This is news that we are pretty sure all Steinberg Cubase users will be happy about. The eLicenser dongle will soon be history in 2025! And the problems that this much-maligned copy protection still causes on many computer systems to this day will finally be a thing of the past.
Since 2022, Cubase has used Steinberg Licensing, an ID-based copy protection system that requires no USB dongle.
Steinberg to remove eLicenser USB from Cubase DAW
Originating in the late 80s, Cubase from Hamburg-based Steinberg is still in great demand around the world. The popular DAW is used in many small and large recording studios, as well as phones and tablets. However, the eLicenser copy protection system, which utilizes a USB dongle and software running in the background, is notorious for interfering with normal operating system operations. When the DAW won’t start or shut down because of a copy protection scheme, you are losing time and money by running software that’s rightfully yours.
Moreover, when major updates to Cubase are released, the user experience has sometimes been less than stellar on release day. The eLicenser server that authorizes the new version has been known to fail due to the deluge of people accessing it.
When you consider that any software is prone to occasional problems. Moreover, the unnecessary occupation of one of your precious USB ports. Therefore, it’s easy to see why ditching the eLicenser would be a solid decision.
Press Release:
This press release came from the Steinberg Twitter account:
Hello all, For many of you this is the announcement you have been waiting for. While we put our heart and soul into developing ground-breaking products in your best interests, we haven’t accomplished our promise to provide you with the user experience you deserve. In every part of Steinberg’s technologies in recent time. We have been listening to your feedback for years, but significant changes need time, and we had to carefully lay out our vision for the future. But now the time has come to put our approach to license management at the center of our attention.
We have decided to adopt a new license management technology that everyone will benefit from to prepare for coming requirements. An authorization system shouldn’t get in your way, but support you in the onboarding process. Anti-piracy protection technology shouldn’t restrict you as the customer, but secure your investment. A license management shouldn’t stop you from using your products, but enable you to be creative whenever and wherever you are. At this point in time, all we can tell you is that everyone at Steinberg is strongly committed to providing you as soon as possible with a solution that offers more flexibility, more reliability and, of course, a seamless migration.
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