Complete Access Hub (formerly Slate Digital Connect) no longer runs on macOS 11 (Big Sur). If you're on Big Sur, launching the app shows a message stating that macOS 12.0 or later is required. This article explains why, what it does and doesn't affect, and how to keep installing and updating your plugins without the Hub.
In this article
Short answer
Your Complete Access subscription and your plugin licenses are not affected. Only the Hub app requires the newer macOS. Your plugins still run on Big Sur, and your licenses stay exactly where they are in your iLok account.
If you can upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey or later, that's the simplest path. If you can't, you can still install and update everything manually using direct installers.
Minimum macOS requirements
| What you're running | Minimum macOS |
|---|---|
| Complete Access Hub | Monterey (12) or later |
| The plugins themselves | Catalina (10.15) or later is expected to work |
A note on older systems. We don't formally test on macOS versions below our officially supported range, so while plugins are expected to run on Catalina and later, we can't guarantee that every title behaves perfectly.
Why the Hub requires macOS 12
Complete Access Hub is built on Electron, which is built on Chromium... the same engine behind Google Chrome. This means the Hub inherits its minimum macOS version from those frameworks.
Why we can't provide an older version of the Hub: the last Electron versions that ran on Big Sur no longer receive security fixes. The Hub handles your sign-in, your products, and your plugin downloads, so we can't distribute an outdated, unpatched build of it.
Apple released its final security update for macOS Big Sur (11.7.10) in September 2023. The later 11.7.11 update (February 2026) only renewed certificates for iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation. It did not include any security fixes.
Installing and updating on Big Sur
The Hub is a convenience layer, not a requirement. Everything it installs is also posted as a standalone installer, so you can keep managing your plugins by hand.
Slate Digital plugins (also includes KiloHearts, Ana 2, TH-U, Repeater)
- Sign in to your account at https://app.completeaccess.audio/installers.
- Scroll down to the Offline Installers section.
- Download the installer for each plugin you want to use, then run it.
- Activate your licenses in iLok License Manager (if needed)
Other brands in your Complete Access library
Complete Access also includes plugins from Solid State Logic, Harrison, and sonible. Those installers are posted on each brand's own site:
- Solid State Logic — Plug-in Downloads
- Harrison Audio — Harrison Plug-in Downloads
- sonible — Downloads
Licensing for directly installed plugins is unchanged. Activate them in iLok License Manager as usual.
Do I need to keep updating?
The Hub normally handles updates for you. On Big Sur, you'd check the Offline Installers section periodically instead, download the newer installer, and run it over your existing installation.
In practice, you probably won't need to do this often. Most updates to our existing plugin line are optimization and compatibility work for newer macOS releases, which won't affect a Big Sur system that's already running the way you want it. When we add new features or release a new plugin, you'll hear about it by email, so you'll know when something is worth grabbing.
Can your Mac upgrade to macOS Monterey?
If you're considering upgrading from Big Sur, these Mac models are compatible with macOS 12 Monterey:
- MacBook (Early 2016 or later)
- MacBook Air (Early 2015 or later)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2015 or later)
- Mac mini (Late 2014 or later)
- iMac (Late 2015 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017 or later)
- Mac Pro (Late 2013 or later)
- Any Mac with Apple silicon (M1 or later), including Mac Studio
You can check your Mac model by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner and selecting About This Mac.
Some Macs that run Big Sur cannot upgrade to Monterey, including the 2014 iMac and the 2013 and 2014 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. If your Mac is one of these, use the direct installers instead.
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect my subscription or my licenses?
No. Your Complete Access subscription continues as normal, and your licenses remain in your iLok account untouched. Only the Hub app has a newer minimum macOS version.
Can I download an older version of the Hub that runs on Big Sur?
No. The older builds rely on framework versions that no longer receive security fixes, and the Hub handles your sign-in and downloads. See Why the Hub requires macOS 12.
Do my plugins still work on Big Sur?
Yes. Only the Hub app is affected. macOS 10.15 Catalina and later is expected to work for the plugins themselves, though we don't formally test on those older versions.
How will I know when an update is available?
Check the Offline Installers section when you want to see what's current. For new features and new plugin releases, you'll receive an email.
Where do I get my SSL, Harrison, or sonible installers?
Each brand posts them on its own site. See Installing and updating on Big Sur.
Related articles
- Complete Access Hub | SSL Download Manager | Direct Installers: Which One Should I Use?
- Supported Digital Audio Workstations
- System Requirements
- Complete Access Hub — Getting Started & Legacy App Migration
Still have questions?
For help with Complete Access Hub or your Complete Access subscription, contact our support team here.
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