Full Update – 04/05/2026
All The 3FX software, plugins and firmware have been updated on 04/05/2026
This firmware improves The 3FX detection across different Mac architectures. I was able to run the application on a 2012 Mac Pro running Big Sur and on my recent M4 Mini.
The 3FX firmware is available here
https://baloran.com/The3FX/Firmwares/FIRMWARE_3FX_1_54.bin
The Windows application installer is here
https://baloran.com/The3FX/Softwares/The3FX_Setup_WIN.exe
The MAC application installer is here, theoretically compatible with both Intel and ARM Macs
https://baloran.com/The3FX/Softwares/The3FX_Installer.dmg
The Windows VST3 plugin installer is here
https://baloran.com/The3FX/Softwares/The3FX_VST3_WIN_Setup.exe
The MAC VST3 plugin is here (Beta version)
https://baloran.com/The3FX/Softwares/The3FX_VST3_MAC.zip
It is not yet Apple signed, so there is one extra step required, but it's quick!
🔹 Download and unzip the ZIP file
🔹 Copy both files into the following folder: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
⚠️ Note: this is the Library folder at the root of your Mac, not your user Library. To access it easily: in Finder, press ⌘ + Shift + G, paste the path above and press Enter.
🔹 Unlock the plugin:
Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security
Scroll down, you will see a message regarding BALORANThe3FX
Click "Open Anyway"
🔹 Restart your DAW
The plugin should appear in your VST3 list. If not, run a plugin scan from within your DAW.
Any feedback is welcome, thank you for your help! 🙏
On an M4 running MacOS 15.7.3 when Ableton scanned the plugin it triggered the security popup but when I went to security settings and clicked "open anyway" nothing happens. Even after computer restart it's stuck in security settings and won't allow it to open.
Hi,
This is a known macOS Sequoia issue — for unsigned VST3 plugins, the "Open Anyway" button is unreliable because it's the host (Ableton) that loads the plugin, not you opening it directly. The fix is to remove the quarantine flag manually. Don't worry, it's normaly easy.
1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal, or Cmd+Space and type "Terminal").
2. Copy-paste the line below that matches where you installed the plugin, then press Enter:
If installed system-wide (most common, /Library/...):
sudo xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/BALORANThe3FX.vst3
If installed for your user only (~/Library/...):
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/BALORANThe3FX.vst3
The sudo version will ask for your Mac password (you won't see characters as you type — that's normal).
3. Quit Ableton completely, reopen it, and rescan plugins (Preferences → Plug-Ins → Rescan, or hold Option while clicking Rescan to force a full scan). The security popup should not reappear and the plugin will load.
If you also see the security entry still pinned in System Settings → Privacy & Security, you can ignore it — once the quarantine flag is gone, Ableton will load the plugin normally.
If needed, we will move to an Apple Developer ID subscription so the plugin can be properly signed and notarized for a smoother install on macOS — Apple's process is admittedly demanding to set up.
Let me know if anything stays stuck.