I’ve presently got v9.5 on a USB (dongle) eLicenser, and have just purchased the upgrade to 14 Pro via the Steinberg website. I got an email of confirmation with download instructions, download access code etc, but nothing shows on MySteinberg account and I wonder if that’s something to worry about.
I don’t plan on actually installing v14 until I get a new PC later this year (most likely some time before October when Win10 support ends), and want it to be (and assume it’ll be) on the new Steinberg Licensing arrangements rather than on dongle.
My question is, do I need to do anything in my MySteinberg account, either before or after moving over to my new PC, and before I download it on said new PC? Can I just keep that email (and the access code) safe until I’m ready to download it on my new PC, or do I need to say, use the Redeem Download Access code feature in my MySteinberg account? The instructions in purchase confirmation email says nothing about the latter, nothing about whether I should do that, or if doing so at this stage would mess things up.
The whole upgrade situation hasn’t been especially clear (to my feeble brain) on a number of grounds, including what time limitations there are (except purchasing an upgrade before 20th May and purchasing before 28th April to avail myself of the 30% sale thingy) and whether I will be able to use v14 without needing the USB dongle (which I assume to be the case).
Nothing will show there until you indeed install and activate cb14.
Personally, I’d do it now to get it out of the way.
Installing again later on a new pc is useful…it’ll get you used to the screen process for deactivating the old cb14 computer and activating the new computer.
Your dongle/cubase9 will continue to peacefully work alongside cb14 as the years go by.
there are no such things as silly questions - not asking questions would be silly
There’s just one thing you should do in case you haven’t done so already: Make sure that your Cubase 9.5 version is registered under MySteinberg just in case your USB-eLicenser gets eaten by the dog or anything else happens.
That’s about it.
You can activate your C14 license anytime it suits you, there is nothing else you need to be aware of when it comes to your Cubase versions.
You don’t need to install 14 right now. I would recommend redeeming the download access code before the e-Licenser shutdown, though. That way, you are sure to be updated to the new(ish) Steinberg Licensing.
So … I guess the SDA is somewhat misleading? One way or another, if you need to be concerned about a gig or two of storage space you definitely have issues!
Hmm, is that wise? I read this on the Steinberg FAQ about Download Access Codes:
"Download Access Code can only be redeemed once. The license is then permanently available in your MySteinberg account. […] Once the license has been successfully created, the Download Access Code becomes invalid. It cannot be used again."
While it says also that you can redeem a Download Access Code on one’s MySteinberg account (as I understand you suggest), the thing is, if I do that now, then buy a new PC, install Steinberg Download Assistant, then enter in my Download Access Code on that (as per the email instructions), won’t the latter not work, given I’d already have redeemed the code?
That FAQ section even says that using Steinberg Download Assistant is more convenient. But to paraphrase the above, it doesn’t say what you do if you’ve already redeemed the code online and then try downloading it after that, given it says you can only redeem it once (also vice versa, doesn’t say that by redeeming it in Steinberg Download Assistant, whether that automatically registers / will let you register the product/license your MySteinberg account).
Seem to be getting mixed messages from people. Or I’m being stupid
By the way, about the space issue, yes I literally have that little space, just one of the numerous reasons I’ll be getting a new PC very soon
Oh crikey, the email doesn’t say anything about this Activation Manager you speak of. I’m assuming it’s to the new Steinberg Licensing dealy, what the eLicenser Control Center is to old USB eLicensers?
Can’t remember how it all worked when I installed C9 all those years ago, but it feels all very convoluted if there’s not two but three (possible) points of activation/redemption of a code/license (MySteinberg, Download Assistant and Activation Manager).
Sorry I’m one of those people for whom everything gives rise to even more questions. I guess I’m partly paranoid because last time I tried interacting with Steinberg customer services directly (on Twitter before they apparently disappered from that), they were unhelpful and kinda rude, even.
Drive space aside, if you use the one-time access code TODAY (for example) to download & install cb14, ALL that does is assign to Steinberg that YOU now officially paid for and own cb14 (assigned to your account) and are free to install/uninstall it on any combo of 3 computers…at will…any time…forever…and EVERY subsequent time you download cb14 onto ..say a new computer…you’ll simply install and activate…essentially never ever again even paying attention to any field that says “enter dwnld access code”…
You have zero need for the one-time access code after the first time…kinda like dental floss.
Upon install of cb14 , you’d then start up the daw, Activation Manager will automatically pop up to have you confirm the install via you typing in your email associated with your license…and voila…that also records “this” computer as one of your 3 activations. Done.
Just to be clear, you do not need to install the software to activate (EDIT: Register) the license.
Correct. As of Cubase 12, the SAM (Steinberg Activation Manager) has replaced the eLCC. However, when updating a license that resides on a USB-eLicenser you need to have that dongle plugged in and recognized (eLCC) for the update code to work. You will then receive a Cubase 11 (non-updateable) license on your USB-eLicenser. This will allow you to use Cubase 11 and earlier versions as long as the dongle is plugged in. You will also have access to Cubase 14 (and back to 12) using the dongle-free Steinberg Licensing on up to three devices.
Thanks for clarifying - assuming you’re correct, that’s helpful. So I can redeem the code on my MySteinberg account and it’s all hunky dory?
While I’m at it, just out of interest (and mild paranoia ), do you know how Steinberg knows one is entitled to purchase C14 at the ‘upgrade’ price? I wasn’t asked to confirm my C9.5 license at payment stage or anything. I assume it’s done by them recognising the C9.5 license on my MySteinberg account (whether at point of purchase or redemption of the new code), and that I should have no issues stemming from the fact the 9.5 license is an eLicenser one?
It is up to the purchasers to know which license they own. Anyone can buy any update/upgrade he/she wishes. For example, you could even purchase a license and gift the DAC to someone else. There are many posts on these forums about folks purchasing the wrong license.
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