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Troubleshooting

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Installation & Updates

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v2.0.0 Migration

v2.0.0 includes a new database architecture that is not compatible with previous versions. After updating, you will be prompted to migrate your existing data. We recommend skipping the migration and starting fresh with a reanalysis of your samples for the best experience. A fresh install from the downloads page is only required if the migration does not complete successfully.

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macOS Apple Silicon Build

macOS users: Please redownload the app from the website and select the correct version for your CPU architecture. A previous bug caused Apple Silicon users to receive Intel builds.

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Offline Mode

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What works offline?

After initial sign-in, all core features work offline:
  • Sample browsing, searching, and filtering
  • Audio playback with tempo/key lock
  • Sound Profile filtering
  • Similar Samples
  • All local analysis features

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What requires an internet connection?

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Sample Processing & Upload Issues

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Why are my samples taking so long to process?

Processing time depends on several factors:
  • File size and number: Larger collections take longer
  • Audio analysis: Each file needs tempo detection, key analysis, and audio fingerprinting
  • Processing threads: Increase threads in Settings > Processing to speed up analysis
  • AI indexing queue: Indexing depends on cloud AI availability
Large libraries (10,000+ samples) can take several hours to fully process. The good news is you can use samples as soon as they reach the “Completed” stage.

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Some of my files show as ‘Failed’ - what happened?

Common causes:
  • Corrupted audio files: The file may be damaged
  • Unsupported format: While Sample Vault supports most formats, some obscure codecs aren’t supported
  • Very short files: Files under 1 second may fail processing
  • Cloud sync/indexing issues: Cloud upload or AI indexing can fail if your connection drops
Right-click the failed sample or directory and use the “Analyze sample” option to retry analysis.

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Playback & Performance Issues

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Why do some samples take longer to play than others?

Cloud samples need to be downloaded first. Once downloaded, they’re cached locally for instant playback. Local samples from your computer play immediately. If Sample Vault doesn’t see your DAW (or vice versa) after enabling Link:
  1. Make sure both applications are on the same local network (Wi-Fi or wired)
  2. Toggle Link off and on again in Sample Vault
  3. Toggle Link off and on in your DAW as well
  4. Check that your firewall is not blocking Link’s network discovery
Link uses UDP multicast for peer discovery. Some corporate or public networks block multicast traffic. If you’re in a studio with a managed network, ask your network administrator to allow multicast on the local subnet.

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Samples are out of sync with my DAW

If playback drifts or doesn’t align with your DAW’s transport:
  • Make sure Tempo Lock is enabled (it should activate automatically with Link)
  • Verify that the sample has a detected tempo — samples without tempo metadata are not time-stretched
  • Try pausing and replaying the sample to resync

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Tempo Lock or Key Lock has no effect on a sample

Tempo Lock and Key Lock only work on samples that have detected tempo or key metadata. If a sample plays back unmodified:
  • Check whether the sample has a BPM or key value in the Sample Browser
  • Samples without this metadata (e.g. short one-shots, sound effects) are not affected

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Keyboard Shortcuts Issues

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The global shortcut isn’t working

Try these steps:
  1. Make sure no other application is using the same shortcut
  2. Use a combination of 2-3 keys (like Ctrl+Shift+S)
  3. Avoid common system shortcuts (like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V)
  4. Restart Sample Vault after setting a new shortcut

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Settings & Preferences Issues

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My AI assistant gives generic responses instead of understanding my style

This usually means your AI Assistant Instructions need more detail. Instead of “I make electronic music,” try: “I produce melodic techno with influences from progressive house. I prefer organic percussion samples over synthetic drums, and I like synth patches with movement and modulation. My tracks typically range from 120-125 BPM.”

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What does the processing status indicator show?

This shows when Sample Vault is working on your samples - analyzing them with AI, uploading to the cloud for backup, or processing audio features. Click it to see detailed progress and control options.

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How do I keep Sample Vault visible while using my DAW?

Use the pin button to keep Sample Vault on top of other windows. This is perfect for browsing samples while working on a track in your digital audio workstation.

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Can I resize or move the Sample Vault window?

Yes! When the window is pinned, you can drag it around using the grip handle in the center of the navigation bar. You can also resize it like any other window.

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Where can I get help or report issues?

Click the Discord link in the navigation to join our community, or use the feedback button to send suggestions directly to our team.

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Logs & Diagnostics

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Where are Sample Vault’s log files? (macOS)

If support asks for your log file, the easiest way to find it on macOS is:
  1. In Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G to open the “Go to Folder” dialog.
  2. Paste the following path and press Enter: 
    ~/Library/Logs/com.samplevault.app/Sample Vault.log
Finder will reveal Sample Vault.log, which you can then attach to a bug report or share on Discord.
The enclosing folder (com.samplevault.app) may appear greyed out in Finder because its name ends in .app, which macOS treats as an application bundle. This is cosmetic — the log file itself is fine and accessible via the Go to Folder shortcut above.

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Search & Discovery Issues

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No Results Found

If a search returns no results, try:
  • Simplifying your query: Use fewer, more common terms
  • Changing terminology: Try “synth” instead of “synthesizer” or “drums” instead of “percussion”
  • Being less specific: Remove very specific BPM or key requirements
  • Using broader genres: Try “electronic” instead of “future bass”

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Getting Better Results

Too Many Results: Add more specific details to narrow down the search
  • Instead of just “drums”, try “dark techno kick drums 128 bpm”
Results Not Quite Right: Experiment with different descriptive words
  • Try “aggressive” instead of “heavy” or “smooth” instead of “clean”
Missing Expected Samples: Remember that AI search works differently than tag-based search
  • Your samples might be described differently in the AI’s understanding
  • Try alternative ways to describe the same sound

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Character Limit

Search prompts are limited to 100 characters to ensure optimal AI processing. If you exceed this limit:
  • The search bar will show a red warning
  • A character counter appears showing your current count
  • The search button becomes disabled until you’re under the limit
Focus on the most important descriptive elements if you hit the character limit.

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Why don’t I see all my samples in Prompt Search results?

Prompt Search uses semantic similarity matching, which means it only returns samples that closely match your description. It’s designed to show you the most relevant results rather than every possible match. If you need to browse all samples, use the Sample Browser instead.

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Can I search for specific sample pack names or artists?

Prompt Search is optimized for describing sounds and musical characteristics rather than searching for specific metadata like pack names. For finding samples by pack or creator, use the dedicated filters in the Sample Browser.

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Why do my results change when I search the same thing again?

Your results shouldn’t change for identical searches - the AI provides consistent results. However, if your sample library has been updated (new samples added or removed), this could affect results. Different sorting options will also change the order of results.

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What’s the difference between Prompt Search and the Sample Browser?

Prompt Search is best for finding samples when you know what you want to achieve musically (“I need something dark and atmospheric”). The Sample Browser is better for systematic exploration, browsing by tags, or when you want to see everything in a specific category.

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Can I use Prompt Search to find samples in a specific key or BPM?

Yes! Including technical details like “C minor” or “140 BPM” in your search will help the AI find samples with those characteristics. However, keep in mind that not all samples have this metadata, so results may vary.

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How do I search for samples with multiple instruments?

You can include multiple instruments in your search, like “piano and strings cinematic” or “bass and drums funk groove.” The AI will look for samples that contain these elements together.

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Why does the search take a few seconds to complete?

Prompt Search uses AI processing to understand your query and compare it against your entire sample library. This semantic analysis takes a moment but provides much more intelligent results than simple keyword matching.