XLN Audio Addictive Keys pricing announced will be released tomorrow.

[PeterL]

Question about the new online installer:
If you use a 2nd token on a laptop or buy a new computer someday, do you have to download all again (about 4GB) ?
No backup possibility (at least for the big sample libs) ?
Internet is still not free .

No, it is possible to copy the files over from the original installation. We recommend using the Online Installer though. But once you've copied the files and run the installer it will check all files for the latest version and authorize the products. Even if you choose to update the instruments it will not re-download the big sound data files as long as they're up to date. The Online Installer only downloads files that are missing or out of date.

Thanks for the info, this is acceptable for me.
Online installer worked great so far.

Do have an internet connection that's capped to a specific monthly download?

I use a mobile connection, no flat rate, means fix price 1GB = 4€

[Majken]

What happens if XLN audio goes bankrupt or for some other reason decides to close shop? How can customer install the software on new computers or after formatting?

This is a different topic than the thread and I can only share my personal thoughts, I can't speak for XLN. But installation of the actual files and plug-ins is possible by copying the files from the old computer. There's an article on the XLN site on how to install offline. However authorization requires a connection to the server. This is also true for Addictive Drums even if you own an original DVD. But then again this is the case for a lot of other software as well. Anything from the different Microsoft Windows OS versions to software you bought in marketplaces like App Store or Xbox Live. Basically anything that uses a challenge / response system or any kind of internet activation. Dongles can also be problematic since a simple service pack upgrade could render the drivers unusable and if the driver manufacturer is not around that means you're stuck with your OS version.

There really is no easy answer to how you can ensure always being able to use the software or products you've bought I guess. With games the scenario can be even stranger as the game can run just fine but all internet content can be unavailable which cripples the game and reduces the value significantly. I've heard in the past that a popular german plug-in developer said they would release versions without copy protection in the event that they ever go bankrupt. But that could just have been a rumor and if that's still valid and if it's even possible remains to be seen. If you go bankrupt and you're bought by another company, would you be able to live up to such a promise?

I guess the main question is, how do you future proof your music gear and your music projects? I remember reviewing a digital recorder a few years ago where one of the selling points was "future proof recording". However they used their own version of an uncommon audio format which raises the question, sure it sounds good but will you be able to open the files in 5 years, or 10 years, or 15? I would guess that there could be thread somewhere here on KVR on the subject?

/Majken

[Majken]

I know this marks me as a bad GAS sufferer but Addictive Keys is SO good , it made me buy Addictive Drums, despite the fact I really don't need another drum library!

Thank you very very much! That's really awesome to hear!

/Majken - XLN Audio

[Majken]

I use a mobile connection, no flat rate, means fix price 1GB = 4€

Ah, that explains it. Like I said, there is an article on our site but it's pretty techy. If you do need to install on another machine in the future and need some assistance you could always send an e-mail to our support. We usually answer within a day.

I use a cell phone connection myself every now and then. The one I have has unlimited bandwidth but if I exceed 5GB / month my speed is capped from 3G at around 2Mbps to standard GSM at around 200kbps.

/Majken - XLN Audio

[Dr.Wu]

Got a copy for review and i am blown away!
fast loadtimes, superplayable, lots of presets from bread&butter to the weird and wonderful and its superinspiring to play! Great tweakability too-whats not to like?

[aldrichgo4]

XLN Audio's Free ADpak offer for customers who have both Addictive Keys Studio Collection and Addictive drums is scheduled to end 1 Oct 2012.

You just need to show that you have both products before the 1 Oct deadline. More info here: FREE ADpak offer

[KevWestBeats]

I have been using this plug in every day since I got it 3 weeks ago. I adore it still. My favorite plug in in my synth setup. And I was running it through FXpansions new maul plug in OMG it sounds like sex!

[Echoes in the Attic]

Are the pianos really expressive? There can't be many velocity layers are there? I'm surprised t hey can fit three pianos into 5gb. Maybe that's compressed, but it's still only around 2gb per piano. Are they using some funky looping of sustains, anyone know? I'm guessing no round robin or anything like that?

On the other hand, I'm amazed by how great Addictive Drums sound with such a small footprint...