---
title: "Help: installing and setting up Mixroadie"
description: "Short answers on installing Mixroadie on Mac and Windows, opening the panel in REAPER, choosing an AI model, the free trial and the licence, and what to do when something doesn't work."
url: "https://mixroadie.com/help/"
---

HELP

# Setting up Mixroadie.

Installing it, opening it in REAPER, picking where the AI runs, and what to do when something doesn’t work.

## Install

- ### [How do I install Mixroadie on a Mac?](https://mixroadie.com/help/install-on-mac/)

  Open the disk image, drag Mixroadie to Applications, open it and press Install. It takes about two minutes and needs no admin password.

- ### [How do I install Mixroadie on Windows?](https://mixroadie.com/help/install-on-windows/)

  Run the installer, get past the Windows warning once, then open Mixroadie from the Start menu and press Install.

- ### [Why does Windows warn me about Mixroadie?](https://mixroadie.com/help/windows-warning/)

  The Windows download isn't signed with a paid certificate yet, so Windows warns once. Click More info, then Run anyway.

- ### [Does Mixroadie work on an Intel Mac?](https://mixroadie.com/help/intel-mac/)

  Yes, everything except the built-in AI model. Use a free local AI app such as LM Studio or Ollama, or a cloud AI, instead.

## Getting started

- ### [How do I open Mixroadie in REAPER?](https://mixroadie.com/help/open-mixroadie-in-reaper/)

  Open your project in REAPER and press Cmd+Ctrl+M on a Mac or Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows. The Mixroadie panel opens inside REAPER.

- ### [What should I do first?](https://mixroadie.com/help/first-mix/)

  Start with Diagnose this mix to check the recording, then press Mix my track for me, untick anything you disagree with and press Apply.

## AI models

- ### [Which AI model should I choose?](https://mixroadie.com/help/which-ai-model/)

  For privacy and no running cost, the built-in model. For the best answers, Claude on your own API key at about one to two cents per song. Already paying for Claude or ChatGPT? Use their app.

- ### [Where do I get an API key?](https://mixroadie.com/help/api-key/)

  From the provider's developer site, such as Anthropic for Claude or OpenAI for ChatGPT. Paste it into Mixroadie once; it is stored in your Keychain or Windows Credential Manager.

- ### [Can I use my Claude or ChatGPT subscription?](https://mixroadie.com/help/claude-chatgpt-subscription/)

  Yes, from Claude Desktop, Claude Code or OpenAI's Codex rather than from the Mixroadie panel. You then need no AI model in Mixroadie and no API key.

- ### [How do I get the built-in AI model?](https://mixroadie.com/help/download-built-in-model/)

  Open the panel's Settings and press the download button beside the model that suits your computer. It is downloaded once and then works offline.

## Trial and licence

- ### [How does the free trial work?](https://mixroadie.com/help/free-trial/)

  Seven days on up to three songs, with no limit on requests. Start it with your email address and a six-digit code. No card, no password.

- ### [How do I activate my licence?](https://mixroadie.com/help/licence-key/)

  Paste the licence key from your email into the installer's last step or the panel's Settings. It needs the internet once and works offline after that.

## Troubleshooting

- ### [The shortcut doesn't open the panel](https://mixroadie.com/help/shortcut-does-not-work/)

  Restart REAPER first. If that doesn't help, open the panel from the Action List and give it a key there.

- ### [Mixroadie can't reach REAPER](https://mixroadie.com/help/reaper-connection/)

  Keep REAPER open with your project saved, restart REAPER once, then use Check REAPER in the Mixroadie app to test the connection.

- ### [How do I update Mixroadie?](https://mixroadie.com/help/update-mixroadie/)

  When a new version is out, the panel shows a banner with Update now. One click downloads and installs it, and the panel reopens itself.

- ### [How do I uninstall Mixroadie?](https://mixroadie.com/help/uninstall/)

  Open Mixroadie and choose Uninstall. Your projects, audio and backups stay where they are.