What VinylRest Live does
VinylRest Live accepts stereo audio from a turntable system, runs separate NG2 DeClick and DeCrackle stages, then applies optional NRNG surface-noise reduction before sending the result to a stereo output in real time. It does not replace a phono preamplifier and it does not record or edit an audio file.
Turntable and phono stage
Stereo Mac input
NG2 DeClick → DeCrackle → NRNG
Stereo output and amplifier
A second, inaudible reference engine evaluates the same input at fixed reference settings. It drives the independent DeClick and DeCrackle Auto observations, the grade ceiling used by NR Auto and the experimental M–P media grade without changing the sound sent to the output.
Choose a chapter
Getting startedInstall the application, grant permissions, select an exact common audio format and play the first record.
Beta license and activationRequest free access, activate or deactivate a Mac, understand validation and install signed Beta updates.
Dashboard and controlsLearn the cards, meters, monitoring signals, Activity statistics and Now Playing views.
Repair, noise reduction and gradingUnderstand fixed NG2, three Auto controls, NRNG S150/S200, profile acquisition, diagnostic monitoring and the independent media grade.
Settings referenceConfigure buffering, NRNG capture level, side detection, the LAN server, meter appearance and custom grading limits.
Remote WebAppOperate the Mac from Safari or another browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
TroubleshootingResolve missing formats, permission problems, dropouts, failed starts and WebApp connection issues.
Recommended first session
- Download and install the free Beta, then request or activate a Beta license in the native application.
- Connect a line-level stereo signal from a phono stage or audio interface to the Mac.
- Select Input, Output and one exact shared Format in the Audio devices card.
- Leave Paranoid, fixed NG2, DeClick Auto, DeCrackle Auto, NR S150 with Auto, Repaired and the Safe buffering profile selected.
- Lower the downstream listening volume, select Start, then confirm that both output meters move without reaching 0 dB.
- Raise the listening volume gradually and compare Repaired with Original before changing repair settings.
Conservative by default: both repair stages begin at their bounded fallback and remain within the selected profile. NRNG S150 waits for a valid one-second noise profile, then follows the current grade's NR maximum, capped at 12 dB. Until acquisition succeeds, the NRNG branch is a delayed transparent bypass.
Requirements
- Mac
- macOS 15.4 or later. The distributed Universal 2 application runs natively on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
- Beta license
- Free Beta access is required for audio processing. Internet access is needed for activation and periodic validation.
- Audio
- Stereo packed PCM at 16-bit or 24-bit. Supported sample rates are 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 128, 176.4 and 192 kHz.
- Devices
- The selected input and output must both expose the same sample rate, bit depth and stereo channel format. A duplex interface or two separate devices may be used.
- Signal level
- A turntable requires a phono stage unless the chosen interface provides a proper phono input. Feed VinylRest Live a normal line-level signal.
- Remote control
- Optional. The Mac and browser device must be reachable on the same trusted local network.
About the local-network server
The built-in WebApp is disabled by default. When enabled, VinylRest Live serves its dashboard and control API directly from the Mac, normally on port 8001.
Security warning: the server uses plain HTTP with no TLS, user account, password or authentication. Anyone who can reach its port can view the session and operate the controls. Enable it only on a private, trusted LAN and turn it off when remote control is not needed.
Conventions used in this manual
- Bold names such as Start and Monitoring reproduce labels shown in the application.
- Paths such as Settings → Audio identify a window, tab or section.
- Latency figures are software estimates. Core Audio, drivers, interfaces and downstream hardware add their own delay.
- The media grade is an experimental audio measurement, not an official visual or marketplace grade.