Hi Conley:
 
That might be OK for me. I have to look into the details of what that entails. 
 
Can you elaborate?
 
Here's what I'm thinking how it works:  There's a license file I can download to my hard drive, when I open a Waves plug in, it asks me to browse to where the license file is located on my computer, I point it to that location, select the licence, click OK, and now, I can use the plug in. I don't have to do this every time I insert the plug in into a project? When I start a new project after doing this, and insert the same plug in, I don't have to do this again? But, the plug in just loads without needing anymore authorization to do so?
 
When I close SONAR, and open SONAR another day and load that same plug in, I don't have to point it to that license again? I hope that's true. If so, I can handle that.
 
Can you elaborate on how it works?
 
I appreciate any help you can give.

yep, that is how it works. :)
 
Basically tell it once where the license file is and then you don't see it again. I really think Waves did it right. I have zero issues with it.

mudgel
I find that an iLok is quite good.

Having a studio PC and a Laptop that have the same audio software and plugins. I don't have to worry about various protection schemes. If given the choice between challenge response and iLok, I choose iLok.

Mine sits in a USB hub connected via a cable to my computers and therefore safe from breakage. While ever there's no standard copy protection for all software I choose iLok when given a choice.

I agree, I've been using iLok for several years and have had no problems.

Guitarmech111
yep, that is how it works. :)
 
Basically tell it once where the license file is and then you don't see it again. I really think Waves did it right. I have zero issues with it.

I don't think you even have to tell it where the license is. If you use the license center software, it automatically creates the license in the place that the WaveShell looks for. At least it does for me, I keep mine on a USB stick because I switch between my studio PC and my laptop frequently. I never had to "point" to a license file. It simply complains if my stick is not connected, then I plug it in, click "rescan license" and it works. Taking into account that some form of copy protection is required, I really like this system.

Mine is set to my hard drive. As long as the file is there, there is no request for it as long as the license has already been defined.

I accept the iLok because there are certain pieces of software that require it and I want to use those items. If the software maker sells it that way and I want it, I've learned to just use the iLok. It works for me, no complaints.

Guitarmech111
yep, that is how it works. :)
 
Basically tell it once where the license file is and then you don't see it again. I really think Waves did it right. I have zero issues with it.

 
Man, that's good news!
 
Sounds like Waves, finally, got it right. Looks like they will be making more money, now, including from me. They do make some great plug ins (although high priced,) so it was very disappointing to me that I couldn't buy from them because of their copy protection scheme. That may certainly change for me, now.
 
Thanks for sharing the news?
 
Sanderxpander:
 
Thanks for the info you provided, as well.

Music software piracy is a profit threatening problem for the software companies.  Requiring us customers to buy a $50 dongle, and struggle through a convoluted activation process so we can use the software we've already paid for is outrageous. 
 
I lost my job a while back and had to do a downsizing move.  Some of my gear and my iLok disappeared during this adventure (thanks fellas!) and I was no longer able to use my Antares software.  I had fully paid for these programs, yet I was prevented from using them.  I can't afford a new iLok, and even if I get one the website says the participating companies are not required to issue new activations.  It is voluntary on their part.  Essentially the company could prevent me from using the software that is my own property, after I had already complied with their requirements that I spend additional money for an iLok.  Nice.

djoni
It is umbelivable that someone can create such a device to fight piracy and than screw it's customers.
I have been trying to contact they customer support for 2 weeks and nothing…no reply. Phone doesn't work too. Unbelievable! 
They make me wanna crack software I bought just to get rid of this dongle!!! Man I am furious!!!

I recently had an iLok fail. When you report an iLok failure (look on the website there is well defined procedure for doing this) and get a return authorization number they will send you a new iLok. You send in the failed iLok and they set up new authorizations in your account. If you need access to the licenses immediately you may contact the software companies that created the plugins and request temporary licenses. The replacement iLok is free but there is a fee for restoring licenses from failed iLoks. If you subscribe to the "Zero Down Time" program the fee is waived.
The key that failed contained licenses from EastWest. They granted the temporary license requests but it took 3 days for them to respond. It took about a week for the permanent licenses to be restored.

I understand your frustration. I really didn't like the idea of paying them to restore usage of licenses that I already owned. It seemed like software I owned was being held hostage by an third party. I also didn't like the idea of being charged as a result of the failure of their product. What sort of quality incentive can exist when a company makes more money if their product fails more frequently?

thomasabarnes

Guitarmech111
yep, that is how it works. :)
 
Basically tell it once where the license file is and then you don't see it again. I really think Waves did it right. I have zero issues with it.

 
Man, that's good news!
 
Sounds like Waves, finally, got it right. Looks like they will be making more money, now, including from me. They do make some great plug ins (although high priced,) so it was very disappointing to me that I couldn't buy from them because of their copy protection scheme. That may certainly change for me, now.
 
Thanks for sharing the news?
 
Sanderxpander:
 
Thanks for the info you provided, as well.

Wait for a sale and go for a bundle. Never pay full price for separate items, unless they really can't be found in any bundle and you must have them. They go on sale all the time. Also, going through a site like pugindiscounts.com lets you shave off a bit more.