Output - Introducing PORTAL: A Granular FX Plugin

[lwj]

Being able to return it no questions asked is as good as a demo policy. Beats demos that disrupt the sound every so often if you ask me.

It may also make their business a lot easier to manage? Have a simple license system, not have to support two versions, not have to hire a guy to manage all of that.. I don’t know. I’m pretty sure Output put some thought into it though, lol.

And yeah the price is the price. It’s too expensive for me, I haven’t been a customer with them so 150 for a granulizer is asking a lot. As good as it may be. But again I don’t assume the manufacturer is either stupid or hellbent on crushing the poor consumer. Good tools are worth it. And I think with music software especially we’re becoming ridiculously spoilt where we expect everything to be world class for $29,-.

I’m keeping my eye on it though.

[pinki]

And I think with music software especially we’re becoming ridiculously spoilt where we expect everything to be world class for $29,-.

This.

[BONES]

But these days, "dongle" means having your computer authorized for offline use without having to actually stick anything in a USB port.

Not with Cubase, it isn't. After buying the software, I had to go and buy an eLicenser USB dongle before I could activate it and it now takes up one of my precious USB ports. It also seems buggy in that I sometimes have to remove and replug it.

[EnochLight]

But these days, "dongle" means having your computer authorized for offline use without having to actually stick anything in a USB port.

Not with Cubase, it isn't. After buying the software, I had to go and buy an eLicenser USB dongle before I could activate it and it now takes up one of my precious USB ports. It also seems buggy in that I sometimes have to remove and replug it.

Yeah, it's unfortunate they're still behind the times. DAW such as Reason has had virtual dongles (offline authorization) for many years now, and its copy protection is 100% unbreakable. It's crazy that a company as large as Steinberg are using such an archaic approach.

[BONES]

The truly annoying part of it is that no matter what you do, your product gets cracked in a day or two anyway so the only people you end up inconveniencing are your paying customers. I used to be against things like iLok, too, but after softening my stance I've discovered that iLok is actually pretty good. e.g. I am currently demoing Monument Bass and it requires iLok but the advantage that gives the demo is that you get full, unrestricted use of it for 20 days, then the license expires. To me that is the perfect demo and it's also why I don't mind Output's policy - you get the full, unrestricted version to try with no 20 minute time-out or annoying noise or saving restrictions or anything else so instead of just noodling around with it, you can throw it into works in progress or existing pieces, knowing that if you decide to buy it you won't have to go back and re-build patches or anything else. It's a good compromise.

[pk-1]

DAW such as Reason has had virtual dongles (offline authorization) for many years now, and its copy protection is 100% unbreakable. It's crazy that a company as large as Steinberg are using such an archaic approach.

This has nothing to do with archaic or modern.

Reason registers to the hardware of your computer, Cubase to the hardware of your dongle. What you prefer depends on how you want to use the license.

[EnochLight]

I am currently demoing Monument Bass and it requires iLok but the advantage that gives the demo is that you get full, unrestricted use of it for 20 days, then the license expires. To me that is the perfect demo and it's also why I don't mind Output's policy - you get the full, unrestricted version to try with no 20 minute time-out or annoying noise or saving restrictions or anything else so instead of just noodling around with it, you can throw it into works in progress or existing pieces, knowing that if you decide to buy it you won't have to go back and re-build patches or anything else. It's a good compromise.

Yeah, us Reasoners have been getting 30-day unrestricted demos with Rack Extensions for many, many years. That's probably the best demo policy on the market, IMHO. I wouldn't be averse to Output using virtual dongles (whether they're iLok or otherwise) if it means getting rid of this silly "must buy to try" policy.

DAW such as Reason has had virtual dongles (offline authorization) for many years now, and its copy protection is 100% unbreakable. It's crazy that a company as large as Steinberg are using such an archaic approach.

This has nothing to do with archaic or modern.

Reason registers to the hardware of your computer, Cubase to the hardware of your dongle. What you prefer depends on how you want to use the license.

It has everything to do with being archaic, IMHO. Hardware dongles are a pain in the ass, easy to lose, and inflate the cost of the software requiring them. At least make them optional - that's the best route, really.

[perpetual3]

I am currently demoing Monument Bass and it requires iLok but the advantage that gives the demo is that you get full, unrestricted use of it for 20 days, then the license expires. To me that is the perfect demo and it's also why I don't mind Output's policy - you get the full, unrestricted version to try with no 20 minute time-out or annoying noise or saving restrictions or anything else so instead of just noodling around with it, you can throw it into works in progress or existing pieces, knowing that if you decide to buy it you won't have to go back and re-build patches or anything else. It's a good compromise.

Yeah, us Reasoners have been getting 30-day unrestricted demos with Rack Extensions for many, many years. That's probably the best demo policy on the market, IMHO. I wouldn't be averse to Output using virtual dongles (whether they're iLok or otherwise) if it means getting rid of this silly "must buy to try" policy.

DAW such as Reason has had virtual dongles (offline authorization) for many years now, and its copy protection is 100% unbreakable. It's crazy that a company as large as Steinberg are using such an archaic approach.

This has nothing to do with archaic or modern.

Reason registers to the hardware of your computer, Cubase to the hardware of your dongle. What you prefer depends on how you want to use the license.

It has everything to do with being archaic, IMHO. Hardware dongles are a pain in the ass, easy to lose, and inflate the cost of the software requiring them. At least make them optional - that's the best route, really.

Absolutely archaic. Somehow I lost my iLok dongle → hassle. Kush audio refused to give me a new license to replace the one that was lost since they issue two with every plugin. I love their plugins, but it soured me to the company.

But I think machine based iLok can also be a hassle. When my logic board died, it took a lot of time to contact each plugin developer to explain the situation and ask if I could get a new license since the one attached to that machine is lost forever. Thankfully nearly all plugin manufactures timely agreed. PSP initially gave me some push back, in my opinion, but eventually gave me a new license. I chalked it up to miscommunication due to cultural differences, since I am a customer of theirs since the initial release of vintage warmer (which I still use in every project).

U-he does it best.

[pk-1]

It has everything to do with being archaic, IMHO. Hardware dongles are a pain in the ass, easy to lose, and inflate the cost of the software requiring them.

No. If you need access to your license(s) from different computers, dongles are the preferred solution. Besides, they are far more robust than computers and agnostic to hardware upgrades.

I do agree though that the DRM provider should give you a choice of attaching the license to your computer hardware, a dongle, or to an online validation procedure, like the latest generation of iLOK licenses.

[pk-1]

Absolutely archaic. Somehow I lost my iLok dongle → hassle.

So, what next? If you loose your car or apartment keys, you're going to blame the car manufacturer or landlord for using "archaic" access technologies?

The examples you mention are related to customer service and have nothing to do with DRM technology ...

[Neon Breath]

Man as usual this thread totally derailed into a messy copy protection dongle debate, instead of discussions about the actual sound, qualities & creative potential of the plugin. ..

[Sampleconstruct]

Moses needed an iLok to get access to the 10 commandments.

[Neon Breath]

Simon, did you get Portal? I didn't yet, waiting for more reviews and opinions about its sonic qualities.

[EnochLight]

It has everything to do with being archaic, IMHO. Hardware dongles are a pain in the ass, easy to lose, and inflate the cost of the software requiring them.

No. If you need access to your license(s) from different computers, dongles are the preferred solution. Besides, they are far more robust than computers and agnostic to hardware upgrades.

I do agree though that the DRM provider should give you a choice of attaching the license to your computer hardware, a dongle, or to an online validation procedure, like the latest generation of iLOK licenses.

Well, you truncated my quote and left out the most important part:

At least make them optional - that's the best route, really.

[ictools]

Absolutely archaic. Somehow I lost my iLok dongle → hassle.

So, what next? If you loose your car or apartment keys, you're going to blame the car manufacturer or landlord for using "archaic" access technologies?

The examples you mention are related to customer service and have nothing to do with DRM technology ...

It might seem that your comparison between apples and oranges are of the same variety, but they are absolutely different fruits altogether.

1. Dongles are made of cheaper materials, easier to break.
2. Dongles are easier to steal, they make no noise and sit openly in a computer port.
3. Dongles are prone to damage via water, electricity, brute force and wear out over time.
4. Dongles are easier to lose, they are small, don't jingle and not kept in the front pocket before use.
-----
5. Dongles get outdated and new versions come out.
6. Dongles take up an extra port on an already limited laptop or computer.
7. Dongles cost extra money, nearly $50, to use software that can cost less.
8. Dongle replacement is a hassle.
9. Dongles require plugging in and out during usage.
10. Dongles require on-line management and software updates.
11. Dongles require system files, registry, scheduled tasks and background processing.

Please list the pros to the cons, because I'm having a difficult time thinking of some.