Hello dear all and Steinberg team.
I have a question about Cubase license.
If i have Cubase pro 9 licens activation code on paper, not yet used or activated, can I activate this after the eLicenser end-of-service? Maybe for example next year? But my usb elicenser dongle already registered on MySteinberg account with another products like Nuendo and more.
Thanks.
My understanding is “no.” Once you license it and it is activated on the dongle, you’re good to go for continued future use until the dongle itself fails. But what I’ve read is that the eLicense service itself will be taken offline, and no new registrations or activations will be possible.
I don’t see what use it would be to wait, but that’s none of my business 
No. The elicenser system will not function after May 25
edit: @Thor.HOG beat me to it… but read this: eLicenser Service Closes Down in 2025 | Steinberg
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You can only activate products that rely on the old licensing system until May 20th because afterwards the server that is required to activate a product on an elicenser will be put down.
Maybe you are eligible for a free update if your activation license is not based on a redeemed Download Access Code. Check for vouchers in your account after activating C9 (this might take a couple of hours).
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Ok what Steinberg mean with this?
eLicenser Service Closes Down in 2025 | Steinberg.
UPDATED: Can old eLicenser-based activation codes be used at all after the eLicenser end-of-service?
Yes, after end-of-service eLicenser-based activation codes can still be used.
That is the best question I’ve seen today. I’ll defer to @Steve on that one. Excellent question, that.
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Hmm, which part is unclear to you?
In short: The old licensing system requires an eLicenser (up to Cubase 11) - the new licensing system doesn’t… The old one will cease to exist but you can use these products until your eLicenser breaks.
EDIT: The previous answer was based on your pre-edited post… huh, complicated.
I would say no from a technical point of view. I guess they will not be able to check if this code has already been redeemed after the server is shut down. You’d better ask someone from Steinberg support if you want to take that risk.
I don’t understand - why wait? What advantage is there to waiting? Just curious.
Maybe i want wait to Cubase 15.
Because if I’m activating this now, I’m coming get 11 pro on elicenser and transition voucher to 14 pro on MySteinberg account.
But nice question, maybe i can finish transition when Cubase 15 coming up?
^this. I don’t understand how this would work. 'Twer it me, I’d take the bird in the hand.
Everyone’s different, but if it were me, I’d go ahead and redeem it now and not take any chances. If you have a voucher that becomes available, even better. I’ve worked in into my budget to just upgrade every year. This supports the product line while also ensuring that I don’t miss out on top-tier engineering opportunities in the here and now. I mean, forgoing one cup of Starbucks coffee a month pays for it. Or whatever it is
I personally don’t understand how you could redeem an activation code after the server is shut down, but I don’t have a clue what’s going on in the background. I personally wouldn’t risk it though seeing as how you’ve got the code in your hand now. That’s just me.
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I mean if i activating 9 now, I’m coming get 11 on elicenser and transition voucher to 14 on my account. After when coming 15 i redeem code to 14 and finish my transition from 11 to 15 without 14.
Because now i have Nuendo 14. And don’t need Cubase 11 or 14. In this case if you understand me.
Question was i must activate my 9 and when.
Because I have the code.
Oh, then yeah… You’re all set. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it all works out!
I suppose they have implemented a means by which to save all used codes from the old server and will use that – maybe in the SAM, or on an individual case basis.
Either way, Steinberg has always found a way to make their users whole in regard to purchases.
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Absolutely. For long time ago i have bought Cubase 9 pro retail for the another our Studio like another daw and have forget about this and about activating. Because i working in Nuendo 14 from Nuendo 3. Home and in the studio.
After i done revision in our studio and have finding the box 
wow yeah Cubase 9 inside packed in plastic from music store.
So i just must activate this.
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