PSA: STAY AWAY FROM UAD FOR LIVE SHOWS!!

[chk071]

Since I learned that you're basically screwed when your hard drive fails when you're using machine activation, I used iLok dongle activation, so, I never even realized that some plugins need an active internet connection for machine activation. I always thought the iLok Cloud would be the only option which does.

[kylie]

If companies want to enforce stringent copy protection, yeah I can live with that.

When said copy protection isn’t detected, SCREAM AND FAIL LOUDLY. Don’t, for the love of god, fail silently.

So you didn't test the readyness of your plugins before your live show in an equivalent environment but threw it in your setup just like that and still blame the manufacturer? I'd say your show preparation is kinda lazy...
Especially if you're gonna use a new manufacturer it's more than advisable to test it like you're going live. I was about to say it would have been possible to do machine auth, but indeed it's cloud or dongle only. A "live show dongle" as other suggested would be my advice. too.

[keyman_sam]

If companies want to enforce stringent copy protection, yeah I can live with that.

When said copy protection isn’t detected, SCREAM AND FAIL LOUDLY. Don’t, for the love of god, fail silently.

So you didn't test the readyness of your plugins before your live show in an equivalent environment but threw it in your setup just like that and still blame the manufacturer? I'd say your show preparation is kinda lazy...
Especially if you're gonna use a new manufacturer it's more than advisable to test it like you're going live. I was about to say it would have been possible to do machine auth, but indeed it's cloud or dongle only. A "live show dongle" as other suggested would be my advice. too.

Nope, wrong. You shouldn't rely on stringent testing by musicians for your plugins to work. You should assume your users will use plugins in a live environment, and anticipate what issues could occur and surface them in a graceful manner.

And in this case, I DID test with airplane mode on (simulated the live environment) AND I caught the issue. On the actual event, I connected to a hotspot, authorized both Reason and this plugin. Then turned on airplane mode and didn't close the project. I closed the lid.

When I opened the lid (woke up from sleep), Reason worked as it should, UA didn't. That's the issue. It's not transparent when UA requires online connection.

[roman.i]

I agree they need to state clearly the iLok Cloud authorization requires an Active Internet Connection, in the same way Sonnox warns their users.
However, the lack of warning doesn't make UAD not suitable for live shows.

[revvy]

[roman.i]

FTR it's a choice of the company, not iLok per se.

I use Soundtoys stuff via iLock cloud, works fine without internet connection.

This is not true.
Soundtoys have never used iLok Cloud.

[revvy]

[roman.i]

I mean the iLok that doesn't require a dongle and uses machine/cloud.

Screenshot 2023-10-09 at 2.40.29 PM.png

Those are not iLok Cloud authorizations.
As you see, the iLok Cloud is turned off on them.
If you had an iLok Cloud products, a Red "Cloud" bar will appear on the left side.

[Teksonik]

WiFi hotspot from your phone to establish an internet connection to your gigging computer just for the copy protection handshake? (or use the venue's WiFi and use a VPN?)

[bmanic]

I mean the iLok that doesn't require a dongle.

Screenshot 2023-10-09 at 2.40.29 PM.png

That's machine activation, so of course it doesn't require internet. This is a good thread to be as accurate with your wording as possible so as to not spread further confusion.

iLok cloud, as rather clearly implicated by the name, is the internet always-on requiring option.

[revvy]

[bmanic]

@keyman_sam

I feel ya mate. I've seen this happen to various people over the years at live shows. It's a bit tricky with the failure message thing.. I do understand that it would be important to know that it failed but it can also be immensely destructive if the message is done poorly (like splashing a huge window-on-top warning at the exact wrong timing when internet connection is lost).

Totally agree that UAD needs to have some kind of easy to see warning message as the connection can fail during a long concert.. or especially during long multiple band sessions in a festival setting.

I do also recommend using a "Live gig only" hardware iLok dongle. This is what most people do and is one of the reasons why you get multiple licenses (and one of the reasons why I never purchase from iLok protected companies if they only offer a single license).

[bmanic]

I mean the iLok that doesn't require a dongle.

Screenshot 2023-10-09 at 2.40.29 PM.png

That's machine activation, so of course it doesn't require internet. This is a good thread to be as accurate with your wording as possible so as to not spread further confusion.

iLok cloud, as rather clearly implicated by the name, is the internet always-on requiring option.

I already corrected my original f**king post and even included the screenshot you quote to get clarification, what more do you want, blood?

Nah just in general, these iLok threads are things that are looked up by other people on the net in the coming years, thus minimizing confusion in them is of public service, hence the wording of my post.

Not your fault really to be fair. The iLok way is a bit confusing in general and THEY should indeed try to improve it a bit, to make it absolutely clear and separate how the licenses work.


Oh and your edit, while appreciated, can lead to further confusion as not all companies allow for the machine authorization (it's the least secure). So I'll add this comment as well, for public service.

PSA: Before purchase of an iLok protected plugin, make sure it offers the tier of protection you need

[revvy]

All my stuff deleted. Those who quoted me could delete their stuff too, to 'avoid confusion'.

[Teksonik]

PSA: Before purchase of an iLok protected plugin, make sure it offers the tier of protection you need

PSA: Developers, before deciding on using any intrusive copy protection scheme make sure it doesn't punish your paying customers in any way.