macOS 15.5: Reproducible Metal Rendering Toggle Flash with VST3 Plugins

While troubleshooting the brief white flash when closing plugin windows, I discovered a reproducible behavior linked to the Metal Based GFX Rendering setting.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Launch Renoise.
  2. In Preferences → GUI, set Use Metal Based GFX Rendering = ON .
  3. Toggle ON/OFF — no flash is observed.
  4. Turn Metal Based GFX Rendering OFF .
  5. Instantiate any VST3 plugin (tested with UVI Falcon, Cherry Audio DCO-106, and even Apple stock plugins).
  6. Close the plugin window → brief white flash occurs.
  7. Turn Metal Based GFX Rendering ON again.
  8. The entire Renoise UI flashes white momentarily.

Notes

  • This happens consistently on my setup.
  • On a fresh Renoise launch, toggling Metal rendering alone does not cause a flash — it only starts after closing a VST3 with Metal rendering OFF.
  • Behavior occurs regardless of sandboxing settings.
  • Wrapping the same plugin in Blue Cat PatchWork prevents the flash.

System

  • Mac mini M2 Pro
  • macOS 15.5 Sequoia
  • Renoise 3.5.2
  • External monitor only (no built-in display)

Accessibility Impact

This visual flash can be disruptive for neurodivergent users or those with sensory sensitivity, so it would be great to address alongside other Metal rendering work.

Related Thread: macOS 15.5: UI Flash & Resize Artifact in Redux 1.4 Under Logic Pro 11.2.1