Assist With Missing AIR Presets and .big File

[ShaunKetterman]

Hello All,

As the title suggest, I'm having some nagging issues with these AIR plugins and VI, and really hoping someone among the masses here can at least point me in the right direction. I've done a few Google searches but haven't found a fix yet.

First and foremost:

MacOS: Ventura 13.2.1
Pro Tools: 2023.3.0
Avid Link: 23.3.0 Build 4289

The first issue I discovered was the AIR Mini Grand VI will not open when I add it to an instrument track. If I add it to a track, it tells me that it's missing the Mini Grand.big file. A quick look in the file system at Applications --> AIR Music Technology --> Mini Grand confirms the .big file is not present in the folder. The only thing in that folder is another folder named MIDIAssignments. The Xpand!2 and Boom VI's both have their respective .big files. All of these were installed via the AIR plugin downloads directly from Avid.com.

Similarly, none of my AIR effects plugins have any of the preset files. Adding any of them (Chorus/Ensemble/Filter Gate/Flanger/Fuzz-Wah/etc) to a track works, but none of them have any presets, just <factory default>. If I again check my file system, (Applications --> AIR Music Technology --> [plugin name]), each of them contain a folder called 'presets', but all of those 'presets' folders are empty.

I've tried multiple uninstalls/reinstalls of the plugins and VI's; I've uninstalled/reinstalled Pro Tools; I've tried logging out of AVID Link and logging back in; uninstalling AVID Link and reinstalling, nothing works. Hell, I even ran Disk Utility --> First Aid to ensure I didn't have any HDD issues.

All installation files were pulled directly from the "My Products" section of AVID.com. During each install, I didn't mess with any install paths or make any changes whatsoever...didn't really even get an option to IIRC, so everything, as far as I can tell, is installed in all default locations. In AVID Link I also tried 'Sync account' and clearing cache files, no change.

Curiously, with Pro Tools completely removed from my Macbook and all plugins removed, AVID Link still shows everything as installed and up to date.

My PT access is through my school (Full Sail), and I've spoken with their Tech Support multiple times but they haven't been able to figure out what the problem is, and getting support from AVID seems extraordinarily convoluted and difficult. I'm really just hoping to get everything installed/working properly. Any guidance is greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone,

Shaun

[Carl Lie]

I have the same issue. Luckily I have/use other VIs. Not sure what'where the big file is.


C

[unkJE]

Originally Posted by ShaunKetterman

... A quick look in the file system at Applications --> AIR Music Technology --> Mini Grand confirms the .big file is not present in the folder. The only thing in that folder is another folder named MIDIAssignments. The Xpand!2 and Boom VI's both have their respective .big files. All of these were installed via the AIR plugin downloads directly from Avid.com.

Similarly, none of my AIR effects plugins have any of the preset files. Adding any of them (Chorus/Ensemble/Filter Gate/Flanger/Fuzz-Wah/etc) to a track works, but none of them have any presets, just <factory default>. If I again check my file system, (Applications --> AIR Music Technology --> [plugin name]), each of them contain a folder called 'presets', but all of those 'presets' folders are empty.

Hi Shaun – welcome to DUC!

Some AIR Music Technology Presets Folders (for both VIs and FX) seem to be empty.

If you can be bothered, here’s a workaround:

First, completely uninstall all AIR (FX and VI’s) that have no Presets.
* (I follow all uninstalls with a free CCleaner 'Check Registry for Issues' + save previous setting when prompted)

Restart computer

Get the Presets by downloading and installing earlier AIR versions (such as Mini Grand v1.2.7) from:

https://help.pluginboutique.com/hc/e...-Download-Area

The following process applies to all AIR VIs and FX – let’s use Mini Grand as an example:
Windows Presets for Mini Grand are not in Program Files – they’re here:
C:\Program Files (x86)\AIR Music Technology\Mini Grand\Presets
Copy the Folder called ‘Presets’ and paste it on the Desktop
Uninstall Plugin Boutique’s version of Mini Grand
*(CCleaner)

(BIG File) on Windows:
Mini Grand’s Factory Content default location is:
C:\ProgramData\Air Music Technology
You can move this elsewhere (e.g. your Samples drive) during installation.

Change the name of the Desktop Folder called ‘Presets’ – call it:
Mini Grand

Paste it here:
Windows
C:\Users\Username\Documents\Pro Tools\Plug-In Settings

Mac (thanks Ben!)
User folder - Documents - Pro Tools - Plugin settings

To get the FX Presets, same method as above – download and install the free Trial of Creative FX Plus which is in the following formats:
AU64, VST32, and VST64 – there’s no AAX …
… but that doesn’t matter, just copy the Presets Folder to the Desktop:

https://www.airmusictech.com/effects...tion-plus.html

Uninstall Creative FX Plus once you’ve got the Presets, if you’re not buying it.

Restart

Launch Pro Tools

[jamescf]

Same exact problem over here! I tried all the same things you did, it seems like there are some bugs. It really shouldn't be like this, c'mon Avid.

[jamescf]

Solved this after lots of work. If anyone needs help DM me.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by jamescf

Same exact problem over here! I tried all the same things you did, it seems like there are some bugs. It really shouldn't be like this, c'mon Avid.

Don't blame Avid for this as its an AIR problem(and AIR support is spotty as *&%). One thing that might help on Windows: instead of trying to point to the actual .big file, point to the folder that holds it. I remember this working for me several years ago(fingers crossed it helps someone)

[ShaunKetterman]

Thank you for all the great info! I'm about to get started on some steps right now and see how it goes. Thanks again!

Shaun

[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by jamescf

Solved this after lots of work. If anyone needs help DM me.

Welcome to the forum.

Just a friendly tip; it's considered common curtesy to post about what solved your problem, around here. That way, the info is available to anyone, quickly - and you wouldn't need to respond to every single DM asking about a solution.

[jamescf]

It looks like Avid patched the Air Effects bundle and the presets now show up, yay! Still missing the Air instrument presets though. I opened a case with Avid. Fingers crossed.

[jeffro]

Curious if you solved the missing .big file issue?

We did release a v2023.3.1 version of the AIR Effects Installer yesterday which fixes the presets issue on macOS. You should see that in Avid Link, Avid Download Center and my.avid.com/products