If you haven't bought an iLok yet, do make sure you get the nice, shiny, second-generation one rather than the discontinued original, as we are already starting to see new software releases that only support the newer model. If you get this bit wrong, the licence could end up in someone else's account, so take care! Now go back to, and once you have logged on, you should see a note that says you have new licences available, with a Download button to hit. To do this, go to and input your Activation Code, which will be on a card that came with the software, and then your iLok User ID.
This is available from the Download page at If you're upgrading from Pro Tools LE 8 or earlier, creating an iLok account provides somewhere for Avid to deposit the iLok licence for Pro Tools 9. Once your account is set up, make sure you've installed the iLok Client Software, so that can communicate with your iLoks. Another is the facility to transfer licences between accounts so people can sell their unwanted software. One is Zero Down Time, which aims to keep your music system up and running if you do lose or break an iLok. Setting up and running an account at is free, but PACE also offer optional services that do have costs attached.
On the Mac they also support the latest version of Safari, and on Windows they support Internet Explorer 8. Note that at the time of writing, Firefox 4 and 5 are not supported PACE are working hard to resolve this, but in the meantime they recommend you use Firefox 3.5 or above. In doing so, you'll need to choose a unique iLok User ID. You need to do this on a computer connected to the Internet, and there are lots of help videos at including one to help you sign up for a new account. If you are using an iLok for the first time, you'll need to set up an account at to manage the licences (or "assets”) on your iLok.
Don't make the password simple, and don't share your password with anyone. It is also small, which makes it very easy to lose or get stolen! Your account, likewise, needs to be treated securely, just as you would treat your online banking details. If you are upgrading from an earlier version of HD or LE, the pack comes just with an activation code, so if you don't already have one, you will need to buy an iLok separately.Įxisting users won't need reminding that the iLok is a very valuable item, as, in effect, it is worth the combined value of all the software licences that are authorised on it (up to 100 on the original iLok, 500 on each second-generation version).
If you buy a boxed copy of the Pro Tools 9 software, it comes with a pre‑authorised iLok, while Pro Tools HD and HD Native systems come with an empty iLok and activation code for authorising a Pro Tools licence onto the iLok. Take the iLok away and the software is no longer authorised and won't function. The software checks for its presence before it will run on that system. If you haven't seen one before, an iLok is a small device that you plug into any USB port on your computer.
This was not the case with Pro Tools 8, and a good number of Pro Tools LE users who upgrade to Pro Tools 9 will need to get to grips with using an iLok for the first time. For the first time, all current versions of Pro Tools also now require an iLok for authorisation. So perhaps it's no surprise that PACE have come up with a new and improved version of the iLok. Together in perfect harmony: original (blue) and second-generation (black) iLoks.Īmazingly, the humble iLok dongle has been helping us to manage licences so we can legitimately use our chosen creative tools for 10 years now. So should existing users make the move to the new version, and how do new users get started? Read the rules.The iLok dongle is more important to Pro Tools users than ever. Whether it is yours or theirs, there are no allowable exceptions or appealable circumstances. Going there in any way at all will result in an irrevocable ban. Piracy / Crack / Hack discussion is not allowed. Provide the version of Pro Tools, the operating system, the error number, hardware involved, and what you have tried. The post title should only be a very short / concise description of the problem. If you are given given an error number, add it to the front of the post titleĭo not make sensationalized post titles like stating you need help (all posters do and it is not truly informative), urgency (it's always urgent), all caps, or excessive punctuation. Everyone is welcome, from industry veterans to bedroom engineers.īe sure to check out our wiki pages for more information regarding Pro Tools links to shortcuts, FAQs, Guides and Tutorials, Plugins and more. Subreddit Info and Rules Pro Tools Shortcuts Production & Engineering Subreddits FAQ Guides and Tutorials PlugIns r/ProTools on Discord About r/ProTools