RAMA / support
Support
If something is unclear, something goes wrong, or you have an idea that would make RAMA more useful, write to info@pcarroll.au.
When you write, it helps to include your RAMA version, macOS version, Mac model, what you were trying to do, and the copied error report. Please do not send an audio file unless I have asked for it; its format, duration, and approximate size are normally enough to begin with.
Install RAMA
RAMA requires macOS 13 Ventura or later on an Apple Silicon Mac.
- Download the RAMA DMG from the Lemon Squeezy purchase email.
- Open the DMG and drag RAMA into Applications.
- Eject the disk image, then open RAMA from Applications.
- Enter the licence key from the purchase email when prompted.
If the final public build shows an unidentified-developer warning, contact support. The normal public installer should already be signed and notarised; you should not need to bypass macOS security to install it.
Quick start
- Drop in a mono or stereo audio file, or choose one of the Bundled Materials.
- Drag the waveform handles to choose the part you want to loop.
- Press play, set a comfortable listening volume, then adjust slowdown, final wash, reverb, master EQ, and the optional cuts. Volume does not change the exported WAV.
- In normal mode, Randomise Reverbs changes only Space, Decay and Damping. Turn on Advanced first when you want it to include all deeper reverb-shaping controls.
- In Render, choose a length and fades, choose an export folder if needed, then press export and follow the 0%–100% progress bar.
Frequently asked questions
What does RAMA do?
RAMA takes a user-selected loop, feeds it through layered reverb and a slowed circular buffer, then lets you hear the drone live or create a separate WAV render.
Does RAMA change my original recording?
No. The original stays untouched. RAMA decodes it for local processing and creates separate exports. Recent Materials and .rama projects keep references and settings, not private audio copies. RAMA does not move, rename, change, or delete the original.
Does my audio leave my Mac?
No. The reviewed audio engine processes and renders on your Mac. RAMA’s native licence service contacts Lemon Squeezy only for an activation preflight, activation, and deliberate deactivation. It does not perform periodic validation. Audio, filenames, waveforms, and sound settings are not sent as part of those requests.
Do I need an internet connection?
Audio processing is local. RAMA needs internet access for first activation, but a successful activation is permanent on that Mac. There is no periodic validation, expiry, background licence check, app-version binding, or later internet requirement for playback and export.
What audio files can I load?
RAMA accepts mono or stereo WAV/WAVE and AIF/AIFF files up to 128 MiB, plus MP3, M4A, AAC and FLAC files up to 64 MiB. The macOS Web Audio environment still needs to decode the file, and the decoded recording must be 10 minutes or shorter. OGG is not supported in the current Mac build. If a file does not load, use copy error report, review it, and include its format and size in a support email.
Where are WAV exports saved?
The current Mac build starts with Downloads, then remembers whichever local folder you choose with the folder button beside export. The export window shows measured progress from 0% to 100%; you can cancel an active export safely. When the render finishes, show in Finder reveals that exact WAV.
Why can a long render take time?
RAMA builds the layered effects and final WAV locally. Longer outputs require more processing and memory. Leave the app open until the completion screen appears.
What are Recent Materials?
Recent Materials remembers up to 12 references to original files in their existing locations and shows the 10 newest. It does not keep audio copies. If an original moves, RAMA asks you to locate it again.
What does Starred do?
The star control marks favourite Bundled Materials. User-selected source references and projects are not starred.
What is a .rama project?
A .rama project is small JSON text containing either an original-file reference or a Bundled Material ID plus loop, sound, render, appearance and interface settings. It does not embed audio. Copy an original source separately when moving its project to another Mac, then use RAMA’s locate prompt to reconnect it. A Bundled Material project reopens that supplied sound directly from RAMA.
How do New Project, Save Project and Save Project As… differ?
New Project clears the current source and Latest Render and restores RAMA-L sound/render defaults, while keeping personal theme, Size and Volume preferences. Save Project updates the open .rama file. Save Project As… keeps that file unchanged, creates a separate project, and makes the new copy the current project for later saves. Open Project is also available from File and Recent Projects.
How do I clear Latest Render?
Select clear beside Latest Render to remove the in-app waveform and release its memory. This does not delete a WAV already exported to Finder.
What if audio stops after sleep or an output change?
RAMA watches real audio callbacks and reconnects automatically if sleep or a default-output change leaves the old connection silent. Live playback and dry Audition restart normally; Latest Render continues from its captured position. If sound still does not return, select stop and play once, then copy any error report RAMA shows.
Is RAMA a plug-in?
No. RAMA is a standalone Mac app. It does not currently run as an Audio Unit, VST, or AAX plug-in.
Can I use RAMA in commercial music?
Yes. The intended paid licence allows you to use RAMA and its outputs in personal and commercial audio work, provided you have the rights to the source material. You may not resell or redistribute the RAMA app itself.
How many Macs can I activate?
One licence is for one individual purchaser and can be activated on up to two Apple Silicon Macs.
Are updates included?
Compatible updates throughout RAMA version 1.x are included. A future major version 2 may be offered as a separate paid upgrade.
What happens when I replace a Mac?
Open About & Legal, choose deactivate this Mac, read the explanation, and confirm. RAMA clears only its Keychain licence record after Lemon Squeezy confirms deactivation. If the request fails, the record stays in place and RAMA offers a redacted error report. If the old Mac is unavailable, email support with the order email address. Do not send card details or the complete licence key.
How do I report a problem?
Use RAMA’s copy error report button, then review the report before emailing it to info@pcarroll.au. An ordinary loading, playback or export report may include the source filename or local path, file type and size, system details and stack information; it never includes the audio itself. A separate RAMA licence error report is more strictly redacted and omits the complete key, Keychain record, customer details, audio filenames and local paths.
What if RAMA says its saved licence record is unreadable?
RAMA may offer repair corrupt local record only for a confirmed unreadable local activation record. Confirm clear corrupt local record only when you want to remove that unreadable local record and return to activation. The repair never runs automatically and is not a fix for Keychain being unavailable. Because the unreadable record’s remote device details cannot be recovered, activating again may meet the two-Mac limit; contact support if that happens.
How do I remove RAMA and its local data?
If possible, deactivate the Mac first, then move RAMA from Applications to the Bin. Exports, original recordings and .rama projects stay where they are. Recent references and preferences are separate from the Keychain licence record, so uninstalling the app does not automatically remove or deactivate everything. Contact support before manually removing data if you want to preserve the ability to release an activation.
A note on results
RAMA is a creative effect. A long, safely limited render is not automatically a mastered or delivery-ready file. Keep the original and listen to an important export in suitable audio software before you release or present it.