Why People HATE iLok

[@dannywallin8250]

Set up an ilk account copy paste the code you get for your plugins into your account when you register them then you're good to go, what's so annoying about that ?? plus JST and drumforge plugins you don't even need the dongle just copy paste the activation code and you're good. I don't get the hate

[@joeymusic]

This is what I’m saying! Lol. A lot of people don’t understand this, so I tried to explain it, but their hatred for it blinds themselves from the explanation 😩 -Miami

[@fisherohvf-men623]

So,even if I lost my ilok 2, I can do this to use PT's?

[@jaydayoungansnippets310]

bro i dont have a damn code😂 thats the problem. they didnt send anything

[@sadarahurh8794]

you seem to be a freaking ignorant! I have a dozen of programs not working anymore and iLOK does not care. Just because you have no problems does not mean that nobody else does or every one else is a dumb computer analphabet ! I wasted over a$1000 for plugins which do not work anymore. The vendor is not responfinf and the iLOK is ignoring my messages as well. What are you talking about ?

[@YungstarProd]

@@jaydayoungansnippets310gotta pay for the code tho lol

[@JD-vj4go]

God I hate ilok. It doesn't even stop someone from pirating whatever they want. It just annoys legit users.

[@joeymusic]

We’re trying to make it as painless as possible. I know it can be cumbersome at times but we hope by giving multiple activations and allowing cloud and computer activations that it’s a little easier to deal with -Miami

[@benburnett8109]

@@joeymusic First it's not cumbersome, then it is.....but only if you don't use multiple accounts and activate it several different ways. Better hope you pick the right way.....Or better yet, the end user can COUGH UP MORE CASH to be protected and get the service they ORIGINALLY signed up for. Sounds great especially when NO OTHER large software company uses it.

[@stringsnthings4887]

@@benburnett8109 Avid? Slate digital?

[@ezekb3]

Trying to make it "as painless as we can" implies it is painful. But why should it be so? Do I have to spend money, system resources and a whole hustle just so the company can enforce me for the licence I already paid for? Thats messed up! And we didn't even talk about transferring licences, some companies limit or even charges you for transfering a licence, so you end up using a bunch of dongles or you can't resell soft you don't use it anymore because you don't like it or just because you've got and an update and that particular software is not supported anymore. It's not worth it. Not for the user and if isn't worthy for the user the software they protect is not worthy either.

[@snesmocha]

​@@benburnett8109 why should we pay twice as much for software that should only take a few days. the ilok sdk is both unusable, trashy, and ancient. ilok straight up runs in mode 0 which i've experienced both bsod's crashes, and straight up completely destroyed some of my drivers. in a developers standpoint, ilok isn't even worth it either. ilok runs in mode 0: mode 0 means hardware level access why does drm need such low level access to everything. not to mention how slow ilok is with the licensor due to both the internet usage, and the fact that the license sdk on the usb is the one that's transmitting the data ilok doesn't even fucking work for their one job: protecting peoples products. hell even the notoriously difficult to crack play engine has officially been busted wide open. ilok is just here to piss us off with horrible support and garbage prices the only one who wins is pace, not the developer who shells out tens, if not hundreds of thousands a year just for the rights to the software just all a waste of time, money, and products. the product should always sell itself, not some stupid drm to try and "save money" cause drm protection this extreme does nothing but waste our time. in fact, look at the ilok patents, it's clear it's directly hosting to the cpu the ilok dongle, hellish unsafe if that process goes wrong; the developer messing something up in the sdk causing a catastrophic system error ~cough cough denuvo cough cough valorent~

[@MyFeltJr]

iLok isn’t worth the hassle. It doesn’t even stop pirating...one can argue that it encourages pirating.

[@TheDungeon11]

yep

[@pedrovanzeler1185]

Neural DSP is already pirated. And they use ilok. I have my mind and mac clean by using software I paid for but I already lost some licenses because I formatted the Mac and forgot to de activate the license and if I forget again I might lose the software I paid for and that’s bs because de activating ilok is the last thing I’ll remember when I’m just trying to format and reinstall every fking program

[@ezekb3]

I've seen during a recording a paying user of a popular iLok licenced DAW using a pirated one while having a license paid in the dongle hanging off his neck just because he was having trouble with the software due to internet inconsistencies and lack of USB ports. The guy was pissed off.

[@pedrovanzeler1185]

@@ezekb3 Tbh I didn’t have any problems so far using ilok, I have some jst, slate, neural, etc.. but I can guarantee you I would rather have everything with the old school key. Specially because I have the all access pass and rely on a lot of plug ins that need internet activation. I know that it suck to get your hard earned software pirated I really do, I’d be pissed, but : 1- most of the people that do have it pirated wouldn’t buy the software in the first place because they are probably teens doing it for fun and probably broke 2 - the people who actually buy the plug ins have money because they work, that means less free time, that in turn makes the 15 day trial short (imagine only being able to go to the computer on the weekends , like me working graveyard shift and sleeping a lot during the week) that makes the pirated version almost an extended trial (not trying to justify piracy but you get the point) 3 - Pirated software is sketchy and can be buggy so the people who can afford it will probably chose to buy it and have a clear mind and be stress free 4 - no matter what companies try to do to avoid it, if there is enough hype around the program someone will crack it for sure, don’t even question it

[@DaDandyman]

@@pedrovanzeler1185 the pirated releases of ilok'd software are hilariously more stable and cpu-efficient than their DRM-riddled counterparts.

[@revivalworship]

7 years ago when my ilok dongle failed, my studio went down in the middle of a project. I called their toll-free number. They didn't answer the phone and wouldn't return my call. When they finally responded by email, they made me send back the defective dongle and pay a discounted price for a new one, a two-week process. Soon after that fiasco, I quit using PT's, Autotune and all software requiring Ilok. No regrets! It boggles the mind that elite industry players "protect" their products with such an inept 3rd party.

[@snesmocha]

lmfao, trust me, as a developer who's been learning to make plugins and have had a chance to see the sdk: it's both a pain on my side, and yours too. wonderful, the company who implements it both pays more for deveoper overtime, and the enduser doesn't want to pay for such a garbage piece of trash that's becoming increasingly unstable due to running in such an ancient codebase: tl;dr boycott ilok products, they won't change their minds until we show them that we don't want such a stupid drm system

[@adeville]

Would love to know what you use now you got rid of protools?

[@feeyahsayssogangstagranny4250]

@@adeville ever got a answer?

[@MelloCello7]

@@adeville Reaper

[@hansjansu]

I hate ilok. All of my ilok licenses were in my hard drive. Yesterday I bought a new cooler for my cpu. So I pulled the cpu off and cleaned it then attached new cooler and re-plug it into the socket. And every iLok license is missing. Same cpu, same mother board, but iLok says it's different machine. I can do Neither deactivate or activate them. I have to contact the every single company. This really sucks. I'm never gonna buy a vst using iLok license.

[@benburnett8109]

Ilok does such a bad job marketing their own services that JST has to do it for them. JST: GET RID OF ILOK AND YOU'LL SELL MORE PRODUCT. WORKS FOR ALMOST EVERYONE OF YOUR COMPETITORS AS THEY SELL PRODUCT WITHOUT ILOK. AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE ISSUES OF THEFT.....

[@graphenemusic5922]

ilock should be long gone, i m amazed that it s still around in 2021

[@shrimp3683]

😅 and its still around in 2023 and probably 2024 and further...

[@wellbi]

I am reinstalling my studio PC at the moment and right now I am installing cracked versions of my iLok "protected" plugins. A couple of years back my flat was robbed and all my computers were stolen and I ended up with no ability to deactivate my licenses. After waiting for the iLok support response "Contact the manufacturers of the plugins to solve the issue." for over a week, I simply paid for a monthly premium on one filesharing page and googled warez versions of these plugins, created a backup of working releases, make a mental note to avoid any iLok protected purchase in the future and never looked back. And I highly recommend doing the same to anyone who can. I don't give a damn if it's against ToS. I simply want to use the products I legally purchased. I just revisit iLok once in a blue moon through Google and KZbin to see if it's still the same shit as I've always been.

[@shrimp3683]

Its still the same shit even in 2023😂

[@PolarTrance]

Pay for the drm to work? The zero downtime thing, you can't easily top that in terms of ridiculousness. I will dislike Ilok as long as it's not benefiting me, it's just pointless extra for me as the paying customer. Same goes for any other license software, downloaders, library or whatever they get called. Just send me an activation code and let me be. If Ilok was just an account, install nothing, no dongle ever, works offline just fine, then it would be fine. I get the fear of pirates, but most of the time you're not making them in to paying customers even if you manage to prevent their pirating ways (which is a big IF). If they didn't have the money that's not going to change if they can't pirate (most pirates are just poor people). If they can't pirate your stuff, they are either just going to deal without it or find something else. A pirate choosing to buy your stuff when blocked from pirating is imo even less likely than a pirate growing out of pirating and undoing their past sins by buying the pirated stuff.

[@SauceSolutions]

It's so annoying. I was in the middle of a session last night and it said my license wasn't valid for my Howard Benson vocals and it just muted my damn tracks because of it. Such a waste of time to stop the entire session because of it.

[@joeymusic]

Did you try taking an activation and putting it on your computer? -Miami

[@SauceSolutions]

@@joeymusic yeah I did that and it worked it was just goofy how I was using it the whole session then just randomly decided I didn't have a license for it lol. I was shooketh

[@BlackMetalSchecter]

Happened to me too

[@snesmocha]

​@@joeymusic i have a question, why does your company bother with this ilok nonsense, you're putting pressure on yourselves to implement an ancient sdk that is known to have many issues reported along with the angry customers who now have to deal with a product manager that was developed during the time of dinosaurs. I don't get the point of bothering with this, it's robbery how much you're paying for even the rights to use ilok. your company genuinely makes products that are really well made but no matter what are always bottle necked by a license manager that forces itself to run in literal mode 0 which in of itself is already denuvo levels of scummy. you can see it yourself in this comments section how hated this product is

[@snesmocha]

@@SauceSolutions and this is why ilok is notorious for being so hated. the license manager runs off of a host/slave system with a keygenerator that's constantly creating new keys every few seconds. why ilok was considered to be so difficult to crack. if you check the drivers, you'll notice that windows shut down the driver that ilok uses to interface with the cpu bypassing the windows front end and backend. absolute nightmare to debug and develop in.

[@erzebet1560]

Really? YES, my biggest worry IS losing a bunch of expensive plugins all at once if something happens to that single little stick. What on earth kind of irrelevant "argument" are you putting forth with that "It's actually amazing having everything in one place!" I AGREE it's convenient and have in fact come to really appreciate many of the iLok's other qualities, but that has literally nothing to do with the HUGE issue that remains - IF something happens to the dongle you've AT BEST got a really annoying and time-consuming hassle to look forward to, and if you're NOT so lucky you've just lost hundreds to thousands of dollars' worth of important software. ...UNLESS you willingly pay PACE's literal protection money and subscribe to make sure you're not toast if THEIR system that YOU ARE FORCED TO USE (assuming you want to use certain plugins) fails. It's disgusting and I'll never hear anyone defend that practise. If I BUY a plugin, that should be IT. If I buy it knowingly going into it that it requires a piece of hardware to run, okay, that's annoying but acceptable, especially given that it actually provides useful features too. But then I have to KEEP paying money to be totally safe in case something potentially out of my control happens? Are you kidding? You have to be, because you can't with a straigth face say that this is not exactly what people mean when they refer to "punishing legit customers". As an "invested hobbyist" I've sunk a decent chunk of change into plugins over the years, and had to get an iLok dongle when certain companies made it a requirement. But I have to draw an absolute line somewhere, and I feel I've already been more than generous having PAID *MY* MONEY FOR *THEIR* ANTI-PIRACY MEASURES. I'm NOT going to subscribe on top of this and be slowly squeezed further in order to be kept safe AS A LEGIT, PAYING CUSTOMER. The iLok business model is utterly broken and this subscription "feature" should NOT exist. ALL USERS (especially ones who've already paid for a dongle) should be completely safe and taken care of, full stop. If PACE really needs significant funds to make that happen on their end, they should adjust their one-time cost of entry (dongle and perhaps even account) OR have the plugin developers pay them (likely leading to higher plugin costs I assume but so be it) - it is after all THE DEVELOPERS who want and get use from anti-piracy implementations, not us legit users (at least not directly - so it's pretty brazen to then have us DIRECTLY fund it). IF my dongle ever breaks (or somehow something else, less likely in my case, happens), I'll ask PACE about it one time and just hope they make it right the way they should, despite not having gone for the reverse gamble of staying indefinitely subscribed to the ZDT/TLC racket. If they can't or won't do anything, well, that's that. I'd be done with music, at least as far as buying anything else from PACE or anyone implementing iLok goes.

[@TALKCalgary]

Our policy regarding iLok is a simple one. We will not purchase from or support any software developer that has anything to do with iLok.

[@bealotcoolerifyoudid7217]

Very informative. Im just starting out. Thats some time/money saver advice right here. Thank you!

[@perhoier2881]

So will Pace give you licenses back from a lost or broken iLok that's not ZDT 'insured'? The Answer is no. Pace will refer you to the developers to make that call. So the question is simple: Will in this case JST give you your rightfully owned licence(s) back? I know some developers do. But it would not be too much to ask any given developer that question. If they say anything but yes then it's a big 🖕in the customers face, and I would go look for another developer. There are plenty of them these days. So JST: Just say yes we'll give you your licence back without questioning. That's the only acceptable argument to justify the need for protecting your software with iLok.

[@MelloCello7]

OP has been rather silent on this one...

[@erzebet1560]

Kind of respect that they didn't delete it, at least. Was a pretty upset post!

[@JHWH213]

I'm sorry but this is not the reason people like me who do begrudgingly use the iLok, because I think paying for my software is the right thing to do, dislike it so much. It's because it makes it more conventient to use a hacked copy. Why should paying customers be punished for piracy by a method which barely seems to work? And then you suggest paying an extra 30 dollars to be safe... come one now...

[@joeymusic]

I suggest it in the same way I would suggest that someone get an extra set of keys for your house, because you never know when you’re going to lose something. I know it’s not what everyone wants to hear but think about this for a second. What about the things you lose that you CANT get back? I’m sure there is something you’ve lose before that you wish you could get back for 30 bucks right? I guess I have this outlook from going back and forth from studios and I wouldn’t let $30 be the reason I might not be able to work at any point. I do get that it’s inconvenient, but I’m trying to explain how it could be a little easier to use, that’s all -Miami

[@MelloCello7]

@@joeymusic The problem that you glazing over that this is NOT a house. its Software, 1's and 0's, infinitely reproducible, which makes your entire argument literally irrelevant. A house is something own, and software is not. Even if we were to go with this insane argument, a house, you use the key once, and once you are inside you can take the key with you. This horrible design ensures that you lose an entire usb slot every time you need to use this software that you already payed for, that ONLY benefits developers and not the customer. its either that or your session is bricked once the wifi goes out, pick the lesser of two equal evils. This is a HORRIBLE design, we are not idiots, stop belittling us.

[@TALKCalgary]

I stopped using dongles in the late 1980's Today I have no intention to pay for a dongle and subscribe to a service just so I can use software that I have paid for.

[@vincentallen6797]

My issue is they're selling a glorified usb stick for $60

[@snesmocha]

worse, it's a mode 0 denuvo style drm if anything on the dev side messes up: hah hah say good bye to all your drivers and say good bye to the win32 api at times: this actually happened to me which is why i don't use ilok

[@MelloCello7]

@@snesmocha wait WHAT. That's a massive security issue

[@alexxchavez1913]

All of my working tracks are lacking now that iLok won't recognize my PC. No workaround, no help from them. I've lost so much time/effort and energy trying to find a workaround. I will never use another iLok product, even if it'd cure me of cancer.

[@Dramatello]

I appreciate the try to protect the iLok experience... but NONE of this sounds like a good plan nor does it sounds like the FUTURE. And if anything, why does iLok License Manager STILL looks like a software made in 1990? At least make it a bit more intuative and more pleasable to the eyes... It's like they are not even trying to step up their game in any way, not in the technical\practicality world nor in the visual world. TOO BAD.

[@benjaminlongmire9131]

will you please help me? I no longer have my old computer and I don't know how to get my licenses... I am on a Mac. PLEASE HELP! thank you

[@thelaibon]

I will never patronize a company that uses iLok to servive their customers' licenses. Total disaster. I literally PIRATE plugins THAT I PURCHASED BUT AM UNABLE TO USE due to the sheer shittiness of iLok. And it's not just the dongle issue it's their cloud system too. Inability to de-register old computers. Total fuckin disaster.

[@marcusOreallyUs1]

It is a bit insane when companies expect loyal customers to buy their products and then pay endless fees (or deal with endless hassles) in order to protect THEIR profits. Companies should pay for the cost of their anti-piracy solutions, not the law-abiding customer. Imagine a grocery store that sold you a stick of butter and then charged you a fee everytime you needed to open the fridge to put some on your toast. It's this kind of rapacious corporate greed that makes hackers look like choirboys in comparison

[@spyware1100]

NO1 reason: It sometimes just doesn't work. Ilok activation software says service unreachable since about a month now. I tried everything i could from reconfiguring firewall to digging up every registry entry with regedit. Support says that their engineers doesn't have a clue, more and more people got this and the engineers have a hard time understanding it. As a software engineer myself i've tried everything except reinstalling the whole OS on my PC.

[@BartekEVH]

Because it is shit!!! My some iLok aax plugins crashes my Pro Tools on start still.

[@joeymusic]

I’m curious, does this happen with any other daw besides pro tools? -Miami

[@BartekEVH]

@@joeymusic Crash is only in my Pro Tools 12.7

[@ezekb3]

I've seen guys forced to use pirated software for this reason while literally having the dongle with a paid licence hanging off their neck.

[@Kai_Imber]

Losing wifi connection blows... I didn't think it needed it to work. But Rex Brown proved me wrong.

[@joeymusic]

Did you try just activating it to your computer? -Miami

[@benburnett8109]

@@joeymusic DId JST try not using ILOK and using their own encryption service? Why put it off on @Cosplay to activate HIS bought software seven different ways and 3 more on Sunday?

[@josephbrant9827]

I'm new to Ilok, first time using it was with the JST JL amp sim. I only find it annoying because it doesn't work when I'm not connected to the internet.

[@joeymusic]

If you use an activation on your computers hard drive you don’t need to be connected to the internet 😀 -Miami

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

I LOVE my iLok dongle. Hated the cloud but all that grief when away as soon as I got the dongle.

[@cbrooks0905]

I absolutely hate iLok. It's caused me nothing but confusion. It was a nightmare getting my Ozone 9 bundle to work, and I still haven't figured out how to get Slate's Shimmer or McDsp's free delay to work. They're both sitting in my ilk account doing nothing because I can't figure out how to activate them. Neither of those companies will get a dime from me as long as I have to jump through hoops for their shit.

[@XRaym]

Other activation system might worth discussing. Lots of plugins company ends having their own product manager software - ilock alternative - (like Native Instrument, IK MUltimedia, Izotope, product portal). It allows download as well which is handy. Only downside is that you end having lots of softwares. Alternatively, some companies are even lighter on copy protection. Fab Filter, REAPER, Melda... no ilock. Simple copy paste of licence key. And this doesn't prevent them from making lots of sales.

[@johnramhos]

So how do I deactivate a license for a system I longer have access to? This should be the simplest way of deactivating it online like some other software companies. So I'm just screwed out of that license?

[@manasiangal1405]

That's the issue. I had a license to a paid plugin and now I can't seem to activate it through iLok because my system got attacked with ransomware and I had to reinstall windows and everything else. But guess what now. I don't have access to the plugin I PAID for. iLok in my opinion is close to bullshit.

[@snesmocha]

pray to god that ilok picks up the phone

[@pablolocles9382]

There's no reason why you can't deactivate an old PC that doesn't work anymore. So you can activate your new PC. The only reason is to make people buy another license when they lose a PC.

[@chozilla]

Patching out iLok protection is one of the easiest tasks in software manipulation. The fact that legit users have to deal with a rootkit running on there system is a stupid anti-consumer move. No one knows what access PACE uses on your system and what data they send and process. They are a non-European software company bundled with a lot of software that claim they follow European-Data-Laws. PACE is from the US and they handle your data like it is usual in that territory. If we had other DRM-Solutions that have root-access to your PC you would not trust them if they were from china or russia, why do you think that a US company would not use your data if they had root access to your systems? Software-Thiefs have no issue with PACE and iLok, why should legit customers have?

[@adeville]

I just got forcibly introduced to the misery of ilok and I already hate it. For some reason some plugins won't go back into cloud after I temporarily put them onto the USB due to needing to work from an Internet-free zone. That means I now have to have a USB permanently in my computer. Plus the insane fear of losing a damned USB. Arghhh. Madness if you come from a grass roots type music production background where non of this was relevant. How can the more professional environment be so much worse-functioning that the non- pro. I can't believe if something goes wrong with ilok you run the risk of not being able to access software you rightfully own and, with an urgent deadline might be stuck if their phonelines (seriously?!) are not running. Nightmare. I've read multiple accounts of a 3 week turn around to sort things out. I would pay to avoid the cost, stress and admin of that. I hear you about getting back- ups and insurance but really, they shouldn't be charging to not hold you to ransome in your hour of need. Nor should they be burdening anyone with yet more admin. What a Scammmmm....

[@lalolanda2239]

you are not stopping us

[@septemberwalk]

it sucks, it doesn't benefit the consumer in any way, it only makes things more complicated. Somehow i ended up having two different i lok accounts with some of my plugins on each. I don't know how this happened, maybe i was prompted to make a new ilok when buying a certain plugin? Anyway what would have been a few second fix if i actually had the license myself have turned into a week of back and forth customer service. Apart from that, ill soon be working a job in Wyoming where my internet connection will be either not great or non existent. The bottom line for me is that it literally doesn't provide any benefit to me, only complications and annoyance.

[@benburnett8109]

Or, figure out how Yamaha/Line 6 do it? Or figure out how Superior Drummer does it or ML soundlabs does it???? ..oh yeah, they do it without Ilok. When you offer your plugins without Ilok I will consider purchasing. Until then, make all the "sidestepping" videos you like. Nothing changes.

[@joeymusic]

This isn’t really a sidestepping video. Just trying to explain stuff that a lot of people don’t know. You can literally buy one of our plugins and activate it to your computer without needing the dongle. You can actually trial Toneforge Jeff Loomis with nothing but a free ilok account. What part of the process bugs you? Genuinely curious -Miami

[@benburnett8109]

@@joeymusic other companies do not see the need for it. Why do you? Genuinely curious. Ilok bungled things so badly years ago, they left a very bad taste in everyone's mouth. Most "real" hone recording setups would operate without an internet connection to reduce system load, save resources and there is no need for the internet on a dedicated setup. Safer as well. Because of Ilok, an internet connection must be maintained.

[@Dudesyclips]

It's way easier for companies to outsource DRM to iLok then it is for them to develop their own.

[@benburnett8109]

@@Dudesyclips I agree with you. That being said, other companies do it, perhaps JST should consider it. They'll sell far more product.

[@wesjett2008]

@@benburnett8109 I'm just gonna say it, those companies don't use ILOK and those are the same companies you can find all over pirate websites. Toontrack stuff has easily been some of the most cracked software I've seen over the years. Meanwhile I never see JST, Slate or many of the other companies that use ILOK.

[@MaxiZee]

how can I use my ilok plugins on both my computer via ilok manager (without it being plugged in) and on my ilok usb key if I am on the go somewhere else without transfering licenses all the time from key to pc and vise versa?

[@isabelluengo3098]

ilok doesnt allow me to paste the code for activation. I bought an expensive library and cant use it.

[@joeymusic]

Contact support

[@isabelluengo3098]

@@joeymusic Thanks. I contact them and they told me I can't paste de code because Sonuscore gave me an invalid code. Ilok only acept number codes and Sonuscore gave me only letters.

[@s3d843]

I'm trying to get on pro tools artist. It's only allowing me to access pro tools through the cloud. When i start pro tools, I get through the entire loading process for it to crash and i cant access anything in the program. I dont know if its cuz of iLok or Avid. I have no third party programs installed. I just recently changed PCs. I'm dying here.

[@joeymusic]

I would try to reinstall both your iLok software and Pro Tools and see if that helps. It sounds like a conflict between the software and your new computer. But you can always write directly to our support email to get assistance right away!

[@s3d843]

@joeymusic do you have that support email? I did just submit a case.. I'm hoping they can help so I can get back recording, especially since I paid to be able to smh.

[@chaswood1517]

What is the actual process of using the licenses/software on a computer? I have yet to use any of the audio plugins in my ilok manager on my ilok cloud or my ilok dongle. If I try to move my license(s) from either the ilok cloud or my ilok dongle on to my computer it will not allow me. When I deactivate from one source either the dongle or the cloud and then try to activate on my computer it will not give me the option of moving it to my computer, it just gives me the option of either the dongle or the cloud again.

[@danthemanmillan]

My questions is, if I ever decided to upgrade and get a new computer, will I just have to login to my iLok on my new computer and have all my plugins back? Or is iLok using the serial number of my computer and considering that an activation. Do I need to deactivate on my old computer then activate on my new??

[@phinn9823]

You will need to deactivate all of your plugins on your current computer then reactive them on your new computer

[@JHWH213]

@@phinn9823 wow, so convenient.

[@hummarstraful]

Anyone know how to solve the [paraphrased] "can not use Ilok on multiple computer or devices" error? It's seems random on my system.

[@maksimdankovtsev6762]

My biggest problem is that I want to work on my projects while I'm traveling, but because there is no stable connection - I just can't! Even for few hours! Consider switching to another subscription without this limitation.

[@maksimdankovtsev6762]

Especially when there are so many other companies that use convenient distribution systems.

[@Motorman2112]

ZDT is only like having a locksmith on call if that locksmith is the same reason your keys don't work. Would you keep working with that person?

[@C4Crotona]

You need the dongle for slate digitals mic 🙄🙄🙄🙄☹☹

[@willleaton2827]

I don't hate Ilok as much as I hate Kontakt. Its criminal to charge $400 for a program thats required to run other programs that you paid $40, $80, $130, or $170 for. And the free version only allowing you to use it for 15 minutes at a time is stupid....

[@phinn9823]

Not sure what type of stuff you are using through the free kontakt player. But I use a couple of drum kits through it, and I don't have a time limit.

[@willleaton2827]

@@phinn9823 mostly GGD drums and some programable bass plugins, but if your using the free version snd don't own it it's definitely has to be limiting you to 15 minutes even if you just haven't noticed it yet. You can just close it and re open it, but its just annoying doing that every 15 minutes while mixing or tracking a song

[@kylecalandrelle7209]

Been using free kontakt for years. There's no time limit.

[@willleaton2827]

@@kylecalandrelle7209 do you own it then? Because I know for a fact that the free version limits you to 15 minutes

[@kylecalandrelle7209]

@@willleaton2827 nope. Free kontakt player using GGD mostly. Maybe I've never noticed it. I have however had other bullshit happen like when I used to multi out the drums I would do mono and stereo tracks like a real drumset. It magically screwed the panning up.

[@bossistheboss6996]

Never had an issue with ilok, personally i don’t get what the issue is really.

[@ventedge65]

I have an iLok. I think the idea is really happen. I'm just recently gettin' involved with some new clients here in Japan. I'm not sure where their heads are with the business side of things so I like to take the studio with me. I'd leave them with the bare minimum until I'm sure I can get compensation for the work we do on tracks.I have the 1st ver. of iLok & My Q? is: How do I get my licenses onto an older stick? It was used on another computer. It says I can't operate on this iLok USB & it has a different acc. Any clue what 2 do?

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

First. And yes, I hate iLok.

[@ezekb3]

ILok is expensive, when you purchase software with iLok you are paying for a physical dongle and not a cheap one, a cloud server and a whole complex system that someone programmed, licenciates and services and you are giving it some of your system's limited resources in the form of internet connection, processor time, memory allocation and a physical USB so it can check periodically (over and over again) that you paid for the software you purchased. And all of this is getting paid by the user, by the paying use user really, because pirated software comes without the hustle. I've seen some paying users using pirared software while having their dongle with their paid licences hanging off their neck just because they were having trouble with a licence or an USB port or just didn't had the processor power to check over and over a licence. Personally I never bought an ILok licenced software and I never Will, I prefer to pay for simple licenced software that doesn't takes my own resources to enforce the licence that I paid. It's a matter of principles but being in Argentina where you get paid half or less than everywhere else, internet it's a lottery and you can't buy stuff in U$D because you've get taxed and end up paying the double that anyone in the world the iLok shit is a no go.

[@revivalworship]

When my ilok dongle failed after 2 years, my studio went down in the middle of a project. They didn't answer the phone, zero customer service. When they finally responded by email, they made me send back the defective dongle and pay for a new one, a two week process. Soon after, I quit using PT's, Autotune and all software requiring Ilok. I can't believe reputable companies "protect" their products with these guys.

[@shrimp3683]

@@revivalworship hi brother would u mind sharing their email? I checked their website and didn't find a thing

[@Nobodyimportant696]

anyone know how to fix error 1935 and 1603 while trying to download the ilok? my Pace license never shows up in my task manager

[@YungstarProd]

Love Miami and JST. Love the plugins. But you know the ZDT downtime is B.S. right? There’s a lot of hidden fees they don’t disclose until after. Also, it just covers the licenses and not the physical dongle itself.

[@jeha1852]

I would never install crap like that on my computer

[@qfella]

Windows just stopped the Generation 3 iLok I just purchased and installed today👎 Code 43

[@joeymusic]

I have to look into this! -Miami

[@qfella]

@@joeymusic No need. I just stuck it in another port and it's fine now👍

[@petersvan7880]

VSL Vepro uses Ilok, and it has been a nightmare for me when it just stops working in the middle of a project. Can only hope the latest Vepro is getting the R2R treatment someday :)

[@cwwisk]

iLok license manager will not install on my computer. It throws 2 errors when trying to install it. I needed a windows computer, so I bought a nice MSI. No matter what I do, though, I can't seem to figure out the install. None of the forums have fixed my problem. I mostly use iLok for Pro Tools. I'm seriously considering just giving up on all of these things and making a career shift because of this. If you can help, it might make life a little easier.

[@cb6316]

Spent a couple grand for equipment an software and got all excited, then Ilok said “you need 50$ more dollars an you gotta have our flash drive” 50$ money grab on anyone wantin to make music

[@Dudesyclips]

iLok is the type of thing that I didn't know I was supposed to be outraged about until I started visiting forums. Honestly, I use the cloud program and unless I'm activating a new plugin, I don't even really think about it.

[@svarogstudio]

My thinking exactly.

[@jonzambo246]

How bout my activations disappearing.

[@larsmanstanding]

as a new user, i just downloaded a lot of new plugins that i just bought worth at least the few hundred bucks i paid. without sale they would have cost me more than 2000. anyways, i just never heard of a system like this bevore because i think its very limeted to music production industry. so i didnt know that it was something important but something you could do if you want to, so i never worried about it. i found that i had to log in for a few plugins but some didnt work even when i logged in and until today i didnt even know that there is a standallone like software for ilok. i just never used it because i thought it was just annoying. so i installed everything at my pc and my laptop and everything kinda worked well. but now that i got my new laptop to work on i cannot acces a lot of my old plugins that i had installed on my pc because i never set it up properly. i thought it would be enough to just, download the plugins and log into my accounts. but no. the ilok window poped up a few times i just klicked it away and now i cannot use a lot of plugins i paid for! wtf i mean im just so frustradet about this system because i just dont get it. every other software in the world manages to get the job done without this weird system. its just a way to get more money from artist i really dont like it. i hope to get some of the plugins to work again but i dont know if i have to buy some of them again. :C

[@zikkicharade]

Why logic pro cares where i get my plug ins

[@jWx93]

I'm still confused

[@naiijaboy420_7]

This shit is stupid I can’t believe that I can’t access the software I bought just because I put the email of my ilok manager instead of my username very frustrated.

[@jamiepond]

As a developer, the main reason I'm not considering using iLok is the massive price to the developer... bad for the developer and (despite this video) still inconvenient to the users!

[@powerpointpoesie]

ilok is deep shit in graphics/design, in structure (overloaded), in explainer videos, in DATA FISHING (DATE OF BIRTH etc), in cost for ilok usb stick. For starters an ILOK NIGHTMARE

[@RandomBakaStuff]

Man, the worst part is that sometimes the software is actually cool, you research it, you like it, the price is ok, you go to buy it and then you notice the ilok requirement... screw this shit I'm out. And I don't care if it's paid or even free (yes, I've seen ilok being used on some FREE vsts, dumbest shit ever), I'm gonna ignore this software.

[@joeymusic]

Please don’t. :(

[@UltimateMoralizer]

Good rant. I can’t understand why you need an iLok just to use Luna and Spark plugins. How ridiculous.

[@brutuslaurentius8729]

I have an iloc cloud account for one piece of software that I use. Most of the other software has other types of copy protection schemes such as licensing it to the motherboard or something like that. All of these are inconvenient in various ways, such as when I want to upgrade my computer and now the motherboard doesn't match the licenses, or I upgrade my disk drive and the new disk drive doesn't match the licenses or whatever it is they're checking. I haven't had any trouble with iloc cloud though. It could obviously be a problem if the internet was down, but that doesn't happen often. I just grin and bear the inconvenience. I realize that audio software is a niche product and as such software piracy can substantially hurt developers. If I want good software, it's not going to happen if everybody and their brother stole the last version so they can't afford to pay the programmers.

[@Cletus4594]

I cant see how anyone can say dongle with a straight face multiple times in a row

[@cansee0]

I regret buying akai mpc because of ilok

[@DnBLand81]

because is shitty system where , like me atm, i got stuck and lost few jobs after my hardrive passed away......and now i don't know when and or long i will be able to reactivate all my plugins ...that's why we hate it......who will pay me all this time that i'm waiting for a fucking solution.

[@joaommeirelles]

ilok cloud system makes my work unbearable as well... why can't I work offline? and a dongle??? s***t I have more useful gear to use in my limited ports. so many companies do so well without iLok. No justification that you gave is enough for me.

[@locutz]

i fucking hate ilok ,when you change pcs or your pc crashes you run out of time to use the keys that you fucking bought and you have to buy another one like what the actual fuck ?

[@joeymusic]

With our software you don’t need a dongle at all. You can just activate to your separate computers! -Miami

[@shrimp3683]

@@joeymusic if my old computer broke down and I get a new one, can i deactivate the plugins on the new computer and activate them for the new one?

[@coldskoolbeatz]

I will applaud the day when the iLok system becomes obsolete. It does not mitigate piracy. It just creates a hassle for paying customers. How much is Pace paying you??

[@ThePhilatkinson]

iLok is truly abysmal. Selling and getting rid of anything that has to do with their broken system. Software developers that use it must not use their own products.

[@wilpharma16]

I have a question from a third world fella that struggles with legit software and piracy. If i have an iLok dongle, do i need internet connection to use my plugins? Venezuelan internet is garbage and i work a lot offline. The idea of the dongle is actually great but it bugs me to think that i need internet all the time to use my plugins. Great video Miami!

[@AHmusic]

soy venezolano también! y tuve problemas con ilok cloud por eso mismo. Pero con el dongle puedes tener todos tus plugins ahí y no preocuparte. Algunos plugins también tienen la opción de storear en la computadora también. Pero prefiero tenerlos todos en el dongle 😁

[@wilpharma16]

@@AHmusic Bueno realmente me atrae mucho el tema de poder tener todo guardado en un pendrive por cosa de movilidad.Yo crei que ilok solo funcionaba para guardar las licencias, no los plugins completos.

[@AHmusic]

@@wilpharma16 nono. Es solo licencias XD igual tienes que instalar tu mismo los plugins

[@wilpharma16]

@@AHmusic Ah, eso cambia mucho las cosas. Crei que la funcion del dongle era la de almacenar el plugin con su licencia para poder instalarlo donde quisieras siempre y cuando esté pegado el dongle para validar dicha licencia.

[@Bananabomb-ww5hv]

my licence wont show up on my second computer, why the hell wont it show up? I HATE ILOK

[@drewtheclear]

dat's why we like torrent

[@MelloCello7]

1:40 the cloud sucks. Internet goes out and your session is bricked. Horrible. Multiple activation's do NOT help this issue. PLEASE do not mention customer service. There are a plethora of nightmare stories about iLok customer service. Charging law abiding payers to protect your IP is a terrible move no matter how your slice it. Paying a subscription to protect subscription services is a layer of hell we do not want to abide. "They've essentially taken software and found a way to turn it into hardware, and you all like hardware right? Thought so" Scummy. I might hate this video more than I hate ilok and thats saying something

[@joeymusic]

We allow machine deposits. It doesn’t require any hardware or cloud sessions.

[@MelloCello7]

@@joeymusic What does Machine deposits then have to do with ilok? People dont have any issue with software that you purchase once and that lives happily on their computer hassle free. They have a problem with the ilok model that punishes users, and even worse, people defending it in such a slap in the face kind of way.

[@JoshuaSpades]

My activation key is no longer recognised for one of your plugins I paid for so I'm totally thrilled with this piece of shit ransomeware

[@JesusArmasOficial]

I like iLok and I haven't had any issues with it. However, I want to get an actual iLok dongle to work with as soon is needed but in general, it is reliable to me. Still, piracy is still a thing and I personally think this would take a lot of time to be actually eradicated in some way, which I think it'll never happen. Despite that fact, get your legal licenses. That way we all help each other in this industry. PS The transition game is really up. Keep up the content Miami.

[@georgepelekoudis]

Nothing wrong with iLok. If you’ve got a few thousands in software, it makes sense to get insurance + spare key. If you’re activating directly to your computer, make sure it’s backed up.

[@joeymusic]

This guy gets it! Also, with multiple activations you can just keep one on your account in case something happens to your comp. if that does happen, just hit up support and we will get you sorted! -Miami

[@king-kore-studios]

At first I was like wth, then I realized it's not that big of a deal. Works flawlessly everytime!!!

[@joeymusic]

Spread the word! Lolol. I have this convo so many times a day I just wanted to make a video about it🤣 -Miami

[@yonatron5684]

You are lucky!! Ive run into so many issues, luckily not for awhile now

[@Cleidernino]

The ishitlok! I use pro tools for 12 years. But i always have problems to use the fu×*k ilok. Want upgrade pt? The ilok will transform it in heeeellll!! I just bought logic pro and good bye pro tools. Ill lost 600 dolares but will be better

[@saucegod8867]

Love your guys’ stuff. New fan here after I got a super quick response about my JST Clip license. Incredible plug-in and service. Cheers!

[@adamstrachn]

I haven't had to use the dongle. In the couple years I've had the cloud service, it's only dropped out for a few hours, 2 times. Although, if I did this for clients I might be more irritated, but it's technology & things happen. Regardless, good video Miami. Be well brother 💯

[@joeymusic]

Thanks Adam! Seems like a lot of people feel differently in the comments. I can understand it being irritating, but I’m just trying to help people understand the whole picture of what you can do with ilok! You be well too dude😀 -Miami

[@LEAVEtheLIGHTon]

ilok is crap ,no excuses

[@jsaulkane5893]

still a ballache..

[@eddiehewie]

your lying about the car man......

[@casualintrovert207]

iLok is horrible, eats up system resources and causes every plugin that uses it to load much slower than it needs to be. So many of the studios I've been to proudly use R2R cracked plugins simply because they run faster, eat up less memory, and don't require any dongles or internet connections to work. I don't know when you guys will realize DRM is NEVER the move.

[@kylecalandrelle7209]

Doesn't bother me. Maybe it would more if I was constantly moving projects around but for me it's fine

[@quentinbush]

Do you fancy the sound of your own voice? It isn't very often I say that.

[@joeymusic]

Do you fancy the sound of fish lapping in the water? It isn’t very often I say that.

[@MarvelJAM]

This is such a thoughtful video. I agree completely. I wish all my software was iLok and iLok cloud compatible

[@joeymusic]

Thanks! Just wanted to go over some points that people might not have understood. Having ilok is extremely convenient these days! -Miami

[@DeadzoneMusic]

Wow. I bet you go to the dmv for fun...

[@MarvelJAM]

@@DeadzoneMusic Ever have to rebuild or change computers? I assure you iLok feels like no DRM slows you down. This also applies to updates. Simple and easy

[@stephencutler6289]

iLok is dreadful

[@buhimoth]

iLok is pretty sick, it works flawlessly for me (I don't rely on the cloud) and I have ZDT in case anything scary happens! Those who hate iLok are the same people who lose their car keys! Organise your life and you won't have any issues!

[@joeymusic]

Hey! iiii lose my car keys🤣🤣🤣 -Miami

[@coryhofing-drummer7441]

It all makes sense. i'm not a huge fan but its apart of life these days.

[@joeymusic]

Thanks Cory! A necessary evil so that we can keep bringing you guys the best software. We try to make it really easy too by omitting the dongle and giving multiple activations! -Miami

[@coryhofing-drummer7441]

@@joeymusic I agree man and JST is one of the easiest and most reliable companies to deal with iLok. Pro tools subscription on the other hands... Let's not get into that.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

My problem isn't with the concept or service that iLok offers. It's 1- The extreme bugginess of the the software. 2- The lack of support. The website is not very helpful. I.G. Go to their FAQ's and there is no database for trouble shooting? Instead the common multiple issues are spread out under other categories like "Your Account", etc. Know why? If you add all of those trouble shooting issues... they are more numerous than all the other basic need to know links. Right there, tells you how buggy iLok is. They are saving face by literally hiding the issues throughout the site. It's not only sloppy and a time waste, it's really annoying. As for real support? It's only email. And good luck, if and when they get to you. Sorry, but for a company that's been around so long, they should have tightened their game. It's no wonder many companies are creating their own software managers. I would much rather not use iLok and hope that soon enough, they are as relevant as MySpace.

[@ZAY________]

Hate ilok so much brooo =

[@CharlieKulis]

ilok SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NotBK666]

Bruh I hate ilok shit pisses me off. Just had my first problem with this bullshit and it completely ruined any and all creativity I was feeling.

[@jonahcovers1856]

I ALSO AM ANGRY CAPSLOCK CAPSLOCK CAPSLOCK

[@joeymusic]

It’s ok, I’m here for you Jonah -Miami

[@jonahcovers1856]

@@joeymusic 🥰

[@jacksonyancey6347]

Never understood the ilok hate lol

[@joeymusic]

I understood it before the cloud and computer activations tbh. That changed my outlook -Miami

[@robchristopher7718]

so cringe....