At the moment the problem is for some of the plugins coming with it (like LA2A) saying that I need to update the auth file.probably I need to download a previous version of the Plugins/Installer, same as the seller. You can't fool the system. If you have multiple UAD devices plugged in it will only let.
Read in another thread: 'I have no doubt that a group capable of emulating Synchrosoft device or PACE/Ilok can make a generator of the UA reg file. ' Well, had me thinking for a while, how I would have done the copy protection if I had the same possibilities as UA. And, well, it goes something like this. On the rom of each card, i place one thousand or so really long, unique, numbers, just like the ones in the reg file. Then, I keep all these numbers stored in my database, linked to card serial number. Now, for each new plugin, i give it some unique ID (or hard to tell property, like the checksum of the plugin dsp code). Then, on the card, in hardware, I have the algorithm to calculate a 'checksum ' from the plugin ID and one of the unique numbers stored on your card (a separate number used for each plugin).
If the calculated checksum is the same as your reg key, It's allowed to run (and this check is made in the card hardware as well, only the reg key is sent to the card). Well, since you have no way of knowing the algorithm used, since it's in hardware, since you have no way to 'shortcircuit ' or emulate the protective algorithm, since it's purely in hardware, and since each of the keys on the card that is used to verify plugins is a unique, random, one time pad. Well, there simply is no way to make a keygen. Cracking this system would be hard indeed.
I think that the reason nobody has cracked the UAD platform is that the code to run the plugins will be compiled for the mpact processor and wouldn't run on an Intel or PPC processor - you'd have to decompile the code and recompile it for a native processor with a different architecture. To quote: 'The Mpact processor has its own machine language that packs two op codes into every word by using a long instruction word (LIW) format. The op codes are single-instruction multiple-data operations that can perform vector functions on arrays of operands without time-consuming program loops. ' So to run the plugs you need the card = 'hackproof '. (OK, virtually hackproof.). If I were UAD, I would be reworking their coding so that (say) 80% of the plugin would run on the native processor (currently I would guess that only the GUI and I/O run natively) and the remaining 20% runs on the mpact processor.
This would allow for more plugin instances per DSP, more power (depending on native CPU) and still retain the inherent difficulty in cracking the platform. The hardware gets a new lease of life, no development costs for a new card - and is protected against future improvements in native CPU power. Generating a keygen for the registry file would achieve very little unless you already own a UAD card - and then you are risking screwing up a perfectly good system for relatively little gain. I agree, you would only need to reprogram the main device driver for a more fair ratio, so the drivers would still interact with the hardware and make use of the spare CPU power.
However this would defeat the purpose of the audio effects being offloaded onto another processor. So a compromise could be met - the users could have the choice to run the plug-ins entirely over DSP or a segmented load distribution between the M-PACT and your main processing.
I can see the advantage for modern processors and not older varaitions such as AMD Athlon (32-bit), Pentium IV(32-bit) and similar. Although in the meanwhile this could free-up potential processing on the DSP itself until they can develop and release something a bit more powerful. UAD isnt uncracked or uncrackable.
Free Uad Plugins
It doesnt work like that Steinberg v4.x protection isnt either, but its very simple and effective way of dealing with this situation. Although the syncrosoft version is code invasive and pretty crappy to use. It only works for one reason. You have to sacrifice a working copy of the program / device and its license code. Unlike before, licenses and the keys are unique. It leads a trail right back to the store and the individual who let it happen or made it happen.
The serial number of the card, which store sold it and mostly to who. Complete off the shelf theft of the item is about the only way and that still leads back to the store, who are mosly likely to have CCTV etc. Crack groups are hackers and coders, not actual thieves. Despite the over simplication of the matter. The problem is that crackers see the issue as a challenge to reverse engineer.
So long as there is a challenge they will rise to it. However, since you have to have a working dongle or card in UAD's case. Its pretty much a waste of time. The problem is that crackers see the issue as a challenge to reverse engineer. So long as there is a challenge they will rise to it. However, since you have to have a working dongle or card in UAD's case. Its pretty much a waste of time.I'm not to sure about that, there's been cracked plugins for PoCo plugins and currently the Sonnox Oxford for PoCo is doing its rounds around the www.
I have no knowledge about the PoCo hardware implemantation but the plugs will only be useful to those already in the possession of the PoCo hardware. I'm not a huge fan of copy protection but the UAD-1 system is really working, it's easily manageable for the users and it's non-intrusive unlike some other companies implementations where I feel I'm being punished for being a legit user. If even ONE crack of a uad-1 plugin was out these new companies would not be signing on, thats a fact.
Whereas native has failed to bring these companies to the plugin format UA has succeeded. I still think people overestimate the real audio crunching power of native, especially when modelling is involved, and i still havent heard native plugins that compare. Anyways once again we can see how much piracy hurts the industry and keeps good people away. Luckily UA is smart enough to foil these copycats.
Join WATMM Now! Register and Subscribe now for as little 3.00 USD for one year to gain Supporting Member access. We also have other subscription packages to choose from that grant you extra abilities and features. By joining and subscribing, you are helping support the forums, as well enable us to add new features and enhancements (and maintain them). Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. This message will be removed once you have signed in. I definitely will post back with my experiences with this adventure.
I'm pretty sure that version 4.40 was cracked after doing more research, it's the only version that Universal Audio removed from their download servers. I can't afford to spend 400 bucks for one compressor so I will probably just sell it on Ebay if I can't get a cracked bundle to work.
But if the demos really impressive me beyond the PSP, Waves, Voxengo etc. Compression, eq & mastering plugins I already have.
I might actually have to save up to buy a 400 dollar compressor or limiter if UA compression really is as analog smooth as people are saying. $400-500 bones would probably be money better spent on some mid range studio monitors. My Yamaha monitors I'm using right now I know pretty fucking well, they are alright but.