iLok?

[skaibluemusic]

Hi everyone, so I just purchased my first VST that required iLok.

Is this some sort of DRM for VST's?

None of my other VST's (Sylenth, Massive, Diva, Spire, Serum, etc...) have this iLok app.

I noticed that some people won't purchase a VST if it has iLok.

I'm not a fan of DRM on my videogames, so I can understand if iLok is DRM for VST's--but, is that the only reason it's not liked?

That being said, what's wrong with iLok? What are your experiences?

Thank you in advance!

[Aloysius]

The silent majority like it.

[GeorgeZ]

The silent majority like it.

[Deisss]

I prefer without of course.

Still it's not always something you can skip.

Ive to admit that at least, in the world of dongle protection, on user side they are clearly the best: it's the most used, and it works fine.

Nonetheless if a software have both ilok and without (kind of rare but it exists) I always go for the non-ilok version, simply because ilok use a usb slot all the time, and laptop are already short of usb...

[Mystic]

The silent majority like it.

I wouldn't say we "like" it. Many of us understand the necessity and why companies use it. I despise the way the company does business but unfortunately, a lot of the plugins I use require me to have it so it's a toss up. Either I ditch it along with some very good plugins or I suck it up and continue using it. Most of the time I forget it's even in my computer so it's really not a huge deal.

[DJ Warmonger]

I'm not going to purchase something that might stop working out of teh blue (it already did once) and I'm left helpless with that.
...using hardware dongle is even more ridiculous, as it is not free and additionally consumes USB slots. From the user point of view, these are only disadvantages.

Many of us understand the necessity and why companies use it

I pay money to the companies and it's up to THEM to deliver what I want.

[skaibluemusic]

I saw that Nexus 2 has some kind of USB key you need to keep in your computer's USB, so that's the reason I haven't purchased Nexus 2. I really wish Nexus 2 wouldn't require that key, or use iLok if they want to add DRM to Nexus.

[Teksonik]

Release the Kraken.........

[izonin]

in before the ilok

[.jon]

Like all viruses and malware, iLok is easy to avoid so the silent majority doesn't care. There's always a better product available without iLok.

[wasi]

Ah, the silent majority. Make iLok Great Again.

iLok has been awful for me. I've spent more time troubleshooting it than I have spent actually using the software it protects. If they didn't have such prohibitive transfer fees (why? The process is automated...) I would have dumped my stuff again a long time ago. Worst DRM scheme ever.

But YMMV. When it works it works. That's right folks.

[Megakazbek]

I only use plugins that have software iLok without dongle. So far I didn't encounter any problems.

I think one potential problem is that you are relying on 3rd party company to keep their licensing servers always available and their iLok app up to date with all the newest comuters and operating systems. Works fine while their business is good, but even big and successful companies sometimes make bad decisions or cannot deal with emerging better competitors and quickly go out of business.

[Ingonator]

I only use plugins that have software iLok without dongle. So far I didn't encounter any problems.

Even with plugins that allow a software iLok (last one was VI Labs Ravenscroft 275 piano) i prefer using my iLok 2 dongle. So far i did not encounter any problems...

Same is true about eLicenser protected plugin where i prefer using the dongle. Had used one for around 10 years now. For using Cubase Pro 8.5 which is my second main host besides Live 9 Suite this is essential anyway.

FWIW the iLok 3 USB dongle seems to be out now that is faster, holds more licenses and seems to have a metal chassis.
The latest eLicenser USB dongle seems to be smaller too than than older ones (while i dod not have the newer one yet).


In any case you should try to use the latest iLok and/or eLicenser software:
https://www.ilok.com/#!license-manager
https://www.steinberg.net/en/company/te ... enser.html

[Sampleconstruct]

Pavlov trigger.

[Aloysius]

Ode to an iLok by Aloysius 2016

I feel iree when I see my baby blinking at me from a USB.
Her blinking is her way of winking and saying that she's thinking of me.