 and higher
Hardware drivers have limited support.
Learn more on Serato’s support page:
– macOS 12 Monterey – now supported (Serato software status)
– Newest, up-to-date Slate Digital installers
– Slate Media Technology Support Page
– Softube Support System Requirements
– Solid State Logic Windows and macOS Compatibility
Reference 4 and SoundID Listen are not currently compatible.
Please refer to the following for the most up to date information:
– **macOS 12 Monterey Compatibility (Intel)**- **Apple Silicon (M1) Compatibility**
– Sonoma Wire Works Important Announcement
Soundtoys is preparing VST 3 versions of their plugins. Special circumstances apply to running Cubase 12 on macOS on Apple Silicon (M1). Please consult the following links.
– Soundtoys 5 Compatibility– Apple Silicon Compatibility
Spectrasonics Mac OS Compatibility
In left-hand navigation, under “General” select “Compatibility”, “Mac OS Compatibility” is the first option on the page.
Follow this link to locate the specific compatibility information for your software or hardware product:
– **macOS Monterey product compatibility**
Cubase 12 and Nuendo 12 provide partial support for native mode on Apple Silicon (M1) processors, but at this time they run in Rosetta 2 emulation mode for best compatibility. For configuration instructions, read the article at this link:
– Steinberg Cubase 12 / Nuendo 12: Using the native Apple silicon version
– System Requirements & Supported Digital Audio Workstations
For specific questions, we encourage you to contact Steven Slate Drums support at this link.
Strymon provides firmware update, librarian and impulse manager apps for Windows and Mac, but they have not provided information about Windows 11 or macOS 12 Monterey compatibility.
– **Strymon Downloads**
Titan is not compatible with macOS 12 Monterey.
Current products will work under Rosetta on Mac computers with Apple silicon
If you are using Logic Pro X on a Mac computer with Apple Silicon, the VocAlign plug-ins will only work in real time mode, as Audio Units plug-ins.
If you want to use the Audio Units (ARA) version of the plug-in, you will need to run Logic Pro X in Rosetta mode.
– macOS 12 Monterey compatibility information for Synchro Arts products
– Synthogy Macintosh / OS X
– Updated Information about macOS Monterey
TC-Helicon devices with USB MIDI and audio are class-compliant on macOS and do not require a custom driver. Therefore they should be compatible with macOS 12 Monterey.
– Is Toontrack Software Supported on macOS 12 Monterey?
– u-he | Which operating systems do u-he products support?
UAD products using Thunderbolt are compatible with macOS 12 Monterey. Older Apollo FireWire devices are incompatible, but they can be upgraded to Thunderbolt.
The current version of UAD software provides native Apple Silicon (M1) support for UAD-2 DSP plug-ins and Apollo Console.
UAD Spark (UADx) plug-ins automatically run in native Apple silicon mode in DAWs that support native mode.
All other UA software currently runs under Apple’s Rosetta emulation.
For the latest information please see:
– UAD Software Compatibility with macOS 12 Monterey– Apple Silicon M1 & M2 Compatibility Info
VSL is developing native support for Apple Silicon (M1).
– Vienna Symphonic Library: Is VSL software compatible with macOS 12 (Monterey/Apple Silicon M1)?
– What are Wave Arts plug-in requirements?
– Drumagog System Requirements
– System Requirements– Apple M1 Support for Waves Plugins
Update your XLN Audio products through our Online Installer
– Yamaha macOS Monterey (12) Compatibility information
– Zoom Compatibility & Optimization
zPlane Blog Product Announcements
– Zynaptiq News
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