I’m getting a generated response telling me license can’t be installed without USB dongle. Am I mistaken in thinking I would be able to use the 9.5 Pro SW on my MAC without the USB and be blocked only from using it on another computer or offline?
If it tells you that the license can’t be installed without the dongle, then you can’t install the license without the dongle. This is also stated basically everywhere on Steinberg’s site.
They’re investigating alternate licensing options, but these wont be available any time soon. Right now the USB eLicenser absolutely is required by Cubase Artist and Cubase Pro.