How many computers can I install a single license on?

A single-user license allows your Eclipse Audio software to be activated on one computer at a time. If you replace your computer, you can transfer your license to the new device. However, the same license cannot be used to activate multiple computers simultaneously. For example, if your business needs to use the software on three computers at the same time, three separate licenses are required. Discounts are available for businesses purchasing five or more subscription licenses . Special pricing may also be available for educational institutions purchasing multiple licenses. Please contact us for further information.

Can I transfer my license to a new computer?

Yes. You can transfer your Eclipse Audio license from one Windows or macOS computer to another. Before activating the software on the new computer, ensure the currently licensed computer is connected to the Internet. From the Help menu, select License , then choose Deactivate . You can then activate the software on the new computer using your existing license ID and password. Please note that licenses are intended for use on one computer at a time . Regularly moving a license between multiple computers is not supported. Once a license has been deactivated from a particular computer, it cannot be reactivated on that same computer using the same license.

I can't access my previous computer to deactivate the software. Now I'm unable to install it elsewhere… ?

We can deactive your software remotely so you can reinstall it on a new computer. Just contact us (& provide your license ID).

How do I update FIR Designer or other Eclipse Audio software?

License holders will be notified within the software when an update is available (unless notifications have been disabled within 'Preferences'). Note that annual subscription licensees receive all updates, while Perpetual (one-time-purchase) licensees only receive bug-fix updates. The price page details the available license options. On Windows, you can either install an update over the existing install, or install to a unique directory. The installer wizard will prompt you to choose an install direction. If either install has been activated with a license key, both will work and both use the same "license." On macOS, if you drag-and-drop ''FIR Creator", "FIR Creator EX" or "FIR Designer" onto the "Applications" folder, you will be prompted to choose whether you are "replacing" the existing version. To keep multiple versions, before installing the update, rename the existing "FIR Creator", "FIR Creator EX" or "FIR Designer" install that is in the "Applications" folder.

Can I run FIR Designer in a virtual machine (VM)?

No. Eclipse Audio software cannot be activated or used within a virtual machine (VM). This includes virtualisation platforms such as Parallels Desktop , VMware , VirtualBox , and similar virtual machine environments. To activate and use the software, it must be installed on a supported physical Windows or macOS computer.

How do I renew my annual FIR Designer subscription?

The annual subscription fee will be automatically changed to the same payment method you originally used . You will receive a notification in advance when the annual subscription payment is due. There is an opportunity to change the payment method or choose a different credit card prior to the charge occurring. If payment is not received, the software will drop back to demo mode (ie. project file saving & filter export will be disabled). Please note, not all Eclipse Audio software products require an annual subscription payment (some are available as a perpetual, one-time-payment license). See all purchase options .

Can I upgrade from one Eclipse Audio product to another?

In many cases, yes. It is often possible to upgrade or switch between Eclipse Audio software products (for example, from FIR Designer to FIR Designer M ). Available upgrade options depend on the products involved, whether you have a subscription or perpetual license , and how long you've held your license. For details of the upgrade options available for your license, see the Software Upgrades page

FIR Designer Software Download & Installation FAQ

Download, Installation & Activation

Find answers to common questions about downloading, installing, activating and updating the FIR Designer range of audio DSP design tools for macOS and Windows.

I need help downloading or installing a demo version…

Get demo-specific advice on our demo page.

How do I install the software?

Upon purchase, you’ll receive a license ID & a link to download the software via email. (Note you cannot ‘activate’ a demo version with a license ID; a new download of the full version is required).

On Windows, simply run the installer and follow the installer wizard.

On macOS, open the DMG file and drag-and-drop “FIR Designer” (or other product name) onto the “Applications” folder shortcut.

How do I re-install FIR Designer or other Eclipse Audio software?

If your original download link has expired or you can no longer find the purchase email, contact Eclipse Audio and we’ll send you an updated download link so you can reinstall the software.

I get an error when trying to run Eclipse Audio software on macOS

If you see the dialog ‘FIR Designer can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer’, here’s what you should do:

1. Click “ok” to close the “…can’t be opened…” dialog.
2. Open “System Preferences” “Security & Privacy.”
3. Unlock the security preferences by clicking the lock symbol next to “Click the lock to make changes.” (You will be prompted to enter your maxOS username and password.)
4. Under “Allow apps downloaded from:”, note which checkbox is set, then check “Anywhere.”
5. Click “Open Anyway.”
If FIR Designer opens, close it.
6. Under “Allow apps downloaded from:”, check the previous checkbox noted in 3.
7. Click the lock symbol to lock the security preferences.
8. Try running “FIR Designer” from the Applications folder. If the “…can’t be opened…” dialog appears again, close it, then go to “System Preferences” “Security & Privacy” and, once again, click “Open Anyway.”

From now on, FIR Designer will open without any warnings.

Is an internet connection required to use FIR Designer?

No; all products are fully functional both online and offline once activated. (An internet connection is required for activation).

HOWEVER…

they need to be run while connected to the internet at least once every 30 days. If you’re using any of the apps offline and it’s more than 30 days since the last validation, the product will drop back to demo mode (ie. some functionality becomes disabled – including file saving), EVEN IF your subscription payment is current (in the case of a FIR Designer or FIR Designer M annual license).

To re-enable full functionality, restart the product while connected to the internet.

How do I activate a license of FIR Designer or other Eclipse Audio software?

After purchasing a license, you’ll immediately receive your License ID, password, and a download link for the full version of the software.

Install the software, then open the Help menu and select License. Enter your License ID and password, then click Activate. An Internet connection is required for licese activation.

Please note: Licese details cannot be used to unlock the demonstration version. If you’ve purchased a license, download and install the full version of the software using the link provided in your purchase email.

How many computers can I insta