Fixing “Plugin is damaged and can't be opened” on macOS (Dark Kalimba / Dark Silence Instruments)
FT
Last Update 2 месяца назад
If you see this message when loading Dark Kalimba in Logic Pro:
“The plugin is damaged and can’t be opened”
don’t worry—the plugin isn’t actually damaged.
This message is triggered by a macOS security quirk, especially on newer machines (like M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs) or recent macOS versions. It happens when the system flags a new file as suspicious after download—even if the file is completely safe.
✅ The Fix (works in under 30 seconds)
This is a safe and common workaround used by many plugin developers. It involves using macOS Terminal to remove a security tag (called a quarantine flag) from the plugin file.
You’re not bypassing any security systems.
You’re not modifying the file’s contents.
You’re simply telling macOS: “Hey, this file is fine—I trust it.”
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Open Terminal.app
Click the magnifying glass in the top right of your screen, type Terminal, and hit Enter.
Type this command (but don’t press Enter yet):
xattr -cr
3. Drag the plugin file into the Terminal window.
For AU plugins, the file is likely here:/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/DarkKalimba.component
4. Press Enter.
You won’t get a message—just a new blank line. That’s normal and means it worked.
5. Restart your Mac.6. Open Logic Pro and re-scan plugins.
Here’s a short demo of the process:
👉 Watch the Fix
macOS sometimes adds hidden tags to downloaded files, especially on newer machines. These tags can prevent certain apps or plugins from opening, even when nothing is wrong.
The Terminal command xattr -cr simply clears those tags, letting your Mac run the plugin normally.
This fix is widely used in music production, and 100% safe when you're installing trusted software like Dark Kalimba from official sources.
Still having issues?
If the plugin is still showing as damaged:
Make sure you followed the steps exactly—especially dragging the right file into Terminal.
Double-check the plugin is installed in the correct location.
Try restarting your Mac again.
Reach out to our support team with your macOS version and system details—we’re happy to help.