So i bought Cubase over the summer and it came with a copy protection key a.k.a. dongle. I've lost it. But cubase wont replace it, they tell me that i need to buy Cubase all again. I will not buy it again...and if I find my key I'm selling Cubase. I have started to look into Protools LE and M-powered. I'm a fan of the M-Audio Firewire 410 interface and would like to use that with the M-Powered software.

There is something included with M-Powered (not included with LE) called an iLok though. Is this one of those dongle things that I will probably lose?

The iLoc is a similar device to the dongle, which it licensed for specifically when you purchased and registered the software, plus any other plug-ins made Cubase will have to set-up through the licensing center. I know something had to happen to get control over all the illegal activity that was ramp-id throughout the music community. It is very frustrating, because I carry mine on my key chain, because it is always with me no matter where I go. The problem is that half of the part the hooks to the key is broke-off, causing me to have a concern about what to do if for some reason it finishes breaking and no longer works. I am worried about have to purchase some majority to get the dongle. This is crazy, to have to go to such extremes that you paid an arm and a leg for. There must be a better way to care of customers who legitimately have purchased and used the product appropriately. Good Luck!!!

aporman

cjac9,
I feel your pain! but I am amazed Steinberg have taken that stance with a registered user!, and as one I would insist that they sell you a replacement key.

I have recently purchased an iLok key and I think it is a better system than dongles used by Steinberg for a few reasons:

1. Your license details are held on a database you can access via the web.
2. You setup an account to which you can add as many dongles as you like. To transfer license details from one dongle to another is $40 I think, so should you loose or damage a key at anytime you simply have to buy another key, register it to your account, and download all of your details onto that key and away you go.

Beya

So I'm still confused...do I have to use the iLok with M-Powered? Can I still open/use the software without it? And with the iLok can I buy multiple ones so I can use my plugins on different protools LE/HD systems? Like if I want to go to a professional studio with an HD setup can I take my iLok so they will be able to use my plugins?

No, you iLok key needs to be inserted in a usb port so that the license, which is held on the key, can be recognised by the software.



Yes, you can have multiple iLok keys associated with an iLok account (www.iLok.com). When you have registered your key, licenses are then sent to your account by the software vendor you have purchased from. You then download the licenses from you iLok account onto your iLok key. You can then take your key and plugins to your studio of choice. The plugs will need to be installed onto the studio machines as they are not installed on the key, only the licenses are.

Beya