Airfoil for Mac: Using an alternate method to setup and install ACE

Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Capture Engine, which we refer to as “ACE”, is the audio handling component that powers the features of Airfoil for Mac.

On modern MacOS releases, installing ACE for the first time requires a small amount of one-time setup work. When you initially launch Airfoil for Mac, the app will prompt you to go through our standard setup process. However, in rare cases, users may not be able to complete those steps.

If you’re unable or unwilling to change the Startup Security Policy of your Mac, or otherwise find yourself in a situation where the standard process doesn’t work, the alternate installation method detailed in this article should be helpful.

Stage 1: Authorize ACE in the Recovery environment

To prepare ACE for install, you’ll need to access the “Recovery” environment of MacOS.

Verify your Mac model

The method for accessing your Mac’s Recovery environment differs between Intel Macs and Apple Silicon Macs. To determine which type of Mac you have, select the About This Mac item in the Apple () menu.

The first line will show a Processor item for Intel Macs, or a Chip item for Apple Silicon–based Macs. Once you have this information, you’re ready to shut down your Mac and boot into Recovery with the instructions below.

How to Boot into Recovery

Instructions for Intel Macs

Press the power button to boot your Mac, and then immediately hold down the Command-R keyboard shortcut. Continue holding the key combination until you reach the initial MacOS Recovery startup screen.

Instructions for Apple Silicon Macs

Press and hold the power button to boot your Mac. Continue holding the power button until you see the Loading startup options message on screen, under the Apple logo.

When the startup options appear, click the Options button, and then click Continue to proceed.

Launch the Terminal utility

Once you’ve accessed the Mac’s Recovery environment, you’ll need to open a Terminal window. Click the Utilities menu and select Terminal.

Authorize the installation of ACE

You should now see a Terminal window. Here, you’ll pre-authorize the installation of ACE on your Mac by entering the following command:

spctl kext-consent add 7266XEXAPM

It’s also shown below:

After entering this command, press the Return key. There won’t be any further message, but another command prompt will appear. That’s all you need to do in the Recovery environment.

Restart your Mac

You can restart your Mac by selecting the Restart command from the Apple () menu.

Stage 2: Launch Airfoil for Mac to install ACE

Once you’ve restarted MacOS and logged into your account, launch Airfoil for Mac. You’ll immediately be prompted to install ACE to continue.

Click the Install button, and then provide an administrator name and password for your Mac when prompted.

Airfoil for Mac will now complete the installation of ACE.

You’re done!

The ACE installer includes a final step about a system alert, which won’t be relevant for you. You’ve already authorized the software through the work done in the Recovery environment, and can simply move forward.

You should now be ready to use Airfoil for Mac. Enjoy!

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