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ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
I am currently going through another ilok recovery process with pace, and a few useful posts prompted a little reading and thought provocation made me write this thread and look for a few more seasoned views.
I'm an amateur home recorder whom basically uses pro-tools to record demos to be worked out with the band and then done "properly" in a studio with experienced engineers / professionals. I use pro-tools on two mac's one which is static in my home setup, one which is vary rarely used, but is used for recording live sessions or what I call basement sessions where you have an idea and just grab the laptop, a mic, a guitar and an audio interface and just record there and then. This is very very rare, or normally planned well in advance. so my base requirements are static setup %95 of the time, %5 of the time move to other mac and use that. I don't have a huge amount of additional software I use, and certainly almost none that require ilok authorisation. I wish to protect myself as best possible from the ilok process I've had to go through a few times, - I know I can get zero downtime, but I refuse to pay this as I feel it's a tax for a bad system, and even then it doesn't stop the process of having to send back a physical key overseas at a huge cost (relative) and effort, it just really gives you temporary licenses while that process is going on. I'm having a look at the newer cloud based authentication that pro-tools and ilok supports, detailed here https://www.pro-tools-expert.com/hom...pro-tools-2018 I understand the premise of it's style a physical license that you move around, but I don't really understand in depth the pros/cons of my options. as I understand it for pro-tools my options are a.) use the ilok that I'm currently going through replacement on and move it between laptops when needed - this is my model to date pros - easy, just move the usb key, job done. Can deal with any other potential licenses that requires ilok auth cons - burns a usb port (as iloks suck with a hub) risk of failure, if the ilok fails out of action and the headache process begins. b.) move the license to the main mac - and when I want to move, move it back onto the ilok and take it with me pros - no need for ilok, no "real time" checking in the cloud every 5 minutes to see if license is valid - I 'think' if the ilok fails and I have to do the RMA process I'm safe as my license will still be held on the laptop cons - minor hassle of moving license on/off ilok if I want to move, I'm not %100 clear on how to backup and maintain my license if the mac has a problem, I'm unclear on the reality of if I have to RMA an ilok while the license is on my computer, I'm pretty sure it's as simple as the recovery won't recover that license as it's not on the ilok so won't be transfered to the new ilok (I'm also not %100 sure you can store the license on the mac any more) c.) move license to the cloud pros - can use both laptops on demand, no need for usb socket, I should be protected if the ilok fails (not %100 sure on this as with option b) cons - needs internet connection (this shouldn't be a problem and if it is I just put it on the ilok in advance) - I'm not sure on the stability of the cloud service offering the license having no personal experience with it, I'm not aware of the recovery options / process if the cloud service has a problem, I'm also not aware of how the constant checking the internet for the licenses validity would have on the pro-tools usage, I appreciate it's a very light weight workload to do, but depending on how it's engineered I'm not convinced by what I read yet, so again experienced views would be appreciated. Have I outlined the options enough, are they correct in my assumptions, I feel that option C is probably the best for me, but B on paper also looks very strong, I'd love to hear some opinions and views from experienced users. |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
If you did ZDT with TLC turned on, it’s a different thing for the replacement licenses you get. Also declare the ilok lost and not broken in that case (no return shipping)
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Pro Tools Ult 2024.3.1, HDX 2, MTRX/SPQ, RME BBF Pro + MADIface Pro • S1 x 2, Fire Max11 x 2, Dock, iPad Air5 • Mac Mini 14,12, 12 core, macOS 13.6.6 • RAM 32GB, SSD 4TB, GPU 19 core • QNAP TVS-872XT 148TB TB3 |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
Right. The TLC option gives you your licences back almost instantly in the case of loss.
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~ tom thomas Formerly hobotom Pro Tools Ultimate 2024 HDX Hybrid HD Omni and 192 I/Os Windows 10 Intel Hexcore i7 All Samsung Pro SSDs Ampex MM1200 2" 24 trk tape Outboard: UREI, Eventide, Lexicon, Yamaha, TC Electronics, Orban, ART, EchoAudio, Dolby, Hughes, API, Neve, Audio Arts, BBE, Aphex, Berringer, MOTU, dbx, Allison, etc. Plug-ins: Too many to talk about. www.metrostudios.com |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
Also they’ll ship you a replacement physical ilok for your “lost” ilok. So in all: you need to keep a spare ilok in case your main one goes bad. If that happens declare it lost, get your replacement licenses near instantly replaced into your ilok account. Dump those to your spare ilok. Wait for the replacement blank ilok that becomes your new spare.
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Pro Tools Ult 2024.3.1, HDX 2, MTRX/SPQ, RME BBF Pro + MADIface Pro • S1 x 2, Fire Max11 x 2, Dock, iPad Air5 • Mac Mini 14,12, 12 core, macOS 13.6.6 • RAM 32GB, SSD 4TB, GPU 19 core • QNAP TVS-872XT 148TB TB3 |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
ZDT with TLC = CHEAP INSURANCE.
You can always buy 2 iLoks and just transfer the license between the two.
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Take your projects to the next level with a non-union national read at reasonable rates Demos: brucehayward dot com SonoBus Source-Connect: brucehayward Options for Remote Direction |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
In addition to the advice above, for folks that think the whole iLok thing stinks and costs too much, stop and think for a moment about what you are now able to accomplish with a computer, an iLok, a mic and a modest interface. Its a bargain compared to years ago when you needed $500K just to get started
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HP Z4 workstation, Mbox Studio https://www.facebook.com/search/top/...0sound%20works The better I drink, the more I mix BTW, my name is Dave, but most people call me.........................Dave |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
Yet another thread where Mr. Darcy whinges on about the iLok system. We've already given him suggestions on what to do but he refuses to take our advice.
First thing when I got my PT system was when I registered my iLok I also got ZDT and a spare iLok. And now with TLC what's to fret about? |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
I wish all my plugins had ilok authorization.
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Dell XPS 8700. Intel Core i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz. RAM: 16GB. Windows 10 Home x64. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 645. NI Komplete Audio 6. Pro Tools Software 2019 amagrasmusic.com |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
You're not the only one.
I have one program (VPS Avenger) that has a real mess of an authorization system for not only the program itself but the expansion libraries as well. Not quite challenge/response but it requires browser & email connectivity for one's daw computer. No way to do an offline authorization. |
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Re: ProTools /ilok License Management Advice Thread
I will not use software that is that limiting.
__________________
~ tom thomas Formerly hobotom Pro Tools Ultimate 2024 HDX Hybrid HD Omni and 192 I/Os Windows 10 Intel Hexcore i7 All Samsung Pro SSDs Ampex MM1200 2" 24 trk tape Outboard: UREI, Eventide, Lexicon, Yamaha, TC Electronics, Orban, ART, EchoAudio, Dolby, Hughes, API, Neve, Audio Arts, BBE, Aphex, Berringer, MOTU, dbx, Allison, etc. Plug-ins: Too many to talk about. www.metrostudios.com |
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