Farrago provides the best way to quickly play sound bites, audio effects, and music clips on your Mac. Podcasters can use it to include sound effects and music during recording sessions, while theater techs can run the audio for all manner of live performances. Whether you want quick access to a library of sounds or you need to run through a defined list of audio, Farrago is here to assist.
Getting Started
This manual provides you with a useful overview of the application, including an outline of the interface, as well as details on using the application. We recommend a quick read-through, but you can also just dive in if you like. Refer back here for assistance at any time, right from Farrago's Help menu.
Additional Assistance
The following resources will supplement a read-through of the manual and help you get the answers you need.
Search This Manual
Use the search field in the upper right to locate specific keywords in this manual.
Visit Our Online Support Center
Our searchable Farrago Support Center provides answers to common questions, as well as tutorials, tricks, and more.
Email Support
Finally, Rogue Amoeba's top-notch Support team is always ready to assist, both before and after purchase. Select Contact Support in the Help menu to get in touch. We're amazingly responsive, and strive to reply within 24 hours.
Information for Users of Previous Versions
If you've used any previous version of Farrago, the additional information below may be helpful.
Release Notes
The Release Notes window always provides a comprehensive list of improvements and fixes made to Farrago. Access it from the Help menu.
Tiles and Sound Sets
With Farrago, each sound file you wish to play gets its own tile in the main interface. Tiles have individually customizable settings for playback, and each has a defined keyboard shortcut.
You can group your tiles by any criteria you choose. Within a set, use color to sort, as well as location. You can also create multiple sets, separated based on mood, a specific podcast you're creating or show you're performing, or anything else you like.
Adding Tiles to a Set
The easiest way to create a new tile in a set is to simply drag your desired sound into Farrago from the Finder. When you do so, Farrago will display a visual grid so you can decide what keyboard shortcut you'd like the sound tied to. Drop the sound on the desired slot, and a new tile will be made.
Dragging a new sound file into Farrago
Sounds can also be added via the Add Sound button or menu item. This method enables you to find the desired file on your hard drive. Once you've selected your sound, Farrago will create a tile in the earliest available slot of your current set.
Sound Storage
Farrago makes a copy of all sounds that you add to it, so you don't have to worry about file management. To remove a sound, just delete its tile in Farrago. Farrago's copy of the file will automatically be erased from your hard drive, without impacting other copies you may have.
Farrago safely stores a copy of your audio
Multiple Sound Sets
Each sound set in Farrago holds up to 80 tiles, and you can create as many sets as you need. To create a new set, click the New Set button at the bottom of the Sets list, or select New Set from the Sounds menu.
To customize the order of your sets in the Sets list, just drag individual sets up and down to re-order.
Fast Switching Between Sets
The first nine sets in your Sets list are always immediately accessible using the Cmd-1 through Cmd-9 keyboard shortcuts. Use these shortcuts to rapidly jump between your most important sets.
The Now Playing Indicator
When you have two or more sets in Farrago, you may wish to play audio from multiple sets at once. To determine which of your sets are currently playing audio, just look for the Now Playing indicator. It will appear next to the name of all sets which have a tile which is actively producing audio.
The Now Playing indicator shows that a tile is currently playing in “Sample Set”
Moving and Copying Sounds Between Sets
It's easy to copy a tile into another set, or to move a tile from one set to another. To make a copy of a tile, just drag it from one set to another. Farrago will create a second tile using the same settings.
If you wish to move the tile instead, hold the Command key as you drag it from one set to another. Farrago will then transfer the tile to the new set, rather than making a copy.
When a sound file is used by multiple tiles, Farrago preserves disk space by storing just a single copy on your hard drive.
Importing and Exporting Sound Sets
After you've precisely configured a set, you may find it useful to share it with others. Whether you have a podcasting partner or just someone you're trying to assist, Farrago makes this easy with its shareable sets.
To export a set, just highlight it in the Sets list of the main window, then select Export Set from the Sets menu. Choose a location, and Farrago will save your set out as a .farragoset file. Once you have your .farragoset file, you can email it to a friend, publish it on your website, or share it however you like.
Importing a set is a snap too. As long as you have Farrago installed, you can just double-click the .farragoset file in the Finder. Farrago will launch and import the set instantly. You can also select Import Set from the Sets menu in Farrago. Either way, the new set will appear right in your Sets list window, ready for use.
Exporting Individual Sounds
As noted in the “Sound Storage” section above, Farrago makes a copy of all sound files you import. If you find yourself needing to export a copy of a sound file from Farrago, you can do so from the Tile menu. Just highlight the tile in question, then select Export Selected Sound…. You'll then be prompted to select a location to save the sound file to.
For even faster exporting, click and drag a tile from Farrago to the Finder. The sound file will then be copied to your specified location.
Farrago's Sample Sound Sets
Farrago includes two sample sound sets. The “Sample Grid Mode Set” features some common sound effects, as well as ambient noise and musical loops. The “Sample List Mode Set” uses a few of these same sound effects to provide an example of a more scripted scenario, telling a simple story.
The main purpose of these sound sets is to help demonstrate the features of the app, but you're welcome to use them in any way you desire.
The sample sound sets can be modified, or deleted entirely. If you want to start fresh with them, you can restore them from the Help menu.
Finding Your Own Sounds
If you're looking for help on finding sounds to use with Farrago, have a look at this article from our Support site. It provides tips on making sounds, as well as up-to-date links to various sound collections on the web.
Playing Sounds
Farrago's main window provides access to all sounds currently available within the program. The left side of the window allows you to switch between sets, while the center displays all sounds contained within the selected set. Each set in Farrago can contain up to 80 sounds, one per tile on the screen, and you can have as many sets as you need.
Audio playback of your sounds can be triggered in three different ways. You can press a tile's keyboard shortcut on your keyboard. You can also highlighting a tile and press the return key. If you wish to use the mouse, you can instead click a tile.
Farrago's Now Playing LCD
The Now Playing LCD area, at the top of Farrago's main window, provides useful controls and information.
Farrago's Now Playing area
Master Volume Control
The left-hand side of the LCD contains Farrago's Master Volume control. This slider controls the level at which audio from Farrago plays. To make it easy to duck audio down, Farrago offers two master volume levels, Master Volume A and Master Volume B. These can be set to distinct volumes, after which you can fade between them by clicking the A/B control. If you wish to mute all playback entirely, click the speaker to the left of the slider.
Now Playing Bubbles
In the center of the LCD, Farrago shows bubbles for each tile that's currently active. When a tile is playing audio, its bubble will appear in color in the LCD, with playback progress indicated visually. Paused tiles are also shown here, in a dimmed state.
Master Playback Controls
Finally, the right-most section of the LCD shows the standard playback controls. The Pause All button will pause or unpause any currently active tiles. The Stop All button will immediately end playback of all active tiles.The Fade All button will fade out playback of all active tiles over 2 seconds.
Triggering Sounds via Keyboard
Farrago provides fast and powerful keyboard-based playback. When Farrago is in the foreground, you can press 40 different keys (1 -> 0, Q -> P, A -> ;, and Z -> /) to trigger a unique sound. Another 40 sounds can be accessed by adding the option key (Option+1 -> Option+0, Option+Q -> Option+P, Option+A -> Option+;, and Option+Z -> Option+/).
With Farrago, your keyboard itself becomes a sound effects machine. Simply press a key once to trigger the sound. Press it again while playback is occurring to stop or pause it (depending on the tile's Allow Pausing setting, adjustable in the Inspector). A third press will cause the sound to play once again.
Example
A simple 2x2 sound set in Farrago
This screenshot shows a simple set of 4 sounds, arranged in a convenient 2x2 grid. The “Q” on the keyboard has triggered playback of the “Fog Horn” sound. Pressing “W” would trigger the “Slow Jam Loop” sound, pressing “A” would trigger “Rain”, and so on. Easy!
Useful Playback Shortcuts
Farrago includes keyboard shortcuts for many common actions. The following are some of the most useful shortcuts related specifically to playback.
Return: The return key triggers Play Selection, causing any selected sounds to be played. Select multiple tiles (using the Command and Shift keys), then use this shortcut to fire them simultaneously.
When using a set in List mode, with the Playback Mode set to Queued, the return key triggers Play Queued Tile.
Spacebar: The spacebar triggers Pause All, immediately pausing all audio playback. Note that the Pause All command applies to all audio playing in Farrago, even if the tile is normally not set to pause its playback. If any tiles are paused and no playback is occurring, this switches to an Unpause All command.
Escape: The escape key triggers Stop All, immediately stopping all audio. Use this to instantly stop audio playback.
- (Dash): The “-” key triggers Fade Out All immediately fading out all audio playback from Farrago over a fixed 2 seconds. Use this to stop audio playback more gradually.
Global Keyboard Shortcuts
With up to 80 different keyboard shortcuts available to play audio, it's not viable to make all of Farrago's sounds globally accessible. Instead, we provide an option to set a global keyboard shortcut which pulls Farrago's main window forward, after which you can use the in-app shortcuts.
For instance, you might hit “Option-Shift-F” to pull Farrago forward, then “A” to play a sound. This two-step process is tremendously quick, and allows for easy playback of dozens of different sounds.
To configure this global hotkey, see Farrago's Preferences window.
Triggering Sounds via the Mouse
Farrago is geared toward keyboard usage, but it's also possible to trigger sounds using the mouse. This works similarly to keyboard-based playback. Double-clicking on a tile will cause the sound to play, and double-clicking again will stop or pause it (depending on the tile's Allow Pausing setting, adjustable in the Inspector). Double-clicking the tile a third time will again initiate playback, or unpause the tile.
Additional Notes
To prevent inadvertent audio, mouse playback requires a double-click on the tile by default. Users wishing to operate Farrago via the mouse may wish to set tiles to play with just a single click. This can be done by adjusting the Single click to trigger sounds checkbox, in Farrago's Preferences.
All playback options mentioned above in the “Useful Playback Shortcuts” section are also available via the mouse. Access these options from the Control menu.
Farrago's Inspector
The settings for each tile in Farrago can be customized to alter both playback and appearance. When a tile is highlighted, the Inspector on the right side of the window provides access to all of the tile's options, so you can adjust them as you like.
Full Inspector
Playback Controls
At the top of the Inspector are the tile's playback controls, which are fairly standard. The Back button will start audio over from the beginning (if the audio was playing), or move the playhead back to the beginning (if the audio was paused). The Play button will start audio if the tile is inactive, and stop or pause it if it's already playing. The Fade Out button will fade out playback over 2 seconds.
Audio Waveform
The waveform shows the audio levels for the entire file associated with the tile. To adjust exactly what portion of the audio file is played, you can drag the In and Out handles. As you do, the In and Out times will update, and the waveform will dim out the portion of the audio which will not be played.
If more precision on playback is desired, consider editing the audio file outside of Farrago with a full audio editing application. Our own audio editor Fission is, of course, highly recommended.
Settings Tab
The Settings tab contains a large number of controls which can be adjusted on a per-tile basis.
Volume A/Volume B
This pair of volume sliders enables two different playback volumes to be set for a tile. It is then possible to switch between the volumes by clicking the corresponding radio button.
Fade In & Fade Out Durations
Fade audio in and out by up to five seconds using these sliders. The waveform at the top of the Inspector will show this fade visually as well.
Color
In addition to the default black and white style, eight colors are available for use in sorting and organizing tiles visually.
Loop(Grid Mode Only)
When the Loop checkbox is on, a tile will continue playing until manually stopped or the checkbox is turned back off.
Solo(Grid Mode Only)
If Solo is turned on, starting the tile will cause all other audio to immediately cease playing.
Allow Pausing(Grid Mode Only)
By default, a tile will stop playing and reset its playhead when its keyboard shortcut is pressed again, when it's clicked again, or when the Stop button is pressed. If you'd instead like the playhead to stop and then resume in the middle of playback, turn on Allow Pausing.
Only Play While Pressed(Grid Mode Only)
In the default configuration, once playback of a tile is started, it will play fully. Playback will stop when the playhead reaches the end, or when otherwise manually stopped. If Only Play While Pressed is on, playback will only occur while the shortcut is pressed and held, or while the tile is clicked and held.
Output Device
When the Output Device selector is set to Default, a tile's audio will play through the device set in Farrago's Preferences. If you wish to send a tile's audio to a different device, it can be specified here. In this example, the tile's audio will be set to the “USB Audio Device”.
Channels
In addition to selecting a specific output device for a tile to play its audio through, you can also control which channels of that device are used. When left on the Auto option, the device's default stereo channels will be used.
Notes Tab
The Notes tab provides a space to write anything you like related to a sound. This is particularly useful for sets in List mode, as it displays these notes in the main UI for easy reference.
File Selector
At the bottom of the Inspector is the file selector. This area shows the current file associated with the tile, and provides an easy way to replace it. Use this selector to keep your current settings while swapping an audio file itself.
Grid Mode Basics
Sound sets in Farrago can be used in two distinct ways, Grid mode or List mode. A set's mode can be changed from Sound Set menu, as well as with the Grid/List mode toggle in the toolbar.
This page provides a look at Grid mode.
A set in Grid Mode
Grid mode is best for non-linear playback, where you don't know exactly what sounds you'll want ahead of time. Tiles correspond directly to your keyboard, with shortcuts assigned to each tile automatically. Playback is thus as straightforward as pressing the relevant key on your keyboard.
Tiles in Grid Mode
A tile in Grid mode
A set in Grid mode displays up to 80 tiles, in up to 8 rows containing up to 10 columns. Tile widths are automatically resized for visibility. Each tile face displays information about the tile, including its title, a waveform visualization of the sound it will play including length and playback information, and the tile's keyboard shortcut.
List Mode Basics
Sound sets in Farrago can be used in two distinct ways, Grid mode or List mode. A set's mode can be changed from Sound Set menu, as well as with the Grid/List mode toggle in the toolbar.
This page provides a look at List mode.
A set in List mode
List mode is geared toward sequential playback, and offers a great way to run a more linear performance. This can be useful while recording a podcast with a predefined sequence of audio files (such as a theme song, a pre-recorded introduction, and an outro). It's also great for theater use and other scripted performances.
Tiles in List Mode
A set in List mode displays up to 80 tiles, in a vertical list.
A single tile in List mode
To the left of each tile, you'll see the Playback Indicator. When a tile has yet to be played, this indicator will show a filled-in purple dot. As a tile is playing, the indicator will show a spinner. When the tile has finished playing, it will show a hollow purple dot.
The tile itself displays the title and a waveform visualization of the sound it will play, along with length and playback information.
To the right of each tile, Notes are shown. Notes can be edited inline, as well as in the Inspector.
List Mode Controls
The bottom of any set in List mode contains several controls.
Playback Mode
A set in List mode uses one of two different playback modes, Continuous or Queued. In Continuous mode, as one tile finishes playing, the next tile will automatically begin playing. In Queued mode, when one tile finishes, the next tile will not play automatically. Instead, it will be automatically highlighted, ready to begin playback with a press of the return key.
Fade Duration
When the Playback Mode is set to Continuous, the Fade Duration slider controls how much cross-fade will occur between tiles. Note that for tiles with very short sounds, the maximum fade will be one-half the audio's length, even if this slider is set to a higher duration.
Reset List
In its default state, a set in List mode will have all tiles set to unplayed, and the first list item will be selected. After a tile is played, it will switch to a played state, useful for visually tracking where playback is in a sequence. Played tiles will also be skipped over when playing through the list.
When you've completed playing through a list, or if you wish to start over, the Reset List button will return the set to its default state. All tiles in a list to an unplayed state, and return the selection to the first list item.
Using MIDI Devices With Farrago
This page details the basics of using a MIDI device with Farrago. To get started, plug your MIDI device into your Mac, then enable it in the MIDI Controllers tab of Farrago's Preferences.
Farrago's MIDI device table
Once your device is enabled, you'll be able to use it to control many parts of Farrago.
Tile Playback
Tile with MIDI Shortcut
MIDI keys can be used to trigger a tile, causing it to play when the MIDI key is pressed. After you assign MIDI shortcuts to Farrago, they'll work even when Farrago is in the background.
To assign a MIDI key to a specific tile, highlight the tile and click the Learn MIDI button in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that tile. For even faster setting, press Command-L on your keyboard when a tile is selected to trigger Learn MIDI.
Once a shortcut is set, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as on the tile face (space permitting). The Inspector will show both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device. Note that it's possible to set one MIDI key to trigger multiple tiles simultaneously.
Set Switching
Farrago's Sets list, with MIDI shortcuts
MIDI keys can also be assigned to a specific set. When the specified MIDI key is pressed, Farrago will switch to the desired set.
To assign a MIDI key to a specific set, highlight the set, then click Learn MIDI in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that set.
Once a shortcut is configured, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as in the Sets list. The Inspector will list both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device.
Global Playback Controls
Global Shortcuts
The MIDI Shortcuts tab of Farrago's Preferences provides access to global shortcuts. Here, you can set MIDI shortcuts to control playback, bring Farrago forward, and adjust volumes.
Preferences
Farrago's preferences can be accessed from the Farrago menu.
The General Tab
The General tab of Farrago's Preferences window
Playback
Play audio through:
This setting adjusts the output device through which Farrago plays audio. By default, it will simply track your Mac's audio output device, as set in your Sound System Preference. If you like, you can instead set this to a specific audio device.
Single click to trigger sounds
In the default state, triggering playback of a sound with the mouse requires double-clicking. When this setting is turned on, a single click on any sound will toggle playback.
With this setting, you can configure a global keyboard shortcut which will immediately bring Farrago to the foreground, making it easy to operate Farrago using your keyboard.
The Global Keyboard Shortcuts section of the Audio Playback page provides more details on using the global hotkey.
Appearance
Theme Selector: This setting dictates how Farrago will appear. The Light theme is designed for everyday use, while the Dark theme is perfect for use in darkened spaces like theaters.
The default Match System setting follows OS-wide appearance settings. You can alternately can force Farrago to use the Light or Dark theme, regardless of your system-wide settings.
Farrago's Light theme
Farrago's Dark theme
While this manual uses the Light theme throughout, you can easily try either theme. Farrago will update immediately when you adjust this setting.
The Match System option will follow settings found in the General System Preference. On MacOS 10.14 (Mojave) and higher, it follows the Appearance setting for Light or Dark Mode. On MacOS 10.13 and lower, it follows the Use dark menu bar and Dock setting.
Software Update
Automatically check for software updates: With this option activated, Farrago compares itself to the most current version available from our server and alerts you when a new version is available. Leave this on and Farrago will help you stay up-to-date. You can also select Check for Updates from the Farrago menu to initiate a check manually.
MIDI Controllers Tab
This tab shows a table listing all the MIDI devices Farrago is currently aware of. Enable or disable devices, and toggle velocity support on or off, as desired.
The MIDI Controllers tab of Farrago's Preferences window
MIDI Shortcuts Tab
In this tab,specific MIDI controls can be assigned as global shortcuts to control playback, bring Farrago forward, and adjust volumes.
The MIDI Shortcuts tab of Farrago's Preferences window
The MIDI Support page of this manual provides an overview of using MIDI controllers with Farrago.
Purchasing Farrago
Quick Link: To buy a license key for Farrago, visit our online store.
Why should I buy Farrago?
Put simply, you should buy Farrago because it isn't free. We provide a free trial, so you can test out the program and all its features before you buy it. It's like test driving a car, for as long as it takes you to decide.
During the trial, all of Farrago's features are available to try, but it won't work for full-time use. While in trial mode, the quality of audio heard via Farrago is intentionally degraded after 20 plays per launch.
If you use Farrago and find you like it, please purchase a license key - support the software you use and love!
The download of Farrago from our site contains both a free trial of the software and the full version. To unlock the full, unlimited version, you just need a valid license key. When you purchase through our store, you'll immediately receive a license key in your browser as well as via email. Simply enter this key into Farrago to unlock it.
What's your upgrade policy?
While we don't have a hard and fast upgrade policy, our philosophy regarding paid upgrades is simple: We try to do what's right for you and what's right for us. We've got a great track record, with many years of very satisfied customers.
For more details on free updates and paid upgrades, please see this page.
What's your refund policy?
All Rogue Amoeba products are available to try before you buy. We believe that no customer should have to buy software in order to find out how well it works. Our software can be fully evaluated with no limitations in capabilities, prior to purchase. Customers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these trials prior to purchase. You may also seek any needed technical support from us - we answer support emails rapidly and responsively for current and potential customers alike.
If you would like a refund, please contact hello@rogueamoeba.com within 14 days of your purchase. Because we cannot recover the license key that was sold, refunds are issued on a case-by-case basis.
Installing & Uninstalling Farrago
Installing Farrago
As you're reading this manual, it's likely you've already successfully installed Farrago. Still, in the interest of being comprehensive, the following is the entirety of the installation procedure for Farrago.
Drag Farrago from your download folder to the Applications folder, then double-click its icon to begin using it.
Uninstalling Farrago
If you wish to remove Farrago, we'd certainly like to know why! You can contact us directly to provide feedback. We're always working to improve our products, so don't hesitate to tell us what was missing or didn't work for you.
To remove Farrago, just quit the application, then place it in the Trash.
Farrago Rights and Restrictions
Distribution
Unless explicitly stated in writing, Rogue Amoeba Software does not grant permission to sell Farrago ("The Software"). Non-profit distribution of The Software in its trial form is acceptable provided that The Software is not modified in any way, and the complete works of The Software are included in the distribution package. If The Software is to be included in a distribution package, Rogue Amoeba requests but does not require that one complimentary copy of said package be sent to the snail mail address found on our site.
What that said:
Don't sell this software directly for profit. If you want to distribute it, great! Just make sure it's unmodified from the download from our site. If you create a distribution package, it'd be cool if you sent a copy to the address above, though this is not required.
Disclaimer
Farrago ("The Software") is provided as is. Rogue Amoeba Software ("The Author") is not responsible for any damage to the user's computer system or data and in no event will The Author, its officers, directors, employees or agents be responsible to the user for any consequential, incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use the The Software, even if The Author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you. Further, the consumer agrees that using this software in any way illegal, or even for the purposes of assessing its viability for illegal usage, is prohibited.
What that said:
Be safe when you use the software. Be aware that it's simply a tool designed to make your life better. Don't use it to do illegal or evil things. If you do, be ready to take responsibility for your own actions.