One of the most common sources of confusion for new users is how VocAlign and RePitch manage audio files, specifically the difference between saving to a Local Folder versus saving With DAW Session.
Many people assume "With DAW Session" changes the working directory to their project folder. It does not. Here is what is actually happening under the hood.
How the Plugins Handle Audio
When you capture audio in VocAlign or RePitch, the plugin creates new audio files for both the original capture and the processed output. These files are initially stored in a fixed, unchangeable directory on your system, not in your DAW's audio files folder.
Default Storage Paths:
macOS:
Macintosh HD/Users/<your username>/Music/
Windows:DriveLetter:\Users\<your username>\Documents\
Inside these paths, you will find subdirectories (e.g., RePitchVst3 or AraAudioCache) containing dated and numbered folders for every plugin instance.
Two Saving Workflows
Depending on whether you are using the Realtime or ARA version of the plugin, your saving options differ.
A. The Realtime Plugins (VST3 / AU / AAX)
Behaviour: Always save to the local folder listed above.
Not portable. The audio exists only on your specific computer.
How to Save: You must render/bounce the audio using your DAW’s built-in functions (e.g., "Bounce to Disk" or "Render in Place") to create a permanent file managed by your DAW.
B. The ARA Plugins (Audio Random Access)
The ARA plugins offer offer two specific saving options, found in the plugin settings panes (under the gear icon in their top right corners.)
Option 1: Local Folder
Behaviour: Keeps audio files in your local AraAudioCache folder.
Best for: Working on a single computer to save disk space, and allow for faster saving (does not duplicate files on save.)
Limitation: If you move the project to another computer, the plugin audio will be missing.
Option 2: With DAW Session (The Confusing Part) This is where most people get stuck. This setting does not change the folder where the plugin works. It still uses the local cache while you work.
However, when you press Save in your DAW:
It copies the audio data directly into the DAW’s project file.
It does not create a visible folder of audio files in your project directory.
Result: Your project file will significantly increase in file size because it is now carrying the audio data inside it, in the form of ARA data - It will also take longer to save due to the file duplication process.
Summary
Realtime Plugins: Always local. You must render to make it portable.
ARA (Local): Like the realtime plugins, audio is tied to your computer.
ARA (With DAW Session): Embeds audio inside the project file. This makes the project portable, but the project file itself will be much larger and slower to save.
(Note: The VocAlign AudioSuite plugin in Pro Tools is a destructive editor. While it stores captures and edits similarly, it must always be rendered to the track to be saved.)