SX dongle woes

[Bas]

YOu can load or transer multiple licences on to one donlge. I have Sx3, Halion3, Hypersonic,(with 3 licneces for addons), Virtual bassist and OMF on my main DAW dongle.

One small piece of plastic can hold a lot of licences.

Of course if the dongle is a problem for your needs, then you should vote with your wallet, but for me, the dongle has not been a problem at all. I even transferred my old LPT dongle to another USB version so I could run VST on another machine.

[LarryAW]

Can I chip in as a potential Cubase user who's been trying to decide 'Cubase or Sonar?' for a month now?

I have no problems with the technical aspects of dongles. I'm not worried about something going wrong and having to spend a week getting things up and running again either (although I would be if I was doing it professionally). And I'm not concerned about losing it - because I'd be careful - or being tret like a thief - because it's just another form of protection.

What is bothering me is this .... I do graphics as a job and I have about 15 pieces of software in this computer that I use almost every day. I have another 15 to 20 that I use on and off. So, if I had a dongle for each piece of software, that would be a 30-dongle porcupine somewhere in my workspace, which is unacceptable. And what if I regularly used twice that number of applications? In fact, the 30 I mentioned are just the main ones. I use others on occasion too. I keep an application install log, and I'm up to number 61. 61 dongles? There's no way I'd want all of the licenses together on one or two dongles either. The dongle goes and I'm really in trouble.

So the way I'm *starting* to look at it is .... the makers of software who use dongle protection are being pretty selfish and irresponsible. They're negating the advantages of using software (up and running any time on any machine), and burdening legitimate users with unecessary hardware. Just as we'd be in trouble if everybody used pirated software, we'd be in trouble if all software came with a dongle. And imagine if we didn't have USB and were stuck with the old-style printer port dongles. Jesus, I'd need to move my computer out into a corridor.

So, I'm still undecided, but leaning towards Sonar entirely because of the dongle. Cubase may lose a customer.

mark

I have a shitload of chronic medical problems. And, because of developing sciatica (severe pain from my lower back to my right calf), I am giving up my music hobby. I have a ton of software, probably more than anyone else around here. Anyway, Sonar 4 PE is a great product, but I can't use it. I am in my recliner with my right leg further elevated. It's been this way for 5+ weeks.

I have been a customer of Cakewalk since Pro Audio 8. I know they don't like people selling their software, but I think I deserve special consideration because of the circumstances. I haven't even gotten a response to my request for permission to sell Sonar 4 PE. The least they could do is to respond to my now 2 messages. Spectrum responded to a PM within minutes today.

I'm honest and I checked the box where I agreed I wouldn't sell Sonar 4 PE. If they say I can't sell it (or if they continue to not respond to my msgs), then Sonar 4 PE goes into a box in a closet, never to be seen again. I am not selling it without permission, despite the temptation. It's not even installed any longer. Of course, I have Cubase SX 3, too, because I have everything. I haven't gotten around to asking Steinberg for permission to sell Cubase SX 3 yet. It's also no longer installed.

If Cakewalk doesn't allow me to sell Sonar 4 PE, then someone is going to miss out on my including Sonar 4 Power, Sonar 4 CSi Master, Sonar 4 Know-it-All, and Sonar 3 Mixing and Mastering for free. I was going to sell this bundle for $450 (audiomidi.com is selling Sonar 4 PE for $599), and I was going to pay for shipping (U.S. only). The books and training CD are going to join Sonar 4 PE in the closet if I can't sell Sonar 4 PE. It's an all or nothing deal with me. So, yes, Cakewalk only requires a serial number, but I haven't been blown away with the support I have gotten. A response of any kind would be appreciated. I am not holding my breath.

[SleepyP]

you know, i was rather surprised when i saw the stipulation about not being able to get rid of Sonar once you buy it, for just such situations. sometimes i really wonder why hthese compnaies even bother. just about every copy protection system that doesn't involve task-critical hardware (like PT) has been defeated. sure it took quite some time on SX3, but it still happened. i'd rather they spend the extra money on paying their people instead of licensing or developing yet another protection scheme that will probably be foiled by silly people who think it's cool to typ3 numb3r$ 4nd $ymb0lz instead of regular english like grown ups. or maybe they could pass the savings on to the customer in the form of lower MSRP, thus making it less likely that people will use the "I'm poor" rationalization and go get the cracked version. but what do i know, i'm just some crapface from ohio

[flugel45]

I have a shitload of chronic medical problems. And, because of developing sciatica (severe pain from my lower back to my right calf), I am giving up my music hobby. I have a ton of software, probably more than anyone else around here. Anyway, Sonar 4 PE is a great product, but I can't use it. I am in my recliner with my right leg further elevated. It's been this way for 5+ weeks.

I have been a customer of Cakewalk since Pro Audio 8. I know they don't like people selling their software, but I think I deserve special consideration because of the circumstances. I haven't even gotten a response to my request for permission to sell Sonar 4 PE. The least they could do is to respond to my now 2 messages. Spectrum responded to a PM within minutes today.

I'm honest and I checked the box where I agreed I wouldn't sell Sonar 4 PE. If they say I can't sell it (or if they continue to not respond to my msgs), then Sonar 4 PE goes into a box in a closet, never to be seen again. I am not selling it without permission, despite the temptation. It's not even installed any longer. Of course, I have Cubase SX 3, too, because I have everything. I haven't gotten around to asking Steinberg for permission to sell Cubase SX 3 yet. It's also no longer installed.

If Cakewalk doesn't allow me to sell Sonar 4 PE, then someone is going to miss out on my including Sonar 4 Power, Sonar 4 CSi Master, Sonar 4 Know-it-All, and Sonar 3 Mixing and Mastering for free. I was going to sell this bundle for $450 (audiomidi.com is selling Sonar 4 PE for $599), and I was going to pay for shipping (U.S. only). The books and training CD are going to join Sonar 4 PE in the closet if I can't sell Sonar 4 PE. It's an all or nothing deal with me. So, yes, Cakewalk only requires a serial number, but I haven't been blown away with the support I have gotten. A response of any kind would be appreciated. I am not holding my breath.

Larry,

I'm truly sorry to hear about your medical problems. Sucks that you feel you have to give up the music, and I sincerely hope you recover and are able to get back to it someday (soon).

I don't want to make excuses for Cakewalk, but apparently they are holding firm on the terms you acknowledge you understood when you bought the product. Now having said that, I've seen them routinely make exceptions to those rules, even here on this forum. In those cases, I believe the seller got the okay by talking to a Cake rep on the phone.

In other words, you'll most certainly get nowhere using email, but IMO do stand a good chance by talking to a Cake rep and stating your case. I too have been a longtime Cakewalk user over the years, and found them to be very supportive over the phone (I've never contacted them via email). One example: years ago, I bought the Cakewalk FX1 or 2 (I don't remember which) and FX3 on Ebay. The seller told me neither had been registered... When I got the discs, I thought it strange that the serial numbers were all zeros. Found out from the Cake rep that they were promotional copies - fully functional but not registerable. Well, not "officially". He proceeded to register both of them, and even sent me a disc of some CAL programs (free) as I had casually mentioned I was looking for some and had not had any luck. Needless to say, I was impressed and continue to be to this day.

For the record, I'm not in a position to tell you that they will be as accomodating with you... BUT... based on what I've seen over the years, the sales/tech reps have the discretion to "bend" the rules, and often do so. Give 'em a call (If you're still pissed, try to calm down first ) and tell 'em what you'd like to do - make sure to mention you're a longtime customer. I'd be very surprised if they don't allow you to transfer the license.

Now, worst case scenario, you have to hang on to it. Maybe you need the money, and that's the pressing issue... but if not, try to see the silver lining here -- sometime in the future your physical condition could improve to the point where you decide to start recording again. If that happens, you still have Sonar, and you can just take up where you left off.

No matter how it turns out, I wish you well.


JD

[LarryAW]

I have a shitload of chronic medical problems. And, because of developing sciatica (severe pain from my lower back to my right calf), I am giving up my music hobby. I have a ton of software, probably more than anyone else around here. Anyway, Sonar 4 PE is a great product, but I can't use it. I am in my recliner with my right leg further elevated. It's been this way for 5+ weeks.

I have been a customer of Cakewalk since Pro Audio 8. I know they don't like people selling their software, but I think I deserve special consideration because of the circumstances. I haven't even gotten a response to my request for permission to sell Sonar 4 PE. The least they could do is to respond to my now 2 messages. Spectrum responded to a PM within minutes today.

I'm honest and I checked the box where I agreed I wouldn't sell Sonar 4 PE. If they say I can't sell it (or if they continue to not respond to my msgs), then Sonar 4 PE goes into a box in a closet, never to be seen again. I am not selling it without permission, despite the temptation. It's not even installed any longer. Of course, I have Cubase SX 3, too, because I have everything. I haven't gotten around to asking Steinberg for permission to sell Cubase SX 3 yet. It's also no longer installed.

If Cakewalk doesn't allow me to sell Sonar 4 PE, then someone is going to miss out on my including Sonar 4 Power, Sonar 4 CSi Master, Sonar 4 Know-it-All, and Sonar 3 Mixing and Mastering for free. I was going to sell this bundle for $450 (audiomidi.com is selling Sonar 4 PE for $599), and I was going to pay for shipping (U.S. only). The books and training CD are going to join Sonar 4 PE in the closet if I can't sell Sonar 4 PE. It's an all or nothing deal with me. So, yes, Cakewalk only requires a serial number, but I haven't been blown away with the support I have gotten. A response of any kind would be appreciated. I am not holding my breath.

Larry,

I'm truly sorry to hear about your medical problems. Sucks that you feel you have to give up the music, and I sincerely hope you recover and are able to get back to it someday (soon).

I don't want to make excuses for Cakewalk, but apparently they are holding firm on the terms you acknowledge you understood when you bought the product. Now having said that, I've seen them routinely make exceptions to those rules, even here on this forum. In those cases, I believe the seller got the okay by talking to a Cake rep on the phone.

In other words, you'll most certainly get nowhere using email, but IMO do stand a good chance by talking to a Cake rep and stating your case. I too have been a longtime Cakewalk user over the years, and found them to be very supportive over the phone (I've never contacted them via email). One example: years ago, I bought the Cakewalk FX1 or 2 (I don't remember which) and FX3 on Ebay. The seller told me neither had been registered... When I got the discs, I thought it strange that the serial numbers were all zeros. Found out from the Cake rep that they were promotional copies - fully functional but not registerable. Well, not "officially". He proceeded to register both of them, and even sent me a disc of some CAL programs (free) as I had casually mentioned I was looking for some and had not had any luck. Needless to say, I was impressed and continue to be to this day.

For the record, I'm not in a position to tell you that they will be as accomodating with you... BUT... based on what I've seen over the years, the sales/tech reps have the discretion to "bend" the rules, and often do so. Give 'em a call (If you're still pissed, try to calm down first ) and tell 'em what you'd like to do - make sure to mention you're a longtime customer. I'd be very surprised if they don't allow you to transfer the license.

Now, worst case scenario, you have to hang on to it. Maybe you need the money, and that's the pressing issue... but if not, try to see the silver lining here -- sometime in the future your physical condition could improve to the point where you decide to start recording again. If that happens, you still have Sonar, and you can just take up where you left off.

No matter how it turns out, I wish you well.


JD

Hi JD,

Thanks. I am absolutely not selling all of my software because I need the money. My wife and I are in the best financial shape we have been in at any time during our 23 year marriage. Our only debt is our 1st mortgage, and we have a lot of equity. My medical problems are chronic and getting worse. All of my software is being wasted. So, it makes sense to sell it to someone who can use it. If I improve some day, which is doubtful, I will re-purchase the software I sold.

I have already received permission from quite a few developers allowing me to sell their software. I haven't even decided how much to charge yet. If I needed the money, that software would already be listed for sale in the Market Place forum. It isn't. I did send a PM to someone who was looking for some of the plug-ins I own.

Thanks for the info on Cakewalk. If I don't receive a response to my 2nd email by 12 p.m. Thursday, I'll give cakewalk a telephone call. BTW, I am much more pissed about my health problems than I am about Cakewalk's transfer policies. I knew what they were when I installed Sonar 4 PE. Maybe I'll search for a Cakewalk rep's response in a thread here and send that rep a PM. I remember some threads here regarding Cakewalk Kinetic. But, it's ~12:51 a.m. here in Southern California and I need my beauty sleep. I'm so tired now, I can barely read what I am typing here.

Thanks again for your post.

Best regards,

Larry

[Norbert]

Some people here think that if 'pirating software' stopped, software companies will be able to lower their prices. That'll happen... In a dream world where corporate greed doesn't exist.

Here's some examples:

-- Back when the 'CD' format first came out, the music industry said that the prices would be high, until enough pressing an mfg. plants were up and running. Then the prices would go WAY down.
Never happened. Look around at places where you can STILL buy a new vinyl LP. Most of them cost LESS than a CD does, even tho they cost a lot more to make. CD's cost what? 12 cents each to make? (packaging and all) WTF is up with that!?

--Not too many years ago, the insurance industry (U.S.) got together and pushed laws into many states here. Where I live, you'll have your driver's license suspended if you can't show proof of insurance, at all times. Everyones insurance carrier is required by law, to report when somone cancels their insurance. (or lapses) The state Motor Vehicle Division then sends you a notice. "Show us proof of insurance, or your license is suspended."
The insurance companies told everyone that this would help lower our insurance rates, by reducing "uninsured driver accidents".
Today, my car insurance costs me SIX TIMES more than it did before those laws were passed!! I've had no tickets or accidents on my record, during that whole time. WTF is up with that!?

--During the past 4 years or so, my cable TV company has got a much better grip on stopping people from pirating their service. Pretty much EVERYBODY is paying for their cable TV now.
Check this out... The bill they send me every month has more that DOUBLED over the past 4 years, for the exact same content I've had the whole time. WTF is up with that!?

Do you *STILL* really think software companies will be charging you less, once they have complete control of it?? (Birds singing in the sycamore trees.. Dream a little dream for me.)

[CorrosiveGod]

I do think that the dongle debate will die when Vista is released. Simply because, at some future point, the entire computer will act as a dongle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz-chip

I don't think that is really such a good idea. I find this that it treats honest people as crooks and at the mercy of content providers/software companies. This is microsoft's way of getting more and more companies to develop for windows and leave the Mac users in the dust.