Beepster


iLok? Why the heck should I need to buy a piece of hardware that contributes nothing of value to my system just to run programs I paid for? No sir... I do not like it. This is the type of stuff I thought I could avoid by purchasing Cakewalk products.

+1

I can't bring myself to purchase an iLok.  I don't own an iLok.  Its an extra expense, for the privilege of using the software?   Sorry..  No way!





Edit =  I was hoping that Cakewalk would release an excellent, "Cakewalk Brand," reverb for the Pro-Channel.   Hopefully soon.  Thanks

another resounding "No" to an ilok.. the vendors will lose more than they think they keep with pursuit of a dongle mentality...

Well when you talk with the vendors they say their sales go up after they start using the iLok because people can't use the cracks anymore.
 
Doug over at East West swears by the iLok as his sales went up after they started using it.

Well the bottom line is, are the programs worth it to you to get the iLok ?? In my case I have three very high quality programs that require the iLok. I wouldn't want to be with out any of them. The East West Gold Complete program is fabulous. The Softube TSAR-1R is fabulous. The Ivory II program is fabulous. So by boycotting the iLok, you're only hurting yourself, by limiting your choice of high quality software programs. I've got $1,000's of dollars invested in quality software and computer gear, a measly $40 bucks for an iLok is nothing in comparison.

djwayne


Well the bottom line is, are the programs worth it to you to get the iLok ?? In my case I have three very high quality programs that require the iLok. I wouldn't want to be with out any of them. The East West Gold Complete program is fabulous. The Softube TSAR-1R is fabulous. The Ivory II program is fabulous. So by boycotting the iLok, you're only hurting yourself, by limiting your choice of high quality software programs. I've got $1,000's of dollars invested in quality software and computer gear, a measly $40 bucks for an iLok is nothing in comparison.

if you think its about $40 you have not read the thread

Mystic38

djwayne


Well the bottom line is, are the programs worth it to you to get the iLok ?? In my case I have three very high quality programs that require the iLok. I wouldn't want to be with out any of them. The East West Gold Complete program is fabulous. The Softube TSAR-1R is fabulous. The Ivory II program is fabulous. So by boycotting the iLok, you're only hurting yourself, by limiting your choice of high quality software programs. I've got $1,000's of dollars invested in quality software and computer gear, a measly $40 bucks for an iLok is nothing in comparison.

if you think its about $40 you have not read the thread

Mine was $40 a couple years ago, I believe the second generation iLok is now $49.99.

I had written a big diatribe about this but I don't want to be a jerk or shake things up. I just can't afford silly little gizmos that do nothing and don't like being treated like a criminal when I am a legitimate paying customer. The registration process should be enough. Just my opinion. If anyone can tell me whether this stuff is INDEED worth the hassle and cost I will consider it. If not I will continue purchasing software that does not require the iLok as I have been.

Not only to do refuse to be tethered by an iLok or like device, I cannot afford to free up a port for it. (And please don't suggest a hub!) I am with Linear on this one. Understanding the need to prevent piracy, why should I have to invest more than necessary to use a product I would have already purchased? That's a drag! Wait, I still can't hear anything in SONAR because I refuse to buy a sound card/audio interface. I can't afford to free up....

The iLok was a big put off for me too I'm afraid. There must be other, equally secure ways of licensing software, even more so the what Cakewalk do with their licensing. I purchased some VST stuff from Applied Acoustic Systems at the weekend, and I liked the way that they handled the licensing of their instruments.

It's not just the additional cost, for me, in fact, it's not the cost at all really. I use a laptop now, and I am really enjoying the fact that my "studio" is anywhere I want it to be. Not only am I limited by the number of ports available, I don't like the idea of this thing hanging out of the side. Yeah, I know I can use a hub, or a USB extension lead, but I'm going to cut my nose off to spite my face on this one.

Remove the dongle, and you have another customer here.

The good old iLok debate...

I actually agree with both sides, come to think of it. I hate dongles and if I was still only using a lap top as a DAW I wouldn't get one. But in my desktop I don't mind having one installed. At least iLok is fairly stable. The Steinberg thing (eLisencer?) keeps messing up a bit. I ended up geting an iLok for EWQLSO and then a world of awesome software opened up for me so I'm happy with that.

The cost issue - well, based on principles, OK, but it's not really that expensive. I mean, how much do you spend on chips and soda every month? If you choose chips and soda, that's fine too.

So many good arguments on both sides. But to be fair, it's really down to principles so once again YMMV.

BTW - I don't put any iLok protected stuff on my Lap Top for the same reasons others have mentioned in this thread. I won't ever stick an iLok into my lap top.