I downloaded all the plugin packages on the download page, and then ran the installers for all of them. Upon trying to use an effect for a track…what do I find? NOTHING!
Is there something else I need to install plugins, or is there something I need to enable them, or what? Assume I know nothing about Ardour.
did you right click on the black areas above and below the fader?
um…no…
where’s the fader? i know a good amount about other programs, but i’m an absolute n00b to this one
Could always be worth reading some or all of the (weak)
manual.
Alt-m brings up the mixer window.
Shift-e brings up a single mixer strip in the editor window.
if you can’t see the fader after that, lets talk about opthamologists in your area 
yeah. that did it. thanks man. i probably should read the manual.