How to protect iLok-cracked programs

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by noiseordinance, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:06 PM.

  1. noiseordinance

    noiseordinance Newbie

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    Hey there! So I have a few plugins I used, such as Superior Drummer 2, IK Multimedia T-racks, etc. I recently purchased a UAD Apollo and Sphere LX microphone, which uses iLok, and basically deactivated some of my cracked plugins, like Superior Drummer 2 and IK Multimedia stuff. I actually have a purchased copy of Superior Drummer 3, which is great, but the broken cracks have basically jacked up all of my old recording files.

    Is there a way to have a legitimately-purchased software with iLok that doesn't nullify other cracked iLok plugins?
     
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  3. ArticStorm

    ArticStorm Moderator Staff Member

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    why should a ilok software make unpacked ilok plugin or non ilok plugins non-working?

    (unpack ilok plugin have the ilok part removed or deactivated, so ilok drivers should not interfere with it.)

    Must be on your side.
     
  4. noiseordinance

    noiseordinance Newbie

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    Oh yeah, I definitely suspect something going on on my side. I used Little Snitch on MacOS for my firewall, and have blocked iLok in the past, as well as IK Multimedia's website, but the moment I installed my Apollo with iLok, it deactivated a few of my older programs. What's even weirder is that I'm reading that Toontracks / Superior Drummer does not even use iLok, so I have no idea how installing UAD Software deactivated Superior Drummer 2. B'oh. :(
     
  5. PulseWave

    PulseWave Audiosexual

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    I would just install everything; you don't need to deactivate anything. Most of the time, the iLok software isn't even needed with modern cracks. Don't worry about running legal and cracked software on the same PC; it almost always works without any problems.

    With Toontrack, you should decide between legal and illegal software. Mixing the two usually leads to problems. Generally speaking, stick with a legal company and don't install illegal cracked software from the same company. The same applies in reverse.
     
  6. sisyphus

    sisyphus Audiosexual

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    I have iLok legit and a few k'd iLok protected software running on macOS, and I don't block iLok servers or whatnot with little snitch or Lulu, I block my host app/daws, and I block the k'd plugs in their different formats I use, and whatever sites are recommended by those who graciously provide for us to test out.... I have not had a single problem.
     
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