Thoughts on Ilok?

[Alexander_D]

If it's a studio computer that won't be moving I'd recommend the dongle. It's more reliable than computer or cloud activation. There was a time when Windows updates were causing iLok to think the computer hardware had changed and was wiping machine activations. Not sure if that is still the case but it's very likely a dongle will last longer than your current system.

I started with machine activation for the few freebie iLok plugins I picked up when starting out. Then I got the dongle and haven't looked back.

Thank you. Maybe I need to purchase the dongle as well and move all my licenses to the dongle...

[MrJubbly]

I only ever have one thought on iLok.

And that thought is ... "No!"

[hotmitts]

The thing is hard drives are prone to errors and so are USB drives, which may mean re-installing your OS, so if you lose your licenses because of that, it should be a simple matter to deactivate and re-authorise from the new machine.

[billinder33]

Have not noticed for 3 years now but use my VSX headphones everyday so..

When's the last time you updated VSX? Everytime I update mine I have to go into iLok and tinker.

It always works eventually, but I can never remember what I did the previous time to make it work.

[Pluginsella]

Sorry, but I have almost all plugins on my Mac (Mini M2) running through Software Manager. Easy installation, no performance loss and plugin loading time is hardly noticeable - the only thing that is annoying are the transfer fees. Just read for yourself :/

[Deisss]

I don't hate it as long as

1. Publisher offer AT LEAST 2~3 activation per license
2. Publisher allows local activation and cloud activation.

So I can activate the license locally in the computer without the need of the dongle and in case my laptop is stolen/lost/broke I have spare license that I can use immediately instead of contact publisher one by one to reset all the license activation (been there) or pay for the Zero downtime ransom to iLok.

Same, I actually like a lot the cloud and I dont understand why not all licenses can be switched to it. Its very convenient when you got several computers with most of them having internet.

[SiliconDeath]

iLok is good when it works and there are no issues
iLok is bad when it doesn't work and there are issues
I've sometimes had bugs where a project with too many iLok plugins starts running into issues (for me it's been softube or kush plugins). Because of this I've had to be careful sometimes how many iLok plugins I put into a project. I'm not sure where it stems from (probably from the DRM ilok uses), but it's not ideal.

[paradiddle]

I have both windows and mac system also both using software Ilok and ZERO problems with it so far. Not a single hiccup Winbox is 5 old and the macbook 2016. I don't really use that many Ilok plugins at the same so don't know if it's an issue in general. Pretty easy to deauthorise and authorise on another computer. That's just my experience and it might not the same for everyone.

[t.o.t.s.]

i have preset templates for my studio which on average has 33 ilok licensed plugins that start off each session. it’s been like that (at this studio) for 20 years now. no issues ever on both macs and pcs. I’m sure it’s not impossible but i’ve never encountered a situation when there were too many plugins loading in a session that caused issues. certainly, after mixing sessions, I’ve had more active. Just giving a baseline.

[qtheerearranger]

slate just sent out an email survey that is about how bad ilok is as a customer. if you hate ilok and use slate plugins check your email!

[Funky40]

i consider ILOK a huge plus for me.
I just had to send back a new mac, bought myself a new one bevore i had to send the first one back.
With several hundred plugins installed (in total, not on ilok) ILOK can even look like it was a godsend, haha.
i use a USB stick. It´s the only way it works for me.

+1: the USB stick should be reworked, bring a very small one to market that works well on Macbooks/labtops.


exactly ->

Transferring program and plugin licenses from an old system to a new one can be an absolute pain, especially for system locked licenses purchased long ago.

Moving an iLok dongle from one system to another is a breeze.

Looking at purchasing a new system soon. My iLok license transfers are the absolute least of my concerns.

MANY of my best and very best plugins ARE ilok based, and NOT replaceable.
alots of creative FX, Reverbs,

[Tendou]

I hate Ilok and I was able to ditch it. Im not missing a single plugin.

[jules99]

It sucks, but people crack

[dblock]

Bought my first Ilok in 2005. Never had a problem. I don't travel with it or move it. It just sits there. I have tons of good stuff that only comes on Ilok and tons of stuff I put on it even if it's not mandatory. Even if it were to act up now 20 years later, it's record for stability is better than any plugin or daw I've owned but for sure ymmv.

[pekbro]

I just use what I got to use for the plugins I like. Ilok or no, I don't care at all...