It's actually a really simple and straightforward process. There are just four easy steps, and you need three applications: Cubase AI, the Syncrosoft eLicenser Control (eLC), and your web browser.
Note that there is a great video available at the Yamaha Synth website which shows this process for both Mac and PC. The video is available in the Library section for any product which includes Cubase AI. The only detail to note is that these videos use the older Syncrosoft software (5.x), and things changed pretty significantly with the new eLC (6.x or later), which this tutorial presumes you are using.
Please note that you must have the computer on which you will be installing Cubase connected to the internet to follow these instructions. There is an option for an offline activation if you absolutely cannot connect your studio machine to the internet, but it means you have to buy some extra stuff. I'll cover that in my next tutorial.
Step 1 - Install.
The first thing you need to do is install your copy of Cubase AI. Note that as of November 20, 2009, Cubase AI 4 and Cubase AI 5 have been certified for use with Windows 7, and they will be updated for compatibility with OS X Snow Leopard with a maintenance release expected in mid-December.
The installation process will also install the Syncrosoft license control software, which lives in Applications >> License Control Center on the Mac, and Program Files >> Syncrosoft on the PC. I usually recommend updating to the newest version after you've completed your install, to make sure you have the latest license libraries, support for the latest operating systems, etc. The latest update is available from the Steinberg website or from Elicenser.net.
Step 2 - Get your SeL number.
This process will also create a Soft-eLicenser (SeL) on your computer. The SeL is a software component that holds select Steinberg licenses. Think of it as an emulated dongle. You need to know the ID number of your SeL, which is conveniently available within the main program window. So load the eLC and get the number. I'll wait. It's okay, I brought a book.
Step 3 - Register your SeL and request a license code.
Now that you have your SeL number, you need to create a MySteinberg account at the Steinberg site. This is where you will register your stuff and manage your licenses.
So create an account and log in. Because we want to activate your Cubase AI, select the version of the software you have under "Activation & Reactivation".
On the next screen, it asks if you want to do a permanent activation (meaning this is your first time activating the software) or a reactivation (meaning you need to get a new license code because you got a new computer, reformatted your hard drive, etc.). This tutorial assumes that you're doing this for the first time, so click on Permanent Activation.
On the next screen, you're asked to enter your SeL number, which you grabbed in Step 2. Take a brief moment to bask in how well-prepared you were, enter the ID number, and click on "Request Activation Code".
The code will be sent to your email address, but you can also view any code you've been sent from within your MySteinberg account. Just click on "Show Registered Products" in the menu on the left.
Step 4 - Enter the License Activation Code into the eLC.
This is where the actual license gets downloaded onto your SeL. Go back to the eLC software and click on the "Enter License Activation Code". This brings up the window where you get to - astonishingly enough - enter a license activation code. I know, I was surprised too.
Once you've done that, a license will download from the license server and store permanently on your SeL. Congratulations - you have now activated your Cubase AI and can use it as long as you like!
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