I see Strymon Bigsky doesn't support disk based iLok activation, so the only options are a Cloud session and physical iLok (USB dongle), just like Pro tools or the UAD Plugins. As long as I know, this type of protection was undefeated. Can someone confirm if this has happened for first time or I missed something?

"BigSky Plugin requires either a Cloud session or a physical iLok key."

https://www.strymon.net/plugin-acti...xf0rv8AMnPrcSUmJEkr3OCwDJfv9UaxyOO1WKizL04t8J

 

Last edited: Jun 28, 2025 at 5:20 AM

It is Cloud or Physical like you mention. But why do you think the Cloud version is tampered correctly, when the physical key is still a local authorization?

The Intel Mac version was released on 04-06 as part of a bundle, which is probably why you did not see that release if you look only for BigSky. There was no mention of it being any different than any other plugin.

 

Last edited: Jun 28, 2025 at 4:54 AM

By physical iLok, I meant the USB dongle, which is undefeated. The 'Activate once and use forever' kind of iLok authorisation is not available for Bigsky as the page suggest. You need the USB iLok dongle or need to always connected to the internet, just like Pro tools. If I remember correctly, I had read somewhere that R2R has told that this kind protection is too hard to crack and not to expect it.

 

If you look at it in your iLok Manager software, it shows the 4 icons "Works On". BigSky only shows the far left USB key, and the Right Cloud icon. The two in the middle columns are greyed out. So they do not have the machine option available (edit just to clarify: for Big Sky).

UAD, Sonnox, Soundtoys are not the same options. Did you check the nfo file for BigSky? If it was something different than all the others, they would probably mention it. The nfo is the same as normal.

 

Last edited: Jun 28, 2025 at 6:36 AM

Technically the Mac people did it first if what you're saying is true. Prior to Mac's Strymon releases, R2R pioneered the iLok and then the Mac people will study it and apply to their OS. If Strymon is the first for R2R regarding the dongle, then the Mac people definitely found a way even earlier. I don't think so tho.

 

Last edited: Jun 28, 2025 at 7:25 AM

releasing first and being done first are not exactly the same thing anyway. An old comment can be true at the time, and new developments could make it not apply anymore. The main takeaway is that it's not going to be opening the floodgates on that many various other plugins which haven't been released ever. Big Sky is the only one I notice on my iLok which even has those options only anymore.

They always write very interesting nfo files when there is a new development like that. The Big Sky nfo does not have any mention of anything new.

Search Strymon Bundle on sister site and you can look at the release still.

 

Last edited: Jun 28, 2025 at 7:32 AM

this is what I meant by "I don't think so". If what OP said is true, R2R will release a big NFO about the Strymon so it would pave a way for other crackers.

 

I had the thought. Those NFOs are a treat to read. But still, it's the first time I have ever seen any iLok plugin that is without machine authorisation being cracked. Maybe the Strymon may have left some vulnerability in the protection, considering the unusual MAC release. Only R2R and the MAC guy know.

 

I could well be misremembering this... but didn't some recentish (or at least recently read by me) r2r nfo have a paragraph saying that they would not talk about huge breakthroughs again before first applying said breakthrough to whatever they could so as to not confirm for their opposition too early on, giving time to patch around it before too many releases get out? As because of that very act the publisher put a kibosh on the fun rather quickly. Maybe in one of the Acustica releases? Maybe I'm misremember or confusing/conflating/con uh.. quesoing ?

 

That same few days they posted Metric Halo, UVI, Eventide, Newfangled, Ayaic, PSP, Pulsar, Soundtheory, etc etc. It should be pretty obvious who actually has the problem.

 

Well, yeah, that's effectively what they said they'd do. No drip feeding. Only flood gates to maximize. Maybe the summary of the text was '...and this is why we didn't say anything about it or release these one by one.' Like I said possible cheese in head, but definitely foggy on the specifics. Which ever it is, yeah I would not expect a silent acknowledgment of one release. It isn't like PACE is stuffed with doge dipshits.

 

shh, let the witches do their magic