Audio Capture Engine, generally referred to as “ACE”, is Rogue Amoeba's powerful audio handling component.
On MacOS 11 (Big Sur) and MacOS 12 (Monterey), the initial installation of ACE requires some quick setup. The built-in ACE installer found in our products walks you through this.
On this page, we detail the full, step-by-step sequence needed to install ACE on Big Sur and Monterey. The same steps apply for all applications using ACE. This is a one-time process, and you'll be up and running in just a few minutes.
Step by Step Instructions:
1. Access the Security & Privacy System Preference:
Select System Preferences from the Apple () menu in the upper left. Click Security & Privacy, then the General tab.
2. Unlock the Security & Privacy Preference:
Click the lock in the lower left corner, then enter your Administrator password. The Security & Privacy system preference will then be unlocked, and you'll be able to make changes.
3. Allow System Software from Rogue Amoeba:
Click the Allow button to permit ACE to run on your Mac.
4. Restart and You're Done!
You're at the final step. Click Restart. When you log back in to your Mac, the application will be ready to go. Good work!
1. Open System Preferences:
Select System Preferences from theApple () menu in the upper left. ClickSecurity & Privacy, then the General tab.
2. Unlock the Security & Privacy Preference:
Click the lock in the lower left corner, then enter your Administrator password. The Security & Privacy system preference will then be unlocked, and you'll be able to make changes.
3. Enable System Extensions:
Click the Enable system extensions… button to proceed.
4. Shut Down Your Mac:
This dialog explains how to access the Mac's “Recovery” environment. Click Shutdown.
5. Boot into your Mac's "Recovery" Environment:
To boot to the Mac's “Recovery” environment, press and hold the Touch ID or power button on your Mac.
When the screen says “Loading startup options…”, you can let go.
6. Select an Admin User:
Select a user with administrator privileges, then click Next.
7. Enter Your User Password:
You'll be prompted for your login password. Enter it, then click Continue.
8. Adjust the Mac's "Security Policy"
The Startup Security Utility should now load automatically. If not, access it from the Utilities menu.
Click your main system drive, then click the Security Policy… button. You can now adjust the security policy so ACE can run.
9. Switch to Reduced Security:
By default, you'll see the configuration is pictured above. Switch to Reduced Security and enable the first checkbox, “Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers”.
10. Confirm Security Settings:
Your settings should now match the image above. You can now click the OK button.
11. Approve the Change:
Enter your password, then click the OK button. The new security policy will then be applied. When it's finished, the window will close.
12. Acknowledge the System Alert:
You'll now see a message from the system, stating that ACE has been blocked from running. Don't worry, that's expected! Click the Open Security Preferences button to proceed.
13. Access the Security & Privacy Preference:
If you clicked Open Security Preferences in the previous dialog, you'll already be in the right place.
If not, select System Preferences from theApple () menu in the upper left. ClickSecurity & Privacy, then the General tab.
14. Unlock the Security & Privacy Tab:
Click the lock in the lower left corner, then enter your Administrator password. The Security & Privacy system preference will then be unlocked, and you'll be able to make changes
15. Allow System Software from Rogue Amoeba:
Click the Allow button to permit ACE to run on your Mac.
16. Restart and You're Done!
You're at the final step. Click Restart. When you log back in to your Mac, the application will be ready to go. Good work!
Note: In rare instances, a bug in MacOS 11 prevents System Preferences from offering the expected option. If you encounter this issue, follow our troubleshooting steps in this article.
Additional Details on M Chip Installation:
• The “Reduced Security” setting still provides your Mac with powerful security, only allowing operating systems approved by Apple to run.
• ACE is actually a standard audio plug-in, not a kernel extension. However, it receives enhanced privileges to access your system's audio, so Apple uses their existing kernel extension verification system on MacOS 11 and MacOS 12 to allow ACE to load.
1. Install Loopback:
2. Uninstall ACE using Loopback:
https://rogueamoeba.com/support/knowledgebase/?showArticle=ACE-Uninstall&product=Loopback
3. Uninstall Loopback if desired using the link from step 1: