Farrago provides the best way to quickly play sound bites, audio effects, and music clips on your Mac. Podcasters can use it to include sound effects and music during recording sessions, while theater techs can run the audio for all manner of live performances. Whether you want quick access to a library of sounds or you need to run through a defined list of audio, Farrago is here to assist.

Getting Started

This manual provides you with a useful overview of the application, including an outline of the interface, as well as details on using the application. We recommend a quick read-through, but you can also just dive in if you like. Refer back here for assistance at any time, right from Farrago's Help menu.

Additional Assistance

The following resources will supplement a read-through of the manual and help you get the answers you need.

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Search This Manual

Use the search field in the upper right to locate specific keywords in this manual.

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Visit Our Online Support Center

Our searchable Farrago Support Center provides answers to common questions, as well as tutorials, tricks, and more.

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Email Support

Finally, Rogue Amoeba's top-notch Support team is always ready to assist, both before and after purchase. Select Contact Support in the Help menu to get in touch. We're amazingly responsive, and strive to reply within 24 hours.

Information for Users of Previous Versions

If you've used any previous version of Farrago, the additional information below may be helpful.

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Release Notes

The Release Notes window always provides a comprehensive list of improvements and fixes made to Farrago. Access it from the Help menu.

Tiles and Sound Sets

With Farrago, each sound file you wish to play gets its own tile in the main interface. Tiles have individually customizable settings for playback, and each has a defined keyboard shortcut.

You can group your tiles by any criteria you choose. With a set, you can use color to sort. You can also use multiple sets, for a specific podcast you're recording, based on mood, or anything else you like. Organize your audio however you like.

Adding Tiles to a Set

The easiest way to create a new tile in a set is to simply drag your desired sound into Farrago from the Finder. When you do so, Farrago will display a visual grid so you can decide what keyboard shortcut you'd like the sound tied to. Drop the sound on the desired slot, and a new tile will be made.


Dragging a new sound file into Farrago

Sounds can also be added via the Add Sound button or menu item. This method enables you to find the desired file on your hard drive. Once you've selected your sound, Farrago will create a tile in the earliest available slot of your current set.

Sound Storage

Farrago makes a copy of all sounds that you add to it, so you don't have to worry about file management. To remove a sound, just delete its tile in Farrago. Farrago's copy of the file will automatically be erased from your hard drive, without impacting any other copies.


Farrago safely stores a copy of your audio

Multiple Sound Sets

Each sound set in Farrago holds up to 80 tiles, but you can have as many sets as you need. To create a new set, click the New Set button at the bottom of the Sets list, or select New Set from the Sounds menu.

Sorting and Renaming Sound Sets

Sets are automatically sorted alphabetically, with the list updating whenever a set name is changed. A helpful method to guarantee your desired sort order is to begin set names with a number, e.g. “[1] Happy Sounds”.

To re-sort your sets list, you can rename a particular set. Highlight the set whose name you wish to change, then edit its name in the Inspector on the right.

Fast Switching Between Sets

Your first nine sets are always immediately accessible using the Cmd+1 through Cmd+9 keyboard shortcuts. With these shortcuts, you can rapidly jump between sets.

The Now Playing Indicator

When you have two or more sets in Farrago, you may wish to play audio from multiple sets at once. To determine which of your sets are currently playing audio, just look for the Now Playing indicator. It will appear next to the name of any and all sets which have a tile which is actively producing audio.


The Now Playing indicator shows that a tile is currently playing in “Sample Set”

Importing and Exporting Sound Sets

After you've precisely configured a set, you may find it useful to share it with others. Whether you have a podcasting partner or just someone you're trying to assist, Farrago makes this easy with its shareable sets!

To export a set, just highlight it in the Sets list of the main window, then select Export Set from the Sets menu. Choose a location, and Farrago will save your set out as a .farragoset file. Once you have your .farragoset file, you can email it to a friend, publish it on your website, or share it however you like. When another Farrago user opens the file, the set will be automatically imported.

Importing a set is a snap too. As long as you have Farrago installed, you can just double-click the .farragoset file in the Finder. Farrago will launch and import the set instantly. You can also select Import Set from the Sets menu in Farrago. Either way, the new set will appear right in your Sets list window, ready for use.

Farrago's Sample Sound Set

Farrago includes a sample sound set featuring some common sound effects, as well as ambiant noise and musical loops. The main purpose of this sound set is to help demonstrate the features of the app, but you're welcome to use it in any way you desire. The sample sound set can also be modified, or deleted entirely. If you'd like, you can even restore this sample sound set from the Help menu.

Finding Your Own Sounds

If you're looking for help on finding sounds to use with Farrago, have a look at this article from our Support site. It provides tips on making sounds, as well as up-to-date links to various sound collections on the web.

Playing Sounds

Farrago's main window provides access to all sounds currently available within the program. The left side of the window allows you to switch between sets, while the center displays all sounds in a specific set. Each set in Farrago can contain up to 80 sounds, one per tile on the screen, and you can have as many sets as you need.

Audio playback of your sounds is triggered by pressing a tile's keyboard shortcut, or by clicking a tile with the mouse.

Triggering Sounds via Keyboard

Farrago provides fast and powerful keyboard-based playback. When Farrago is in the foreground, you can press 40 different keys (1 -> 0, Q -> P, A -> ;, and Z -> /) to trigger a unique sound. Another 40 sounds can be accessed by adding the option key (Option+1 -> Option+0, Option+Q -> Option+P, Option+A -> Option+;, and Option+Z -> Option+/).

With Farrago, your keyboard itself becomes a sound effects machine. Simply press a key once to trigger the sound. Press it again while playback is occurring to stop or pause it (depending on the tile's Allow Pausing setting, adjustable in the Inspector). A third press will cause the sound to play once again.

Example


A simple 2x2 sound set in Farrago

This screenshot shows a simple set of 4 sounds, arranged in a convenient 2x2 grid. The “Q” on the keyboard has triggered playback of the “Fog Horn” sound. Pressing “W” would trigger the “Slow Jam Loop” sound, pressing “A” would trigger “Rain”, and so on. Easy!

Useful Playback Shortcuts

Farrago includes keyboard shortcuts for many common actions. The following are several useful shortcuts related specifically to playback.

Return: The return key triggers Play Selection, causing any selected sounds to be played. Select multiple tiles (using the Command and Shift keys), then use this shortcut to fire them simultaneously.

Spacebar: The spacebar triggers Pause All, immediately pausing all audio playback. Note that the Pause All command applies to all audio playing in Farrago, even if the tile is normally not set to pause its playback. If any tiles are paused and no playback is occurring, this switches to an Unpause All command.

Escape: The escape key triggers Stop All, immediately stopping all audio. Use this to instantly stop audio playback and reset active sounds to their default state.

-: The “-” key triggers Fade Out All immediately fading out all audio playback from Farrago over a fixed 2 seconds. Use this to stop audio playback more gradually.

Global Keyboard Shortcuts

With up to 80 different keyboard shortcuts available to play audio, it's not viable to make all of Farrago's sounds globally accessible, as their shortcuts would conflict with too many other applications. Instead, we provide an option for one global keyboard shortcut which pulls Farrago's main window forward, so you can then use the in-app shortcuts.

For instance, you might hit “Option-Shift-F” to pull Farrago forward, then “A” to play a sound. This two-step process is tremendously quick, and allows for easy playback of dozens of different sounds.

To configure this global hotkey, see Farrago's Preferences window.

Triggering Sounds via the Mouse

While Farrago is geared toward keyboard usage, it's also possible to trigger sounds using the mouse. This works similarly to keyboard-based playback. Double-clicking on a tile will cause the sound to play, and double-clicking again will stop or pause it (depending on the tile's Allow Pausing setting, adjustable in the Inspector). Double-clicking the tile a third time will again initiate playback, or unpause the tile.

Additional Notes

To prevent inadvertent audio, mouse playback requires a double-click on the tile by default. Users wishing to operate Farrago via the mouse may wish to set tiles to play with just a single click. This can be done by adjusting the Single click to trigger sounds checkbox, in Farrago's Preferences.

All playback options mentioned above in the “Useful Playback Shortcuts” section are also available via the mouse. Access these options from the Control menu.

Farrago's Inspector

The settings for each tile in Farrago can be customized to alter both playback and appearance. When a tile is highlighted, the Inspector on the right side of the window provides access to all of the tile's options, so you can adjust them as you like.


Full Inspector

Playback Controls

At the top of the Inspector are the tile's playback controls, which are fairly standard. The Back button will start audio over from the beginning (if the audio was playing), or move the playhead back to the beginning (if the audio was paused). The Play button will start audio if the tile is inactive, and stop or pause it if it's already playing. The Fade Out button will fade out playback over 2 seconds.

Audio Waveform

The waveform shows the audio levels for the entire file associated with the tile. To adjust exactly what portion of the audio file is played, you can drag the In and Out handles. As you do, the In and Out times will update, and the waveform will dim out the portion of the audio which will not be played.

If more precision on playback is desired, consider editing the audio file outside of Farrago with a full audio editing application. Our own audio editor Fission is, of course, highly recommended.

Settings Tab

Screenshot of Setting Tab

The Settings tab contains a large number of controls which can be adjusted on a per-tile basis.

Volume A/Volume B

Volume Settings

This pair of volume sliders enables two different playback volumes to be set for a tile. It is then possible to switch between the volumes by clicking the corresponding radio button.

Fade In & Fade Out Durations

Fade Settings

Fade audio in and out by up to five seconds using these sliders. The waveform at the top of the Inspector will show this fade visually as well.

Color

Fade Settings

In addition to the default black and white style, eight colors are available for use in sorting and organizing tiles visually.

Loop

Loop Setting

When the Loop checkbox is on, a tile will continue playing until manually stopped or the checkbox is turned back off.

Solo

Solo Setting

If Solo is turned on for a tile, starting the tile will cause all other audio to immediately cease playing.

Allow Pausing

Allow Pausing Setting

By default, tiles stop playing when they're clicked again, when their keyboard shortcut is pressed again, or when the Stop button is pressed. If you'd instead like to be able to pause and resume a tile, turn on Allow Pausing.

Only Play While Pressed

Only Play While Pressed Setting

By default, tiles play fully when their keyboard shortcut is pressed and released or when clicked with the mouse, stopping when they reach the end, or when manually stopped. If Only Play While Pressed is on, playback will only occur if the shortcut is pressed and held, or if the tile is clicked and held.

Notes Tab

Screenshot of Setting Tab

The Notes tab provides a space to write anything you like related to a sound. This is particularly useful with the List view, which displays these notes in the main UI for easy reference.

File Selector

Replace File Button

At the bottom of the Inspector is the file selector. This area shows the current file associated with the tile, and provides an easy way to replace it. Use this selector to keep your current settings while swapping an audio file itself.

Farrago's Grid and List Views

Sound sets in Farrago can be viewed as either a Grid or a List. These view settings work on a per-set basis, enabling you to use multiple sets in different ways.

Grid View


Grid View

Grid is the default way of viewing sound sets. The Grid will automatically resize tiles so that all are visible. The grid view provides easy playback of your audio by showing exactly how your tiles correspond to your keyboard, and is perfect for spontaneous sound usage.

List View


List View

The List view offers a great way to run a more linear performance. This can be useful while recording a podcast if you want to include a predefined sequence of audio files (such as a theme song, an pre-recorded introduction, and an outro). It's also great for theater use and other rehearsed performances.

Using MIDI Devices With Farrago

This page details the basics of using a MIDI device with Farrago. When you assign MIDI shortcuts to Farrago, they'll work even when Farrago is in the background.

To get started, plug your MIDI device into your Mac, then enable it in Farrago's Preferences.


Farrago's MIDI device table

Once your device is enabled, you'll be able to use it to control many parts of Farrago.

Tile Playback


Tile with MIDI Shortcut

MIDI keys can be used to trigger a tile, causing it to play when the MIDI key is pressed.

To assign a MIDI key to a specific tile, highlight the tile and click the Learn MIDI button in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that tile.

Once a shortcut is set, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as on the tile face (space permitting). The Inspector will show both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device.

For even faster setting, press Command-L on your keyboard when a tile is selected to trigger Learn MIDI. Note that you can also set one MIDI key to trigger multiple tiles.

Set Switching


Farrago's Sets list, with MIDI shortcuts

MIDI keys can also be assigned to a specific set. When the specified MIDI key is pressed, Farrago will switch to the desired set.

To assign a MIDI key to a specific set, highlight the set, then click Learn MIDI in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that set.

Once a shortcut is configured, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as in the Sets list. The Inspector will show both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device.

Global Playback Controls


Global Shortcuts

The MIDI tab of Farrago's Preferences provides access to global shortcuts. Here, you can set MIDI shortcuts to control playback, bring Farrago forward, and adjust volumes.

Preferences

Farrago's preferences can be accessed from the Farrago menu.

The General Tab


The General tab of Farrago's Preferences window

Playback


Play audio through:

This setting adjusts the output device through which Farrago plays audio. By default, it will simply track the System's audio output device, as set in your Sound System Preference. If you like, you can instead tie it to a specific audio device.

Single click to trigger sounds

In the default state, with this setting off, toggling playback of a sound with the mouse requires double-clicking. When this setting is turned on, a single click on any sound will toggle playback.

See the Triggering Sounds via the Mouse section of the Audio Playback page for more details on mouse-based playback.

Global Hotkey

With this setting, you can configure a global keyboard shortcut which will immediately bring Farrago to the foreground, making it easy to operate Farrago using your keyboard.

See the “Global Keyboard Shortcuts” section of the Audio Playback page for more details on using the global hotkey.

Appearance

Theme Selector: This setting dictates how Farrago will appear. The Light theme is designed for everyday use, while the Dark theme is perfect for use in darkened spaces like theaters.

The default Match System setting will follow OS-wide appearance settings. You can alternately can force Farrago to use the Light or Dark theme, regardless of your system-wide settings.


Farrago's Light theme


Farrago's Dark theme

While this manual uses the Light theme throughout, you can easily try either theme. Farrago will update immediately when you adjust this setting.

The Match System option will follow settings found in the General System Preference. On MacOS 10.14 (Mojave), it follows the Appearance setting for Light or Dark Mode. On MacOS 10.13 and lower, it follows the Use dark menu bar and Dock setting.

Software Update

Automatically check for software updates: With this option activated, Farrago compares itself to the most current version available from our server and alerts you when a new version is available. Leave this on and Farrago will help you stay up-to-date. You can also select Check for Update from the Farrago menu to initiate a check manually.

MIDI Tab


The MIDI tab of Farrago's Preferences window

Controllers

This table contains all MIDI devices Farrago is currently aware of. Enable or disable devices, and toggle velocity support on or off, as desired.

Shortcuts

Use this section to assign specific MIDI controls to Farrago's global shortcuts to control playback, bring Farrago forward, and adjust volumes.

Purchasing Farrago

Quick Link: To buy a license key for Farrago, visit our online store.

Why should I buy Farrago?

Put simply, you should buy Farrago because it isn't free. We provide a free trial, so you can test out the program and all its features before you buy it. It's like test driving a car, for as long as it takes you to decide.

During the trial, all of Farrago's features are available to try, but it won't work for full-time use. While in trial mode, the quality of audio heard via Farrago is intentionally degraded after 20 plays per launch.

If you use Farrago and find you like it, please purchase a license key - support the software you use and love!

To purchase your license key, just visit https://rogueamoeba.com/store/.

After Purchase

How do I unlock the full version?

The download of Farrago from our site contains both a free trial of the software and the full version. To unlock the full, unlimited version, you just need a valid license key. When you purchase through our store, you'll immediately receive a license key in your browser as well as via email. Simply enter this key into Farrago to unlock it.

What's your upgrade policy?

While we don't have a hard and fast upgrade policy, our philosophy regarding paid upgrades is simple: We try to do what's right for you and what's right for us. We've got a great track record, with many years of very satisfied customers.

For more details on free updates and paid upgrades, please see this page.

What's your refund policy?

All Rogue Amoeba products are available to try before you buy. We believe that no customer should have to buy software in order to find out how well it works. Our software can be fully evaluated with no limitations in capabilities, prior to purchase. Customers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these trials prior to purchase. You may also seek any needed technical support from us - we answer support emails rapidly and responsively for current and potential customers alike.

If you would like a refund, please contact hello@rogueamoeba.com within 14 days of your purchase. Because we cannot recover the license key that was sold, refunds are issued on a case-by-case basis.

Using Farrago While Podcasting

If you host a podcast, Farrago can help give it a richer sound by adding audio clips, songs, and sound effects. This article provides an overview of how on using Loopback to send Farrago's audio to remote callers over VoIP, as well as including Farrago's audio when recording with Audio Hijack.

Using Loopback to Pass Farrago's Audio to VoIP Apps

If you podcast with a remote partner or guest, you probably use a VoIP app such as Skype to speak with them. That sends your voice, but including secondary audio from Farrago requires a bit more setup. Fortunately, our audio routing tool Loopback can assist in making sure everyone can hear the audio you play in Farrago!

The key to getting Farrago's audio everywhere lies in combining it with your microphone's audio. Loopback makes this possible using what are called “virtual audio devices”. You can create a virtual device that grabs audio from both a physical microphone and Farrago, then combines them into one. In this way, Farrago's audio can be sent into Skype and heard alongside your voice.

The simple setup for this is shown above. First, we've used Loopback to create a virtual device that grabs audio from both a physical microphone and Farrago. That virtual audio device, called “LB: Mic + Farrago”, is then set as the microphone source in Skype. Once that's done, everyone on the call will then be able to hear the audio from both Farrago and the microphone.

More Information on Loopback

Loopback is a powerful tool for routing any audio on your Mac, including Farrago's. Visit the Loopback web page to learn more, and to download a free trial of the software.

Using Audio Hijack to Record Farrago's Audio

If you're in charge of recording your podcast, you'll want to make sure Farrago's audio is included in your file. Audio Hijack can help with that.

Recording a Remote Podcast

If you're chatting via a VoIP app like Skype, you'll want to follow the instructions above, configuring Loopback to get Farrago's audio to the other parties. Once you've done that, you can just record the VoIP app itself using Audio Hijack. You'll get a file that includes your voice, your remote caller's voice, and Farrago's audio

Start with Audio Hijack's included “Voice Chat” template, which is specifically designed for easy recording of VoIP apps

Recording a Local or One-Person Podcast

When you're recording a podcast by yourself, or with multiple speakers all in the same location, you're less likely to need Loopback to route audio between applications and sources. Instead, you can likely configure everything right in Audio Hijack.

Here, audio from multiple sources is being recorded into one file. An Application source block has been set to pull in Farrago's audio, and an Input Device source block has been set to pull in the microphone's audio. The audio is merged together and recorded into one file, the perfect setup for a one-person recording.

If you have multiple local participants, you can simply add more sources to this recording. Here, we're recording two microphones and Farrago.

More Information on Audio Hijack

Audio Hijack is tremendously configurable, so it can be customized to get the exact audio you need for your show, including audio from Farrago. Visit the Audio Hijack web page to learn more, and to download a free trial of the software.

Installing & Uninstalling Farrago

Installing Farrago

As you're reading this manual, it's likely you've already successfully installed Farrago. Still, in the interest of being comprehensive, the following is the entirety of the installation procedure for Farrago.

Drag Farrago from your download folder to the Applications folder, then double-click its icon to begin using it.

Uninstalling Farrago

If you wish to remove Farrago, we'd certainly like to know why! You can contact us directly to provide feedback. We're always working to improve our products, so don't hesitate to tell us what was missing or didn't work for you.

To remove Farrago, just quit the application, then place it in the Trash.

 

Farrago Rights and Restrictions

Distribution

Unless explicitly stated in writing, Rogue Amoeba Software does not grant permission to sell Farrago ("The Software"). Non-profit distribution of The Software in its trial form is acceptable provided that The Software is not modified in any way, and the complete works of The Software are included in the distribution package. If The Software is to be included in a distribution package, Rogue Amoeba requests but does not require that one complimentary copy of said package be sent to the snail mail address found on our site.

What that said:

Don't sell this software directly for profit. If you want to distribute it, great! Just make sure it's unmodified from the download from our site. If you create a distribution package, it'd be cool if you sent a copy to the address above, though this is not required.

Disclaimer

Farrago ("The Software") is provided as is. Rogue Amoeba Software ("The Author") is not responsible for any damage to the user's computer system or data and in no event will The Author, its officers, directors, employees or agents be responsible to the user for any consequential, incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use the The Software, even if The Author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you. Further, the consumer agrees that using this software in any way illegal, or even for the purposes of assessing its viability for illegal usage, is prohibited.

What that said:

Be safe when you use the software. Be aware that it's simply a tool designed to make your life better. Don't use it to do illegal or evil things. If you do, be ready to take responsibility for your own actions.