Let’s Talk Licensing!
We offer many different types of authorizations.
Every option below has advantages and disadvantages, so read everything closely before you choose which option is best for you!
All now with the ability to Self Manage
Feel free to email us any questions if you are still confused which route to choose.
Best Option!
Option #1a: CloudBased (Recommended)
Now we have the ability to ditch all device binding and open a Cloud Session to launch basehead. This allows running BH from home…and takeover the same license at works and it will pause the license at home til you decide to take it back over with the new ‘Hostile Takeover’ mode!
Who is this for?
Pretty much anyone as long as you have decent internet where you work. This allows to access the license without carrying a dongle. They are also great for facilities especially that want to hand out temp WFH licenses to their employees hassle free!
Pros:
+ Doesn’t use a USB port or is Locked to any single machine. Complete Freedom!
+ Uses the same containers as the new .key file licensing system allowing you to jump back and forth to device bound licenses containers at will on the ‘My Licenses’ Page
+ Cross-Platform License.
+ Self Manageable
+ Has a NEW! Hostile Take Over Mode that allows you to jump between multiple computers in the same studio using the same license without having to shut the other copie of basehead down and you can toggle between them in seconds.
Cons:
– If you ONLY work in some locations with no internet then you will want to steer clear of this option otherwise it’s highly recommended above all the below options, but don’t worry if your internet isn’t constant as it can coast for 2 days without an internet check or 4 days if not connecting to our servers.
Newest Option!
Option #1b: CloudBased Pooled license (NEW!)
These works the same as the above but allow you to say have 10 licenses but dish out licenses for 25 rigs that need the ability to launch BH. You can monitor usage and revoke licenses for past employees and issue new one all from the ‘License Pool’ tab in your account dashboard.
Who is this for?
Facilities that need many rigs to have the ability to run BH but never all at the same time.
Pros:
+ Same as option 1a above
Cons:
– Internet Required for periodic license checks
NOTE: to use this and combine your existing Cloud.keys to a Multi-Quantity Pool.key, send us a message for assistance.
NO Internet on each rig and still need License Pooling?
We have a LAN based License Server in BETA now and coming in early 2025!
Option #2: USB Device Hardware Locking (USB Flash Drives or iLok2 or iLok3)
You can lock to removable USB Devices. (This includes iLok’s also)
We can bind to any USB device’s serial number and create the license with your serial number embedded to make it all work. So in a few simple steps, BaseHead will be locked to one of these removable devices so you can work in locations without internet.
Who is this for?
People that work in locations occasionally without internet. If you have internet everywhere you work then please choose the CloudBased option as it more flexible, less hassle and the future. 😉
Pros:
+ Let’s you use your iLok or USB flash drive you might be using for Waves plugins already plugged in your
system and not have to use another USB port
+ Cross-Platform License.
+ Launches a bit faster.
+ Self Manageable
Cons:
– Doesn’t work over LAN or use iLok Cloud as we use ZERO from the iLok Manager and just bind to it’s serial just like any other USB device.
– Doesn’t support multiple floating licenses.
NOTE: iLok Users: make sure you read the iLOK FAQ before choosing this option.
Option #3: System Bound (Locking to your system hardware)
Who is this for?
People that work in one location, on one computer and don’t have internet.
Only recommended now if you do NOT have internet access otherwise please choose the CloudBased option.
Pros:
+ Doesn’t use a USB port
+ Self Manageable
Cons:
– The license can only be used on one machine at a time so you’ll need to choose between PC or Mac.
– NOT Cross Platform, but you can ‘Deactivate’ and ‘Reactive’ in like 10 seconds to switch between platforms.
– You are not mobile at all, unless locking to a laptop.
I see a Renewal Date on the My License Page. Is my license gonna die on that date?
Nope! our licenses are Perpetual and will never die. This date is just when your 12 or 24 months of Priority Support and Free Updates with FREE CloudPacks Streaming ends, but basehead will keep on working past this date just fine. The only exception to the above is if you purchased a special license from us direct that is marked as Terminal or EDU
What happens if I my internet goes down with CloudBased Licenses?
If you internet is detected as down on launch BaseHead will run off a temporariy certificate license for up to 12 hours grace period, which should be plenty for time for your ISP to get their act together. 😉
What if I loose my USB Device or iLok I binded my license to or it gets damaged?
On the ‘My Licenses’ page just press ‘Deactivate’ to move your license to another Device. License Containers and full self-managable now if not a CmStick.
What if I chose to bind to my System Drive and had to reformat my PC or Mac?
Simple…..
Just ‘Deactivate……Move and Reactivate it on the ‘My Licenses’ Page in your account with the new DeviceSerial of the new machine.
Easy Peasy! 😉