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Hauptwerk Dongle backup

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Antoni Scott

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Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostFri May 27, 2016 2:19 pm

All:
Recently I had a "near miss" with the Hauptwerk dongle when I accidentally let something fall on the front of the computer. It hit the dongle but fortunately didn't break it. Is it possible to create a duplicate dongle without violating any Hauptwerk rules, regulations, etc ? Everything else on my Hauptwerk system has been backed up with copies of sample sets, etc., just incase I have a hard drive breakdown.
I would be up really upset if the dongle broke. Any help would be appreciated.

Antoni
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engrssc

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostFri May 27, 2016 3:50 pm

I've never heard of any way to backup or duplicate a dongle for obvious security reasons. I believe I remember Brett, a while ago, offering to replace a broken dongle if the broken one was returned to MDA. But don't quote me on that. They are quite sturdy. It would take quite a blow to break one. More possible is to loose it or have it "lifted" by some "unknowing" thinking it was a flash drive.

There are some creative ways to protect it like extending a USB port permitting the dongle to be positioned out of "harms" ways. In my case, using a dedicated (for H/W) Mac Pro desk top, the dongle is buried inside the computer. Not so easy to do if you are using laptop.

Rgds,
Ed
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murph

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostFri May 27, 2016 4:28 pm

I believe MDA keep a full back-up of the permissions on the dongle. Killing one does not mean you lose the permissions it grants. It's a relatively easy procedure to re-instate them on a new key.
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RichardW

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostFri May 27, 2016 5:56 pm

I no longer plug anything in to the front of my PC. I find that crossing my legs can have unexpected consequences. It was always the easiest way to power down a Tektronix 4014 mainframe terminal, for instance!

When I used a laptop for work, I never understood why there were not recessed areas that would allow you to connect a USB stick and keep it safe. The front sockets on my old Antec case are bent because I caught it with a foot once.

I do what Ed does with my HW dongle. It is inside the PC. If I needed to keep it outside then I would attach it to the back with a short flexible lead.
Richard
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abaymajr

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostFri May 27, 2016 8:04 pm

I also fear loosing or breaking the Hauptwerk dongle, which accumulates in 9 months of usage about 2,000 USD in software license. In my case, the risk is even higher, since my Hauptwerk computer is a very frenquently transported laptop between three consoles located in different places, which I use also for simultaneous score reading and annotation. I tried to arrange a insurance for it but hasn't found any one in my country.

I think Hauptwerk could develop an Internet cloud-based authentication, as an alternate or additional method to the dongle.
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mdyde

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSat May 28, 2016 3:27 am

Antoni Scott wrote:Recently I had a "near miss" with the Hauptwerk dongle when I accidentally let something fall on the front of the computer. It hit the dongle but fortunately didn't break it. Is it possible to create a duplicate dongle without violating any Hauptwerk rules, regulations, etc ? Everything else on my Hauptwerk system has been backed up with copies of sample sets, etc., just incase I have a hard drive breakdown.
I would be up really upset if the dongle broke. Any help would be appreciate


Hello Antoni,

Since the key *is* the licence for Hauptwerk, it intentionally isn't possible for end-users to make backup copies of the key (otherwise they could easily be given to other people unscrupulously, effectively making any licensing mechanism irrelevant). However, we can replace your key (including all licences upon it) if you break it, as covered in the 'Licensing and editions' section in the Hauptwerk user guide (page 11 in the current v4.2.1 version):

If you break the USB key we will replace it for a small charge once we have received the original USB key back.
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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mdyde

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSat May 28, 2016 3:31 am

abaymajr wrote:I also fear loosing or breaking the Hauptwerk dongle, which accumulates in 9 months of usage about 2,000 USD in software license. In my case, the risk is even higher, since my Hauptwerk computer is a very frenquently transported laptop between three consoles located in different places, which I use also for simultaneous score reading and annotation. I tried to arrange a insurance for it but hasn't found any one in my country.

I think Hauptwerk could develop an Internet cloud-based authentication, as an alternate or additional method to the dongle.


If you ever break your key then we can replace it for you, as above. If you ever lose it then please contact us privately and we can discuss it with you. I have musical equipment insurance, which also covers computer equipment and software licences, so perhaps something similar is available in your country. In the UK at least, home insurance will often cover computer and software items too (although some may have a cost limit on the value of any one item that they will cover), so it may be worth contacting them to discuss it, if needed.
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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James

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSat May 28, 2016 9:08 pm

Let me see if I understand this. If I loose my hardware key, I have literally lost the thousands of dollars on sample sets that I have accumulated over the years? And that my only protection is to find someone to sell me insurance? We are talking over $10,000 here. If I loose my iPhone, or iPads, they can be remotely totally disabled, and no one can use them. I also have a policy with Apple to replace the hardware. I would have thought that Hauptwerk would have a simular system. I travel, and have 3 Hauptwerk consoles, with their own computers, in three different locations. Therefore I am carrying the hardware key in my pocket. If I loose it, what? I loose all those thousands of dollars in sample sets? Some might say that this is totally irresponsible for a highly respected company not to have some system to handle this. It will certainly give me pause when considering a new set.
James
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organtechnology

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSun May 29, 2016 12:28 am

James wrote:Let me see if I understand this. If I loose my hardware key, I have literally lost the thousands of dollars on sample sets that I have accumulated over the years? And that my only protection is to find someone to sell me insurance? We are talking over $10,000 here. If I loose my iPhone, or iPads, they can be remotely totally disabled, and no one can use them. I also have a policy with Apple to replace the hardware. I would have thought that Hauptwerk would have a simular system. I travel, and have 3 Hauptwerk consoles, with their own computers, in three different locations. Therefore I am carrying the hardware key in my pocket. If I loose it, what? I loose all those thousands of dollars in sample sets? Some might say that this is totally irresponsible for a highly respected company not to have some system to handle this. It will certainly give me pause when considering a new set.
James


Perhaps in the future you can have an RFID chip embedded in your hand and just by having your body in the same room with the HW computer it will authorize all your sample sets. ;)

But for now just take really good care of your key. I have several keys to keep track of at one time (depending on how many customers keys are in organs being built) and it is necessary to identify each one. As for losing the key accidentally I paraphrase Nike, Just Don't!

Thomas
Complete Hauptwerk™ systems using real wood consoles, PC Sound Engines, Dante Audio for Home or Church. info (at) organtechnology.com http://www.organtechnology.com
Authorized Hauptwerk; Milan Digital Audio and Lavender Audio reseller.
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mdyde

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSun May 29, 2016 4:20 am

James wrote:Let me see if I understand this. If I loose my hardware key, I have literally lost the thousands of dollars on sample sets that I have accumulated over the years? And that my only protection is to find someone to sell me insurance? We are talking over $10,000 here. If I loose my iPhone, or iPads, they can be remotely totally disabled, and no one can use them. I also have a policy with Apple to replace the hardware. I would have thought that Hauptwerk would have a simular system. I travel, and have 3 Hauptwerk consoles, with their own computers, in three different locations. Therefore I am carrying the hardware key in my pocket. If I loose it, what? I loose all those thousands of dollars in sample sets? Some might say that this is totally irresponsible for a highly respected company not to have some system to handle this. It will certainly give me pause when considering a new set.


Hello James,

It isn't technologically possible for us to disable/update a USB key remotely without the person in possession of it contacting us explicitly to perform a licence update. That may give some people peace of mind in case anything were ever to happen to us in the future (not that we expect it to!) -- the key, and your licences, won't stop working. The USB key doesn't connect to the Internet, and intentionally doesn't rely on an Internet connection, which potentially benefits audio performance, and allows Hauptwerk to be used on optimised dedicated Hauptwerk computers, and allows you to move it around freely between computers.

Please also bear in mind that Apple are a rather larger company than we are, with incomparably larger resources available to them. All licensing systems have different advantages and disadvantages, but we feel that a dongle-based system provides a good balance for most Hauptwerk users' purposes (especially real-time audio on multiple and non Internet-connected computers), and it's something that is feasible for us.

A policy with Apple to replace your 'phone, is effectively an insurance policy anyway (just provided by Apple). Musical equipment (or other) insurance policies are readily available (here in the U.K., at least) that will cover computer hardware and software at a reasonable cost.

These things have actually been discussed extensively many times before on our forum, and have always been stated clearly in the Hauptwerk licensing documentation. Also, as I wrote, if you do ever lose your USB key then please contact us privately and we can discuss it. (We're reasonable people.) Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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BarryG

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSun May 29, 2016 7:58 am

For what it's worth, I insure all of my camera equipment, computers, musical instruments, and software including Hauptwerk and sample sets through my homeowner's policy, just listing them separately and updating them as needed. It's an easy and not-very-expensive process. Same way have adequate coverage for jewelry, artwork, and other personal belongings, and for earthquakes, floods, and other dangers not covered by the basic policy. Some things may require appraisals initially, or copies of invoices/receipts, but straightforward process, at least in my case (in Massachusetts, USA).

Barry
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ChangedForever

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSun May 29, 2016 11:57 am

I think I back my computer up to the wall a few years ago; forgetting the Cubase dongle was sticking out the back. Eurpppp--> I think I developed a few choice multi-syllable words once I heard that awful c-r-u-n-c-h!

I turned the computer around and sure enough the dongle was absolutely obliterated. The plastic shell was laying on the carpet and the guts were all hanging out (but intact..). So I cranked the Cubase up and sure enough - it still worked. Never ordered a replacement - why should I?..... NOTHING beats Hauptwerk!!

You're right, though.... it would be nice to have the licenses and all the goodies on it backed up...!

What's your story?
-Mark
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Antoni Scott

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostSun May 29, 2016 12:30 pm

Hello Martin and all:
Thank you for the clarification regarding Dongle replacement. When I modified my console for Hauptwerk use, I cut out an opening in the side so that I could slide the MacPro into that place. I recessed it as far as I could. Unfortunately my MacPro USB ports on the back panel are already taken up with other devices so I had no choice but to use the USB port in the front. The dongle is very vulnerable but I have never had a problem, except for this one instance.

I prefer not to get involved with insurance companies, regarding covering the organ, since in the event of a possible problem. they always make things so complicated. I have no problem paying a fee to have the dongle replaced. Over the years I have read on the Hauptwerk Forum differing ways to replace the dongle.

Antoni
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sokrat

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostMon May 30, 2016 3:55 am

The discussion about the backup dongle I understand may be incorrect. As I understand I can if necessary acquire a second Hauptwerk-license included Dongle and use this Dongle as a backup. The cost of this "Backup-license" seem modest compared to the total investment. It would be interesting if I could purchase the "Backup license" at a reduced price. Is my assumption correct or are there with this solution problems?
sokraton
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mdyde

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Re: Hauptwerk Dongle backup

PostMon May 30, 2016 4:07 am

sokrat wrote:The discussion about the backup dongle I understand may be incorrect. As I understand I can if necessary acquire a second Hauptwerk-license included Dongle and use this Dongle as a backup. The cost of this "Backup-license" seem modest compared to the total investment. It would be interesting if I could purchase the "Backup license" at a reduced price. Is my assumption correct or are there with this solution problems?


Sorry -- no -- that isn't correct. If we sent a second USB key to someone whilst they still had they original one then they would actually have two full sets of licences (with a total value of twice that of one set of licences), and could easily sell one of them unscrupulously. We do of course appreciate that most people are honest, but unfortunately there are dishonest people (which is why any form of licensing is unfortunately necessary at all).

The 'Licensing and editions' section in the Hauptwerk user guide (page 11 in the current v4.2.1 version) covers it:

Important: Please make sure that you do not lose the Hauptwerk USB key since we cannot normally replace it unless you pay for another license. If you break the USB key we will replace it for a small charge once we have received the original USB key back.

If you are concerned about the possibility of losing the Hauptwerk USB key, software or sample sets, we advise insuring them. Specialist musical equipment insurance policies will usually provide cover for audio hardware, software and sample sets.


As I mentioned before, if you do lose your USB key then please contact us privately to discuss it.
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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