What are the system requirements for MachFive?
For MachFive version 3.0 and later
- A minimum of 2 GB of RAM is required. However, since MachFive loads samples (or a portion of the samples) into the computer’s RAM add as much RAM as possible to your computer; 4 GB is recommended. MachFive also allows samples to be streamed directly from disk thus freeing up RAM.
- Large hard drive(s), preferably at least 100 GB. The disk on which the sounds are stored must be a fast hard disk. See “Hard disk format”, below, for additional requirements.
- An iLok USB Smart Key from Pace Anti-Piracy. MachFive 3 is compatible with iLok 1 and 2. PLEASE NOTE: an iLok key is not included in the MachFive 3 package. If you are are upgrading from a previous version of MachFive, you can use your MachFive version 1 or 2 iLok for your new version 3 license, which is downloaded from ilok.com.
- A free USB port for the iLok USB key. Note that if you have multiple products which use iLoks for authorization you can consolidate multiple authorizations onto a single iLok; see this tech note.
- A CD/DVD disk drive for installation.
- A digital audio workstation program or other program that hosts AU, VST, or RTAS instrument plug-ins. Alternatively, MachFive can be used as a standalone application.
Mac systems
- Intel Core Duo CPU 1.83 GHz or faster; multiple processors or a multi-core processor is required. Intel Core 2 Duo CPU 2.0 GHz or faster recommended. Macs with PowerPC CPUs are not supported.
- Mac OS X version 10.5, 10.6, or 10.7 (v10.5.8 or later is required).
Windows systems
- Intel Core Duo CPU 1.83 GHz or faster; multiple processors or a multi-core processor is required. Intel Core 2 Duo CPU 2.0 GHz or faster recommended.
- Windows 7 or Vista (32- or 64-bit; Vista SP2 or later is required).
64-bit operation
For native 64-bit operation, MachFive has the following additional requirements:
- Mac OS X v10.6 or 10.7, or a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista
- 64-bit CPU
- 64-bit plug-in host application, if using the 64-bit plug-in
Hard disk format
Due to the large size of MachFive’s factory soundbank UFS files, the disk containing the soundbank files must be able to support individual files larger than 4 GB. This is determined by the disk’s file system format.
The default file system format for disk drives on Mac OS X and Windows are compatible with MachFive’s soundbank files:
- Mac OS X: HFS+ (Mac OS Extended, journaled or unjournaled)
- Windows: NTFS
The FAT32 format is not compatible with MachFive’s soundbank files, as it does not allow file sizes greater than 4 GB.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.