Hi,

I'm interested in buying Alchemy.

Could someone please tell me exactly how its copy protection works?

I need to install it on three computers, and i also tend to re-install my comp's quite often, so I need to know the details!

Many thanks!

Mr D

The copy protection is terrible.. Before you install you need to have your Ilok plugged in, then register it into your ilok2 after the installation. Then there is the challenge/response that needs to be completed as well.
Hmm oh.. I forgot the elicenser that needs to be installed into your machine. After that you call camel audio and they generate you 3 puzzles you have to solve to prove yourself worthy of being their customer.
Other than that it's pretty easy. Except that each time you add another instance of Alchemy into your project you need to buy additional licence that's double the original price. The price doubles for each instance.
The first additional instance is 2x the price, next one is 4x etc.
Oh.. and each of them need to be on another ilok and elincer as well. Each time you restart your computer you need to enter new serials you get from camel audio phone support.

Which works only with Iphone 4S with iOS 1.

hahaha yeah.. sorry I forgot to mention that

This is what their FAQ has to say about installing on multiple computers:

FAQs > Alchemy > Can I install Alchemy on two computers?

Yes - you can install Alchemy on two different computers if you wish, provided that you are main user of both computers. For example, its fine to install on both a desktop and laptop that you own, but its not OK to install on your machine and your friends machine.

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It's been a while since I installed Alchemy last time and I don't remember all the details.
But I don't think the installation could be any easier than what it is now.
You just download the installer from your Camelaudio account and install it into your machine.
Thats it. No need for serials or keyfiles.

That was pretty funny!

But I'm still not 100% clear!

What is the actual protection?

you said:

"You just download the installer from your Camelaudio account and install it into your machine.
Thats it. No need for serials or keyfiles."

I don't see any protection here. Or does everybody get a unique installer which dissuades people from distributing it as warez as Camel can see the installer from whence the warez came?

It's individual installer for each user

Thanks!

So i can install it on a gazillion computers a gazillion times (in theory)?

It's trust based, right?

Off topic: how stable is it? Many bugs?

It's not as bad as they make out This is how it works ...

We don't use challenge response, dongles or serial numbers, and no activation is required. To install and use our software simply download the files from your Camel account and install on your system.

Plugins / key files are automatically registered for use at the point of download by encrypting and embedding your license details in the files.

Regarding the number of machines you can install on - our official license policy allows installation on 2 computers, but if this is for personal use only then you are welcome to install on more than 2 machines. The 2 machine rule is in place to prevent people from installing a copy on (say) a production partners computer - that is definitely not allowed.

Basically, you purchased our software so you are allowed to use it any way you like - just don't share it!

Peace,
Andy.

Thanks a lot Andy,

Basically i need to install it at home, in the studio and on my laptop, so on 3 comps.

Sounds like this is gonna be no problem!

Mr D

So, you cannot buy a license and register it for let's say "Studio X" and then have different people in the studio using it, PROVIDED that no two persons use it at the same time?

Thanks,
Mario

Hi Marco,

Sorry for the delay getting back to you. The policy for multi-user installations is covered in our licensing agreement:

you may install and use the Software for your private or internal business purposes only, either (as agreed between the parties):  on up to two CPUs if the Licence is a single-user licence provided always that it is the same licensed user using the Software on the additional CPU; or if the Licence is a multi-user or network licence, for the number of concurrent users agreed between you and us;
The last sentence applies to the scenario you asked about. Basically this means the number of licenses required is equal to the maximum number of concurrent users, or the total number of individual user machines the software is installed on, regardless of whether they are using the software at the same time or not.

However, if there is a single shared machine with the software installed, that means the "maximum concurrent users" can only ever be one, so a single license would cover that.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Peace,
Andy.