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this link might be better http://www.dontcrack.com/news/2017/10/get-xpand2-for-free-a-dontcrack-exclusive-2/A a heads-up, to those that don't know, you do need a iLok account - which is also free. You don't need an iLok USB dongle - just the software license manager. Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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OP
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Downloaded but before I installed I did a sanity check! I already have it from a free version giveaway in Jan 2017 and it was not an Ilok with that giveaway. In fact, I had lost the .dll in Reaper a while back and never really missed it. A quick search of my hard drive found the .dll and it is back now and running. I do remember there was a time I liked this plugin.
So that answers the fundamental question. Can you every have to many free VST plugins? The answer is Yes, when you have lost track of which ones you have.
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Yep, I got it free around same time but it DOES require iLOk authorization, states that on the download page under system requirements. Not a big deal unless you really don't want Pace/iLOk installed - its better than it was but still....
I bit the bullet about two, or so, years ago to get a UVI plugin and other synths I really wanted - they absolutely required iLok so "in for penny in for pound."
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 10/14/17 09:34 AM.
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Expert
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I had iLOK, so grabbed it. :-)
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
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I also have iLOK so I picked this one up. Note that you do not need the iLOK dongle. You can use either the free iLOK authorization to your computer or the cloud, your choice.
If you want some decent MIDI sounds then grab this freebee. It is well worth the DL.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 40 |
Awesome, I'll pick this up to night I have used it before and enjoyed using it.
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Journeyman
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OK, stupid question time...
I've seen other VSTs that require iLOK. What is iLOK and is it worth buying?
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Expert
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iLok is free. It's a software dongle to deal with illegal software. I think originally it was physical and annoying (to say the least).
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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iLok is free. It's a software dongle to deal with illegal software. I think originally it was physical and annoying (to say the least). Yes, the software dongle is free. It allows you to store your software licenses in either the cloud or on your computer. This will allow you to use the licensed software on one computer. The hardware dongle is not free and costs about $50. This dongle will allow you to use your software on different computers. Just plug the dongle into the computer with the software and you're all set. Note that you will need a on-line account to activate your software. I use the hardware dongle but many use the free version.
Last edited by MarioD; 10/18/17 04:30 AM. Reason: typo
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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If you do buy an iLok dongle (it's just a USB plugin key), be sure to shop around. If you buy it from iLok, it will cost you $49. But you can get the same thing from Amazon for $39 (and when I got mine, it was on sale for $29).
But for the sound libraries from AIR (such as XPAND!2), you only need the software iLok manager installed on your computer. When you register XPAND!2, you receive authorization for two licenses. Installing it on just that one machine locks a license to only that machine. Installing it on the Dongle allows you to install the software on multiple machines, but only use it when the Dongle is inserted. Even then, you still have to download and install the iLok Manager software (whether using the soft authorization or the hardware authorization).
If you install it locally on your machine and your hard drive crashes, you may end up losing the license or will have to pay to re-instate it. With the hardware dongle, it possibly might fail also, but iLok does offer an insurance policy (not free) to keep you up and running even in the event of failure.
I know, it's all so confusing.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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OK, stupid question time...
I've seen other VSTs that require iLOK. What is iLOK and is it worth buying? It is a way for a software vendor to prevent software piracy. iLOK protected software activates by iLOK software giving the protected software the okay to activate. iLOK maintains a file of iLOK protected software you purchased. When you load and try to use iLOK protected software you haven't purchased, the iLOK protected software will not activate. PG Music uses software activation by serial number; i.e. you enter the serial number and the software activates. The serial number is either shipped with the storage media or from PG Music support.
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At least we don't have to do daisy chained parallel port dongles anymore (especially since most new computers don't have parallel ports). And then you had to plug your printer into the end of that.  Disclaimer: Image is not my setup, just a stock internet image for illustration purposes to make the point.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Don't know if is me but I tried to get it and is asking for $69 at check out. Can't find the "free" one.
Mike B.
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http://store.dontcrack.com/product_info.php?products_id=2954like ti says in RED you have to type "XpandFreebie" (no quotes) at checkout
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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When I got it, it was on sale, too, but I had to pay a whole lot more. Mine cost $1.00. 
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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It's free for Pro Tools users.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Well John go get it for free NOW, then you will have another license for another two instances. Or you could give that 2nd license to someone for Christmas (in case they miss it for themselves - look at it like re-gifting last years ugly sweater but only a lot more useful  ) Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 10/20/17 03:23 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I actually already have two licenses, because after getting the (then) $1 offer, I then I bought the AIR bundle on sale (which they offered), which also included Expand!.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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