Atomic quick-start guide

Updated 17 October 2026

Atomic is a compressor plug-in for macOS and Windows. This guide covers installing it, activating it and getting a first sound out of it. Atomic is still in development, so details may change before release; this page will follow them.

Install

1. Download the installer for your system from Downloads.
2. Run it. The installer puts each format in the standard plug-in folder for your system: VST3 and CLAP on macOS and Windows, and Audio Unit (AU) on macOS.
3. Open your DAW and let it rescan its plug-ins if Atomic does not appear right away.

Atomic needs macOS 12 or later (Apple Silicon or Intel) or 64-bit Windows 10 or later, and a 64-bit host that loads VST3, CLAP or AU plug-ins.

Try it

The trial is the complete plug-in. It runs for 14 days from the first time you open Atomic's window. When the trial ends, Atomic passes audio through unchanged until you activate a license, so sessions that use it still open and play.

Activate

A license activates Atomic on two computers. Activate from the plug-in's window in one of three ways:

• Sign in with your browser: Atomic opens zmora.audio, you approve the computer in your account, and the plug-in activates itself.
• Paste your activation key from your account page.
• Offline: export a request file from the plug-in, upload it on your account page from any computer that is online, and load the license file you get back.

To move a license to another computer, deactivate it in the plug-in or on your account page first. Activation is shared by all formats on the same computer.

First steps

1. Insert Atomic on a track or bus and load the Starting point preset.
2. Lower the Threshold until the gain-reduction meter moves by a few decibels on the loudest parts.
3. Use Attack to decide how much of each transient gets through, and Release to set how quickly the compressor lets go.
4. Raise the Ratio for a firmer hold, and use Mix to blend in the uncompressed signal.
5. Compare with the plug-in bypassed at the same perceived level, and trust your ears.

Need help?

See Questions & answers or contact support.