Pro Tools Ultimate- Run on Multiple Computers?

[jd1234]

I recently upgraded pro tools 10 to pro Tools ultimate (2022.5) on my IMac. Can I also download Ultimate on my laptop (MacBook Pro) too so i have in running on both computers? I am guessing i would need to throw the USB ilock device in the laptop but is there anything else i would need to set this up? Just download ultimate off the website? Any extra charge if you run the software on more than one computer?

Also if I using Pro Tools Utlimate with Catalina on my Imac and using it with Big Sur on my MacBook will i run into any compatibility issues or other types of issues if I am recording on the same sessions?

[Ben Jenssen]

Originally Posted by jd1234

I recently upgraded pro tools 10 to pro Tools ultimate (2022.5) on my IMac. Can I also download Ultimate on my laptop (MacBook Pro) too so i have in running on both computers? I am guessing i would need to throw the USB ilock device in the laptop but is there anything else i would need to set this up? Just download ultimate off the website? Any extra charge if you run the software on more than one computer?

There are three types of license now, called: Pro Tools Artist, Studio or Flex.
You want Flex.
The installing is really simple; there is only one installer, and what features are available when you run PT is determined by the license you have on your iLok, and you can use it on as many computers you want.

Originally Posted by jd1234

Also if I using Pro Tools Utlimate with Catalina on my Imac and using it with Big Sur on my MacBook will i run into any compatibility issues or other types of issues if I am recording on the same sessions?

No problem as long as the version installed and the OS are compatible.

[Benoni]

You can install Pro Tools on any computer you use, both mac and windows.

You will need your iLok license in order to actually use it though. Either with the iLok key or iLok Cloud.

[albee1952]

For compatibility questions, look at Avid's compatibility chart(with OSX, it changes too often for me to follow). Regarding installs, you can install on any number of computers and either Windows or OSX. The software needs the iLok to open and run. Now there is the "cloud" iLok method, but I am not a fan and recommend using a physical iLok whenever possible.

Also, in case you are not aware of this; there is only 1 Pro Tools installer for all tiers. The iLok license tells the software which features to run(so you could use a license for PT Artist if you needed to be able to run 2 computers at the same time, but with the reduced features on the computer with the cheaper license). Hope that makes sense

Heh...looks like my typing is sloooooooow

[jd1234]

Originally Posted by albee1952

For compatibility questions, look at Avid's compatibility chart(with OSX, it changes too often for me to follow). Regarding installs, you can install on any number of computers and either Windows or OSX. The software needs the iLok to open and run. Now there is the "cloud" iLok method, but I am not a fan and recommend using a physical iLok whenever possible.

Also, in case you are not aware of this; there is only 1 Pro Tools installer for all tiers. The iLok license tells the software which features to run(so you could use a license for PT Artist if you needed to be able to run 2 computers at the same time, but with the reduced features on the computer with the cheaper license). Hope that makes sense

Heh...looks like my typing is sloooooooow

Thanks for the response. If you don't mind sharing, just curious why you aren't a fan of the Cloud ilok method. If you don't use this than you have to keep taking the ilock and inserting it into whatever computer you are using each time you switch. Not that this is a huge hassle or anything, but if you forget to take the ilock than you are screwed right? Why aren't you a fan of it?

[Darryl Ramm]

You are always somewhere with perfectly reliable Internet connectivity? During the whole time you are using Pro Tools?

And like iLok has never had a problem with its online services?

The consensus amongst folks here seems to be lots of us prefer a physical iLok.

Take precautions, add a bright ribbon, Tile tracker or Apple AirTag, and your contact info to the iLok. Enrol in ZDT and have a spare blank iLok you can redeposit a temp license to if you invoke ZDT.

[jd1234]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

You are always somewhere with perfectly reliable Internet connectivity? During the whole time you are using Pro Tools?

And like iLok has never had a problem with its online services?

The consensus amongst folks here seems to be lots of us prefer a physical iLok.

Take precautions, add a bright ribbon, Tile tracker or Apple AirTag, and your contact info to the iLok. Enrol in ZDT and have a spare blank iLok you can redeposit a temp license to if you invoke ZDT.

A spare blank iLok license seems like a good idea but why does it have to be blank? Can you not get more than one ilock and set them both up to work on each rig? Ideally i'd want to get one for the home rig and one for the portable rig. Can that be done?

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by jd1234

A spare blank iLok license seems like a good idea but why does it have to be blank? Can you not get more than one ilock and set them both up to work on each rig? Ideally i'd want to get one for the home rig and one for the portable rig. Can that be done?

Sure if you want to purchase two separate Pro Tools licenses.

These is no such thing as a "blank iLok license", it'a blank iLok license key. A cryptographic store. That iLok hardware exists to make sure there is exactly one secure copy of a each license issued by a software vendor available for use anywhere. You can install a livense to an iLok, you can move a secure license key between iLoks attavhed to your iLok accont, but you sure as hell cannot have copies of the same license on two iLoks at the same time.

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by jd1234

A spare blank iLok license seems like a good idea but why does it have to be blank? Can you not get more than one ilock and set them both up to work on each rig? Ideally i'd want to get one for the home rig and one for the portable rig. Can that be done?

Yes, multiple iLoks work fine(even if they don't all belong to the same account). I have 4 of them here as follows:
#1-my main iLok with most licenses
#2-an iLok belonging to my partner's account(he has one from my account). This is for stuff that allows 2 licenses so we both can use them.
#3-has a second Pro Tools license(for travel)
#4-my spare(probably has some odd leftover licenses on it)

Note that my #1 iLok also has the ZDT coverage

BTW, I have several other licenses that are not on an iLok, but they are always available from my iLok account(think old licenses for plugins that are obsolete, or duplicates I don't need)

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by jd1234

Thanks for the response. If you don't mind sharing, just curious why you aren't a fan of the Cloud ilok method. If you don't use this than you have to keep taking the ilock and inserting it into whatever computer you are using each time you switch. Not that this is a huge hassle or anything, but if you forget to take the ilock than you are screwed right? Why aren't you a fan of it?

Simple, iLok cloud needs a 100% perfect internet connection 100% of the time. This is not overly realistic. The slightest glitch from the ISP or the power line can cause the connection to go down, and even a few milliseconds can throw an iLok message forcing you to save/close the session. As bad as that is, what if it happens in the middle of the perfect recording pass? A physical iLok(for me) is 100% reliable, 100% of the time(unless you break it). I know some have managed to break their iLoks, but I never have in 18 years(but for portable use, I would always use a short USB extension or tethered hub to prevent breakage).

Re forgetting to take your iLok; its a valid point, but if you forget to end the cloud session at home, you will be equally screwed when you go to fire up the portable rig(or vice versa). Personally, I would get a license for Artist or Studio for the portable rig(do you really need Ultimate at all, never mind on both setups) This is strictly my opinion and you are free to do as you please. I just want you to think it thru with all the info to make the best choice for you