Getting started (Windows)
How Reflection works
The Reflection plugin in your DAW sends what you play to the Reflection desktop app,
which broadcasts it over Wi-Fi to your phone or tablet.
Before you begin
Windows will show security prompts during installation: SmartScreen, firewall, and possibly antivirus warnings. This is expected for new software. This guide walks through each one.
1. Download the installer
Download Reflection for Windows
Browser warning
Your browser may warn that the file is “not commonly downloaded”. This is normal for new software.
→ Click Keep or Keep anyway
2. Run the installer
Windows Defender SmartScreen
A blue “Windows protected your PC” screen will appear. This is Microsoft SmartScreen, which warns about any software that hasn't yet built up a download history with Microsoft. This is expected.
→ Click More info
→ Click Run anyway
Administrator permission
Windows will ask “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
→ Click Yes
Reflection needs administrator access to create a firewall rule so your phone or tablet can find your computer.
3. Windows Firewall
The installer creates a firewall rule automatically. If Windows still asks, or if your phone or tablet can't find your computer later, follow these steps.
Firewall prompt
If Windows asks “Allow Reflection to communicate through Windows Firewall?”:
→ Check Private networks and click Allow access
Your phone and tablet discover Reflection over your local Wi-Fi network. Without this rule, they won't be able to find your computer.
If the firewall rule is missing
Open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection → Allow an app through firewall. Click Change settings, then find Reflection in the list and check the Private checkbox. If Reflection isn't listed, click Allow another app and browse to the Reflection executable.
4. Add the plugin to your DAW
Reflection is a VST3 plugin. Add it to any track in your DAW to send what you play to the desktop app.
Open your DAW
Open Ableton Live, FL Studio, Reaper, or any DAW that supports VST3 plugins.
Add Reflection to a track
Insert Reflection as an instrument plugin on any MIDI track.
Play
Play notes on your MIDI controller or piano. The plugin sends what you play to the desktop app.
5. View on your device
Get on Wi-Fi
Make sure your phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Windows computer.
Open the app
Open the Reflection app on your phone or tablet. Once Reflection is licensed, it connects to the desktop app automatically over Wi-Fi, and chords, notes, and scales appear as you play.
Troubleshooting
Phone can't find Reflection
- Your phone and computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check that the Windows Firewall rule is enabled (see step 3).
- Make sure the Reflection desktop app is running on your computer.
Plugin not showing up in your DAW
- Rescan plugins in your DAW's plugin preferences.
- Make sure your DAW is set to scan VST3 plugins.
- Restart your DAW after installing.
Desktop app won't start
- Check that your antivirus isn't blocking Reflection. Add an exception for C:\Program Files\Reflection if needed.
Still stuck?
Email [email protected].