How to Install Vocal Presets in Ableton Live (Mac + Windows)
Install vocal presets in Ableton Live the fast way: open Ableton, right-click Presets → Show in Finder/Explorer, then drag and drop your .adg racks into the User Library.
If you’re trying to install vocal presets in Ableton Live, don’t worry — the process is way simpler than most people think.
You don’t need to hunt through hidden folders or guess where Ableton stores your stuff. There’s a fast, reliable way to install any preset in seconds, and it works on macOS and Windows.
Quick answer
Open Ableton → User Library → Presets → right-click “Presets” → Show in Finder/Explorer → drag your .adg/.adv files into that folder.
Video walkthrough
Step 1: Open Ableton Live
Launch Ableton like you normally would.
Step 2: Navigate to the User Library
In Ableton’s Browser (left side), go to:
User Library → Presets
Your User Library is where Ableton keeps things like:
- custom presets
- instrument racks
- effect racks
- saved chains
This is the exact spot where your vocal presets should go.
Step 3: Right-click “Presets” → Show in Finder/Explorer
This is the magic step.
- On Mac: Show in Finder
- On Windows: Show in Explorer
Ableton will open the exact correct folder on your computer — no guessing, no digging.
Step 4: Drag and drop your vocal presets into that folder
Drag your preset files into the folder Ableton opened.
Most Ableton vocal chains come as:
.adg(Ableton rack / group device).adv(Ableton device preset)
You can drag:
- individual files
- whole folders (recommended)
- categorized vocal chains
Ableton should recognize them right away (or after a quick restart).
Step 5: Load your vocal preset in Ableton
Back in Ableton:
- Open the Browser
- Go to User Library → Presets
- Find your preset folder
- Double-click a preset or drag it onto an audio track
Ableton loads the chain instantly — EQs, compressors, saturators, delays, whatever the rack contains.
Where Ableton stores presets (manual paths)
Some people prefer the exact folder paths (or they’re searching for them on Google). Here you go:
macOS
Macintosh HD/Users/[Your Name]/Music/Ableton/User Library/Presets/Windows
C:Users[Your Name]DocumentsAbletonUser LibraryPresetsTroubleshooting (if presets don’t show up)
If you don’t see your presets inside Ableton:
- close and reopen Ableton
- confirm the files are
.adgor.adv - check if you accidentally nested them in an extra subfolder
- make sure you installed them under User Library → Presets (not Samples)
- right-click User Library → Rescan
FAQ
Where do Ableton vocal presets go?
Inside the User Library, under:
User Library → Presets
Why aren’t my presets showing up in Ableton?
Most commonly:
- Ableton needs a restart, or
- the presets aren’t in the correct Presets folder, or
- the file type isn’t Ableton format (
.adg/.adv)
Do FL Studio or Logic presets work in Ableton?
No — each DAW uses its own preset format.
For Ableton, look for Ableton racks/presets like .adg or .adv.
How do I organize my vocal presets in Ableton?
Create folders inside:
User Library → Presets
Ableton will mirror that folder structure in the Browser.
Final thoughts
Installing vocal presets in Ableton is as simple as:
Open Ableton → right-click Presets → Show in Finder/Explorer → drag & drop.
Once they’re in the User Library, you can load them onto any track instantly and start mixing vocals with a clean, consistent chain.
About Mattie
Mattie is a music producer, songwriter, and educator specializing in Logic Pro and vocal production. With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, he's helped thousands of artists transform their home studio recordings into professional-quality tracks.
As the founder of Music By Mattie, he creates tutorials, presets, and courses that simplify complex production techniques. His mission is to make professional music production accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or experience level.