Frequently asked questions
If something isn't covered here, drop us a line from the waitlist form.
What operating systems does SmartGroove run on?
Windows ships first. macOS support is in active development and will land before the v1.0 public launch — both platforms ship together. Linux is not on the v1 roadmap.
Do I need an internet connection?
Only for the AI features. The audio engine, looping, plugin hosting, and project save/load all run fully offline. AI features (MIDI generation, audio generation, chat) go through a hosted proxy and consume credits from your monthly plan.
What plugin formats are supported?
VST3 and CLAP at launch. AU support for macOS is being evaluated for v1 — may slip to v1.1 if VST3 + CLAP coverage is sufficient.
How does the AI assistant work?
It talks directly to your project state via a strict tool interface — it can create tracks, write MIDI notes, generate audio, edit clips. Every tool call is verified against engine state before reporting back, so if a request fails the assistant knows immediately rather than reporting a false success.
What happens when I run out of AI credits?
The audio engine and looper keep working normally — credits only gate the AI features. Credits reset monthly with your subscription; the meter is visible in Settings → Account.
Can I use SmartGroove without subscribing?
Yes. The Free tier gives you the full DAW, looper, arrangement, and plugin hosting — only the AI features are gated. Pro and Studio tiers add monthly AI credit allocations.
Where is my data stored?
Project files live on your local disk in a hybrid format (JSON metadata + binary audio). Your account profile and subscription state live in Supabase. AI prompts are sent to the proxy in flight but not stored long-term.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Settings → Account → Manage Subscription opens the LemonSqueezy customer portal where you can cancel, pause, update payment method, or download invoices. Cancellation takes effect immediately and reverts you to Free at the end of the current billing period.
Is there a trial?
The Free tier IS the trial — no time limit, no card required. Upgrade to a paid tier any time to unlock AI features.
When does Beta open?
Join the waitlist to be notified. Beta is rolling out gradually; the BETA50 cohort coupon gives early users a discount on paid tiers.