Plugins/Companies using serial, a keyfile, or watermark copy protection

[audiojunkie]

GForce calls home and limits your number of authentications. If the company were to go out of business, it wouldn’t authorize.

Are you sure? I tried installing and activating without internet connection and it worked.

Any evidence on what you're saying? I'm asking because i'm interested to be sure about that, like you i try to avoid whatever kind of calling home plugins

Yes, I wish it weren’t true, but the FAQ and help and support sections clearly mention that the software limits you to two installations. That wouldn’t be possible without some form of checking. Otherwise, if you had the software installed on three systems, how would it know whether you are breaking the service agreement and block you, or if you lefally purchased 2 legal license copies. It HAS to call home to check. Otherwise it wouldn’t be able to act as a gatekeeper and limit your number of installations.

edit: got the confirmation, their plugins don't call home

This is very good news indeed! What did they specifically say about how they limit your number of systems used?

[whyterabbyt]

Yes, I wish it weren’t true, but the FAQ and help and support sections clearly mention that the software limits you to two installations.

where is that, or can you provide the text?

I do see a FAQ section that talks about a limit in the license agreement, but that's obviously a very different thing.

How many times can I install an instrument?
Our licence agreement allows for up to two concurrent installations as long as both computers are owned (and mainly used by) the registered licence holder.

This is designed to allow users to have one installed on a studio and one on a live performance rig

[audiojunkie]

Yes, I wish it weren’t true, but the FAQ and help and support sections clearly mention that the software limits you to two installations.

where is that, or can you provide the text?

I do see a FAQ section that talks about a limit in the license agreement, but that's obviously a very different thing.

How many times can I install an instrument?
Our licence agreement allows for up to two concurrent installations as long as both computers are owned (and mainly used by) the registered licence holder.

This is designed to allow users to have one installed on a studio and one on a live performance rig

That was pretty much the quote I went off of. I interpreted that as meaning that it checks. I have written the company asking my specific three question criteria, and Frankie T. has also written and has already received a response. It is starting to sound like it may indeed meet the criteria. I want to be absolutely sure, because this is a company I would like to buy synths from.

Note to everyone: I may be very strict on the criteria, but I'll be as happy as any one else if these synths turn out to be meeting the criteria after all. I want more synths! I want to be proven wrong!

[audiojunkie]

I too received my response back from GForce! I'll post the response I received so that there is absolutely no question:

Hi Sean,

Thanks for getting in touch. At the moment our software does not call a server or limit installations. We publicly say there is a 2 installation limit in the EULA to prevent undue technical support requests (more installations = more chance they'll end up needing support!) and, admittedly, to deter casual attempts at code-sharing.

The FAQ that you've referenced in the thread very carefully says that our licence agreement allows for 2 concurrent installations, not that you're actually hard-limited to that from our side. Further installations would be a breach of EULA, but to be honest, as long as it's fair, you own and use the computers yourself, and it doesn't cause us undue support. We won't make a fuss about them.

Best,

Graeme

GForce Software Ltd

www.gforcesoftware.com



www.instagram.com/gforcesoftware

________________________________________________

[audiojunkie]

I think, to help people wanting a quick reference, I'll add all of the developers that we've listed into my first post. If someone finds a mistake, please correct me. This should be helpful for the future.

[RunBeerRun]

Toneboosters, I didn't see that mentioned.

I have barricade and isone that I keep as portable, hopefully they still are up to doing that.

[audiojunkie]

Toneboosters, I didn't see that mentioned.

I have barricade and isone that I keep as portable, hopefully they still are up to doing that.

Thank you! Added!

[e@rs]

Serial number or keyfile: apulSoft, Audio Realism, DMGAudio, eaReckon, LetiMix, Madrona Labs, Plogue, Polyverse Music, Reveal Sound, Sonic Charge, Surreal Machines, Tokyo Dawn Labs, Tone Projects.

No copy protection at all: Aberrant DSP, Auburn Sounds, Inphonik, Kazrog, Psychic Modulation.

[audiojunkie]

Thank you! Added!

Remember, if anyone sees any errors or if there is any question as to whether a simple serial or keyfile (or even no protection) is used, speak up so that we can confirm.

[FranklyFlawless]

There is BBCode support for lists:

Code: Select all

[list=1]
[*]The copy protection must use either a serial number or a keyfile.
[*]The copy protection must not tie itself to anything. For example, there are now developers claiming they only use serial number copy protection, but then the copy protection ties itself to a particular CPU or other hardware. This fits within the realm of challenge/response. The software should not restrict you to using only the one computer. If you buy a new computer, you should be able to use it.
[*]The software should not require any form of calling home to authenticate. In other words, if a company were to go out of business, you should be able to pull a copy of the software and serial number or keyfile off of your backup drive, and authenticate the software.
[/list]

Code: Select all

[list]
[*]ACMT Plugins
[*]Acon Digital
[*]Apisonic Labs
[*]Audio Damage
[*]AudioThing
[*]Audiority / Polychrome DSP
[*]Blue Cat Audio
[*]CableGuys
[*]Devious Machines
[*]FabFilter
[*]Fuse Audio Labs
[*]GForce
[*]HY-Plugins
[*]KV331 Plugins
[*]KarmaFX
[*]Kiive Audio
[*]Klanghelm
[*]Loomer
[*]Martinic
[*]Melda Plugins
[*]Naskt Plugins
[*]Safari Pedals
[*]Sinevibes
[*]SirAudio
[*]Sonic Projects
[*]SugarBytes
[*]TAL-Software Plugins
[*]TBProAudio
[*]Tone2
[*]ToneBoosters
[*]U-he plugins
[*]United Plugins
[*]Valhalla Plugins
[*]Venomode
[*]Voxengo
[*]Xfer
[/list]

Serial Number/Keyfile:
[list]
[*]ApulSoft
[*]Audio Realism
[*]DMGAudio
[*]eaReckon
[*]LetiMix
[*]Madrona Labs
[*]Plogue
[*]Polyverse Music
[*]Reveal Sound
[*]Sonic Charge
[*]Surreal Machines
[*]Tokyo Dawn Labs
[*]Tone Projects
[/list]

No Copy Protection:
[list]
[*]Aberrant DSP
[*]Auburn Sounds
[*]Inphonik
[*]Kazrog
[*]Psychic Modulation
[/list]

Needs Confirmation:
[list]
[*]Cakewalk Dimension Pro
[*]Waldorf
[/list]

Other:
[list]
[*]HornetPlugins (demos needs a kind of plugin manager with user and pw, while full versions doesn't)
[/list]

For convenience, I have regenerated the lists using BBCode in alphabetical order and separated anomalies into separate categories, so you can copy and paste them as-is into the original post. Feel free to modify them as desired, as I have no intention of voluntarily maintaining them.

[whyterabbyt]

That was pretty much the quote I went off of. I interpreted that as meaning that it checks.

Odd interpretation then, fuelling, as you've found out, a very incorrect assertion. The license agreement for a software package isnt the software itself.

[e@rs]

Just wanted to point out that although the activation of Cableguys products is offline keyfiles, their NoiseShaper and ReverbShaper need an online connection to download their necessary (crypted) files and download links for offline use aren't provided.

[ramseysounds]

Superwave?

[audiojunkie]

There is BBCode support for lists:

Code: Select all

[list=1]
[*]The copy protection must use either a serial number or a keyfile.
[*]The copy protection must not tie itself to anything. For example, there are now developers claiming they only use serial number copy protection, but then the copy protection ties itself to a particular CPU or other hardware. This fits within the realm of challenge/response. The software should not restrict you to using only the one computer. If you buy a new computer, you should be able to use it.
[*]The software should not require any form of calling home to authenticate. In other words, if a company were to go out of business, you should be able to pull a copy of the software and serial number or keyfile off of your backup drive, and authenticate the software.
[/list]

Code: Select all

[list]
[*]ACMT Plugins
[*]Acon Digital
[*]Apisonic Labs
[*]Audio Damage
[*]AudioThing
[*]Audiority / Polychrome DSP
[*]Blue Cat Audio
[*]CableGuys
[*]Devious Machines
[*]FabFilter
[*]Fuse Audio Labs
[*]GForce
[*]HY-Plugins
[*]KV331 Plugins
[*]KarmaFX
[*]Kiive Audio
[*]Klanghelm
[*]Loomer
[*]Martinic
[*]Melda Plugins
[*]Naskt Plugins
[*]Safari Pedals
[*]Sinevibes
[*]SirAudio
[*]Sonic Projects
[*]SugarBytes
[*]TAL-Software Plugins
[*]TBProAudio
[*]Tone2
[*]ToneBoosters
[*]U-he plugins
[*]United Plugins
[*]Valhalla Plugins
[*]Venomode
[*]Voxengo
[*]Xfer
[/list]

Serial Number/Keyfile:
[list]
[*]ApulSoft
[*]Audio Realism
[*]DMGAudio
[*]eaReckon
[*]LetiMix
[*]Madrona Labs
[*]Plogue
[*]Polyverse Music
[*]Reveal Sound
[*]Sonic Charge
[*]Surreal Machines
[*]Tokyo Dawn Labs
[*]Tone Projects
[/list]

No Copy Protection:
[list]
[*]Aberrant DSP
[*]Auburn Sounds
[*]Inphonik
[*]Kazrog
[*]Psychic Modulation
[/list]

Needs Confirmation:
[list]
[*]Cakewalk Dimension Pro
[*]Waldorf
[/list]

Other:
[list]
[*]HornetPlugins (demos needs a kind of plugin manager with user and pw, while full versions doesn't)
[/list]

For convenience, I have regenerated the lists using BBCode in alphabetical order and separated anomalies into separate categories, so you can copy and paste them as-is into the original post. Feel free to modify them as desired, as I have no intention of voluntarily maintaining them.

Great Idea! I've implemented it!

[audiojunkie]

That was pretty much the quote I went off of. I interpreted that as meaning that it checks.

Odd interpretation then, fuelling, as you've found out, a very incorrect assertion. The license agreement for a software package isnt the software itself.

Probably true. But I'd rather err on the side of caution and be corrected for it later, then to have someone buy something expecting it to be proper authentication, only to find out later that it isn't. That is the thing I'm trying most to avoid. I am truly hoping people do correct me and help keep this up-to-date and correct.