Cubase AI Offline Registration

Normally, Cubase AI - and, if I understand correctly, any software which uses the Syncrosoft Soft-eLicenser (SeL) for protection, such as Cubase LE4 - requires that you request your activation on the computer on which you have installed the software.

That is great for those of us with our studio computers online (a practice I personally recommend), but less great for those who can't or won't connect their production system from the web.

If you're in the second boat, then I've got good news and I've got bad news. The good news is that you can still get your license. The bad news is that you have to buy a Steinberg Key to do it, which will probably run you somewhere in the neighbourhood of an evening at the movies for two, plus snacks. (Or, thought of another way, around one month of internet service, so think about it.)

You can buy the Steinberg Key at your favourite Steinberg dealer, or perhaps you might already have one if you own another Steinberg retail product.

So once you've got your key, follow these steps. I'm going to refer to the two computers you need to use as your "studio system" (the computer on which you're going to install Cubase AI) and your "web system" (the computer on which you'll get the license).

1. Install Cubase AI on your studio system. This will install the Syncrosoft eLC software (update to version 6.x or later if necessary once the install has completed) and create your SeL. (If you don't know what the hell I'm talking about, go back and read the previous post.)

2. Go into the eLC and write down your SeL ID number.

3. On your web system, go to www.steinberg.net/registration and log into your MySteinberg account (create one if you haven't already).

4. Follow the instructions in the previous post to enter your SeL number from your host system and request a Cubase AI license activation code for the version you have.

5. Download and install the latest eLC to your web system.

6. Connect your Steinberg Key to the web system.

7. Use the License Activation Code to download a license, but download the license to your Steinberg Key.

8. Note the ID number of the Steinberg Key in the eLC. Go to your MySteinberg account and register the key. (This step is optional, but it's a really good habit.)

9. Once the license is downloaded, disconnect your Steinberg Key from your web system and bring it back to the Studio System. Cubase AI will now run, plus you have a key you can conveniently move between computers, which is great if you have a desktop and a laptop for music production, for instance, or a studio machine and a live machine. Plus, it saves you from ever having to go through the registration process again if you get a new machine or format your hard drive.

Enjoy!