iLok required for Pro Tools LE 8?

[AdamPT8]

Do I need one of these with PT LE 8? I know that a lot of the plugins work without the iLok on PT8 but some 3rd party ones say that it is required, so would they really not work without the iLok or have the websites just not been updated since the PT7 days?

[albee1952]

No iLok is needed to run Pro Tools LE. iLok IS needed for many 3rd party plugins, optional Avid plugins(like SMACK! or TL Space) and the toolkit expansion packages like the MPTK or CPTK.

[AdamPT8]

Annoying, I have no free USB slots

[promixr]

I have a cable-type USB 'hub' for my iLok- is not annoying at all, I mostly forget it's there...

[AdamPT8]

Originally Posted by promixr

I have a cable-type USB 'hub' for my iLok- is not annoying at all, I mostly forget it's there...

I didn't know you could get cable types, they seem pretty cool, I don't like having too many bulky things on my desk, such as a usb hub, might have to get one, what else do you run on your cable usb hub?

would a printer work ok through one? Or would I need a powered hub? It's only a basic printer.

Basically all I would have would be iLok, printer and midi keyboard, probably never being used all at the same time.

[promixr]

I use this:

http://www.cablestogo.com/product.as...27402&st=27402

I have the iLok and a Novation keyboard always hooked up, but it connects to my USB camera and I use it to hook my iPhone too... it's a very convenient HUB for a laptop, you can easily take it with you : )

I'm sure it would support a printer no problem, printing is relatively low USB bandwidth.

[AdamPT8]

Well I definitely think I'm going to get a cable USB hub

[stoneinapond]

You might also want to look at this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3802209

Not a usual Radio Shack stuff person but found this works well. (You learn to be careful with the retracting button!)

[promixr]

The only problem with hardware-style hubs with fixed USB ports is the iLok key takes up 2 spots because of it's shape, the cable-style hub solves that problem : )

[stoneinapond]

Originally Posted by promixr

The only problem with hardware-style hubs with fixed USB ports is the iLok key takes up 2 spots because of it's shape, the cable-style hub solves that problem : )

Not true. The iLok shape does not take up 2 spaces so long as you place it in the right position. I have two hardware hubs and neither suffers from the issue you mentioned.