Documentation
FKA AutoWah Documentation
Learn how to install, activate, and dial in FKA AutoWah, including Dynamic mode, Fixed mode, Feel, Resonance, Range, and envelope response for guitar, bass, keys, synths, vocals, and more.
Current documented version: v2.4.8
Start Here
Quick Start
- 1.
Load FKA AutoWah on guitar, bass, keys, synth, vocals, brass, or another dynamic source.
- 2.
Start with a factory preset or the default setting.
- 3.
Play normally, then raise or lower Sensitivity until the wah reacts musically.
- 4.
Adjust Depth for how wide the sweep feels.
- 5.
Shape the character with Feel and Resonance.
Loading it in a DAW
Controls
Main Controls
Sensitivity
Sets how strongly the plugin reacts to the input signal. Higher values make quieter notes trigger more movement.
Depth
Controls how wide or deep the wah movement feels once the envelope is triggered.
Feel
Changes the overall wah character, generally moving from smoother or more vocal behavior toward brighter, quackier movement depending on the current mode and settings.
Resonance
Controls the intensity and peak of the wah filter. More resonance gives a sharper, more pronounced wah tone.
Direction
Chooses whether the sweep moves upward or downward.
Range
Shifts the tonal area of the sweep so the wah sits lower, higher, darker, or brighter in the source.
Duration / Division
In Fixed mode, these timing controls set how the sweep moves rhythmically or how it follows a note division.
Output
Sets the final output level after the wah effect.
Modes
Dynamic Mode vs Fixed Mode
Dynamic Mode
Dynamic mode follows the player's performance. It is usually best for expressive playing, funk guitar, bass lines, keys, and other material where attack and dynamics should drive the wah.
Fixed Mode
Fixed mode moves rhythmically or with a set timing. Use it for more consistent pulsing patterns, tempo-locked movement, and repeatable filter motion across a part.
Sensitivity
Envelope LED / Dialing In Sensitivity
The envelope LED gives visual feedback about how strongly the incoming signal is triggering the envelope. When the LED turns orange, the plugin is receiving a strong envelope response from the input.
Use the envelope LED as a visual guide while you play. Occasional orange flashes usually mean the envelope is catching your stronger notes. If it is always orange, Sensitivity may be too high. If it never reaches orange, Sensitivity may be too low.
The goal is not to keep the LED orange all the time. Aim for a natural response that follows your attack and dynamics.
Barely reacting?
Always orange or jumpy?
Access
Free / Trial / Pro
Free
The core plugin is free forever. You can absolutely make complete tracks with it and use the included core features without a time limit.
Trial
Gives temporary access where applicable, so you can evaluate the plugin before unlocking.
Pro
Unlocks the full feature set for licensed users.
Where supported, you can sign in or restore your license directly from the plugin. Use the same account or email associated with your license.
Recall
Presets
Free presets
Free presets are built for the core plugin and can be used without a Pro unlock. They are a fast way to start from a musical setting and then adjust Sensitivity, Depth, Feel, and Output for your track.
Cloud save and load
Where supported, signing in lets you save presets to the cloud and load them again later. This is useful for recalling favorite wah settings across sessions, installs, or machines.
Community presets
Community presets are shared settings from other users or featured collections. Use them to explore starting points for guitar, bass, keys, synths, vocals, brass, and other sources.
Pro presets
Pro presets may use Pro-only features or parameter states. If a preset is marked Pro, unlock Pro or sign in with a Pro license to load the full preset as intended.
Setup
Installation
macOS
- Download the installer from the official FunkyKatAudio website.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Open your DAW and rescan plugins if needed.
- Restart the DAW if FKA AutoWah does not appear immediately.
Windows
- Download the installer from the official FunkyKatAudio website.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Open your DAW and rescan VST3 plugins if needed.
- Restart the DAW if FKA AutoWah does not appear immediately.
About Windows trust warnings
Fixes
Troubleshooting
Plugin does not show in the DAW
Confirm the installer completed, then rescan plugins in your DAW. If it still does not appear, restart the DAW and check that the DAW is scanning the correct VST3, AU, or plugin folder for your system.
No sound or too much output
Check that the track is not muted, the plugin is enabled, and Output is not set too low or too high. If the effect is causing a level jump, reduce Output and compare against bypass.
Wah is not moving enough
Raise Sensitivity, increase input level, or raise Depth. The source needs enough dynamic range for Dynamic mode to respond clearly.
Wah is too jumpy or extreme
Lower Sensitivity, reduce input level, or reduce Depth and Resonance. Occasional strong triggers are useful; constant hard triggering can feel unstable.
Login, unlock, or restore issue
Use the sign-in or restore option inside the plugin where supported. Make sure you are using the same email or account used for the license, then retry once with an active internet connection.
Windows security warning
Some Windows systems or browsers may warn about new software from a newer publisher. Only download installers from the official FunkyKatAudio website, and avoid running files from mirrors or unknown links.
Help