Cubase 11 pro on USB eLicenser - What to do!? My head hurts!

A_D_S_R · April 26, 2025, 12:14pm

Hi all,

As per subect I am using c11 pro registed to a usb eLicenser.

Apologies, I know this has been done to death, but I’m getting a bit panicky as the 30% off offer at Steinberg is ending very soon. and I need to decide ASAP wether to go with the pro 14 update offer.

Btw please feel free to correct any of my assumptions:

Current scenario/dates:

So it took me a while to understand this, but c11 is last version to use eLicenser and only the elicenser, correct?

I think I understand that my 11 pro will still work fine(?) on the usb dongle for the forseable future, regardless?

What are the disadvantages/advantages of not paying for a 14 pro update now?

E.g. Am I correct in saying this my last opportunity (by 20th May) to buy a version of Cubase that will continue get promo update pricing? If I don’t do it now that’s it, I will need pay full price a full version?

And 28th April is end of the “current” offer.

What should I be seing on licences?

See images:

The only thing I have on my eLicensener is C11. Should I have also registered the included “free” versions of Halion, Groove agent SE, the free version of Spectralayers etc that got included with c11 pro?

Basically what should i be seeing on my list on control centre:?

Or is it just for the paid/full versions of Groove Agent, spectralayers etc. that need to show in Steinberg licensing?

I also have Backbone full licence which i got as the plugin boutique freebie not long ago, but not done anything with with regards to registering it.

Assuming I buy the c14 pro update (Most likely scenario)

I don’t need to or in fact want to install c14 yet becuase of exisiting c11 work in progress, so it will just show up on my Steinberg license section? Can I just then wait until I’m ready to install?

Basically if I buy the update now, it’s my safest bet correct?

RE the 20th May cutoff date:

Do I need to redeem anything now? Or will c14 just show up in the Steinberg Licensing area?

Re the free stuff in the current offer e.g. Klevgrand/Arturia do I need to redeem by 28th April using Steinberg licensing? I think I saw that somewhere?

Googly_Smythe · April 26, 2025, 12:35pm

(If any of this is wrong I hope some one will correct me!)

Yes.

For as long as the dongle works, yes.

There are none.

Only Steinberg knows.

There is a difference twixt registration and activation - they are not the same thing. You register the dongle, but you activate the software. The free stuff doesn’t need activating, I believe.

Correct and correct.

Johnny_Moneto · April 26, 2025, 1:10pm

I have to correct Googly a bit:
If you buy the update from Cubase Pro 11 to Cubase Pro 14 you will be sent a Download Access Code. If you do not enter this code anywhere then no license of Cubase Pro 14 will be added to your account.
You can view the code as a coupon. With this coupon you can put a license to a MySteinberg account. You can use the coupon/code at any given time in the future for as long as the Steinberg Licensing scheme exists (which might be another 10 to 100 years).

A_D_S_R · April 26, 2025, 4:07pm

Many thanks @Googly_Smythe and @Johnny_Moneto

Just a few comments please:

RE advantages/disadvantages? I should have been more specific , but what did you mean here? Were you implying it makes more sense to do the update ASAP?

This relates to @Johnny_Moneto 's comment as well. So I buy the c14 pro update today, but I don’t want to install i yet.

However… do I still need to input the download access code before May 20th on Steinberg Licensing?

Is inputting the download code the same as registering or activating it? As mentioned, I don’t want or need to use/activate c14 yet, but I definitely wan’t to be able to stay on the Cubase updates path/preferential discounts path.

Sorry, I know I’m being a bit stupid here, but I just don’t want to mess up the process.

Thanks in advance.

Starsprinkler · April 26, 2025, 6:53pm

No, the free versions are included with the Cubase license.

Yes, as those need a separate license, while the free versions do not.

No problem, you can install at any time. License activation and installation are two different things.

But you can also install C14 directly, even if you want to keep C11, as you can have both C11 and C14 installed side by side.
C11 will use the eLicenser dongle, while C14 will use the new Steinberg Licensing.

Previously stated, yes, but now I saw that it’s updated. It seems they found a solution, so that the registration/updating can be done also after this date. However, it requires that your eLicenser is registered in your MySteinberg account. In your picture, it is.

Please check these links for all information about it.

https://forums.steinberg.net/t/update-on-elicenser-service-ends-in-2025/977248

https://www.steinberg.net/licensing/elicenser-end-of-service/

But to be 100% sure and not being nervous about it:
Just buy the C14 update now at the sale, and activate the new license. Then you’re safe.
You can then install C14 side by side with C11 and use any version, or wait with the C14 installation if you prefer (you will see the C14 license in the Activation Manager, even if you don’t do the installation).

Googly_Smythe · April 26, 2025, 6:57pm

Was just about to post a nice long answer, but @Starsprinkler beat me to it.
Go for it!

Reco29 · April 26, 2025, 7:15pm

Hi,
what has been said before and one additional important info:

I would use the 30% off discount if you are planning to update Cubase 11 anyways
Make sure that Cubase 11 shows up in your MySteinberg Account in case your USB-eLicenser breaks or gets stolen or whatever; this is just for safety reasons. Now, you are eligible to buy an update anytime you want.
You can activate/install C14 at anytime. The only thing you might want to consider is the free extra stuff. If you activate (no need to install) C14 now, you get a bunch of free extra stuff. The vouchers you will receive are a part of the Cubase Sales Promotion 2025 and must be redeemed before April 28th, 2025.

In other words: Make sure that Cubase 11 is registered in your account. That’s just to be safe.
If you want the discount and the free stuff buy C14 now and redeem the vouchers for the free stuff before April 28th.

A_D_S_R · April 26, 2025, 7:17pm

Many thanks. One quick urgent question before I expand…

I’ve literally just bought the 14 pro update, I’ve put the download access code into the Steinberg Download Assistant as per instructions…now it’s saying this!?

Upgrade your license now??? My head is hurting even more now! What do I need to do for my scenario please?

Reco29 · April 26, 2025, 7:23pm

…yes! And have a look at the vouchers, too. You’ll find them in your account under vouchers. That may take a couple of hours until they show up once you activated Cubase 14. That’s not unusual, so don’t worry if you don’t see them instantly

Starsprinkler · April 26, 2025, 7:29pm

Yes, you want to upgrade your license now to C14 (unless you want to try their updated option of doing it after the stated closing date).
You will still have a C11 license kept on your dongle as well.

Another link:
https://helpcenter.steinberg.de/hc/en-us/articles/4414539809426-Steinberg-Licensing-Upgrades-from-eLicenser-based-products

A_D_S_R · April 28, 2025, 9:27pm

Hi all,

Sorry for the delayed response, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for their help on Saturday

I think(?) this is the correct set up I wanted?

Please can you have a look and the screen shots and confirm.

I take I don’t neccesarily have to do anything now until I want to install c14? I don’t even have to worry about the May 20th deadline now right?

Just out of curiousty, what exactly does:
“Cubase Pro 11 (Upgraded to Cubase with Steinberg Licensing” mean?
Is it saying the c11 on my USB is registered now via Steinberg Licensing? I thought the whole point was c11 had to be elicenser?

A couple of points/rants:

Why was this process so complicated!? I actually have an IT background and understand licensing but I would not have got this done without all of your help. Surely Steinberg should at least have dones few different youtube videos for different scenarios?
The incentives for those in my position (i.e. an elicenser version) to move over to a Steinberg Licensing version didn’t seem that great IMO? I had to pay £145 sterling to move over from c11 pro to c14 pro, i didnt really need any of the freebies. That plus trying understand the migration process seriously made me wonder if I should start looking at other DAW’s.
Maybe those with a registered USB e-licenser should have got an extra discount for the original outlay for the USB itself? (IMO).
When I finally install c14, would I be be able to donate my usb elicencer to my nephew so he could use c11 on his PC?

p.s. FYI it does seem like today is the last day to redeem the third party freebies. Done most of them but not sure if I want to sign up to anymore! is the Air Multi Chorus worth it anyone?

Reco29 · April 28, 2025, 10:58pm

Hi,
looking good, it’s all set.
Just one question: Why haven’t you registered Backbone yet ?

C11 upgraded to Cubase… means that you can run any Cubase version prior to Cubase 12 with your USB eLicenser plugged in (11, 10, 9 etc). These versions still run on the old licensing system which is kept on the dongle.

The incentives to upgrade from 11 to 14 are all these new features and content that came with each version. Too many to list them here. This update is a steal for that kind of money, the freebies are just a tiny side dish.

From a legal point of view it is not allowed to give your nephew the dongle with C11 on it because it’s still just one single user license. What you do with this info is up to you…

Why does it have to be so complicated? I don’t think that I can answer this question. That’s a tech question beyond my scope.

About the Air Chorus: I didn’t redeem my voucher…

Enjoy C14 - that’s another level! You’ll see once you get to know it!