where to buy software?

[theBaldfather]

Does anyone have favorite tactics for getting good deals on legit software (beside academic discount)? I'm needing to get a second copy of cubase studio 4 for a second computer and I'd really like to avoid paying full price for something I've already paid full price for once. If anyone has advice, I'd be happy to hear it. Or possibly buy your used cubase studio 4 w/dongle. . Thanks!

[chris harris]

Does anyone have favorite tactics for getting good deals on legit software (beside academic discount)? I'm needing to get a second copy of cubase studio 4 for a second computer and I'd really like to avoid paying full price for something I've already paid full price for once. If anyone has advice, I'd be happy to hear it. Or possibly buy your used cubase studio 4 w/dongle. . Thanks!

are you going to be using both copies at the same time? if so, that kind of makes the fact that you've paid for it once a moot point.

if you need two copies of it, it shouldn't be any different than buying another mic to complete a stereo pair. Just because you paid for one before, doesn't mean that you should get the second one cheaper.

that said, you could just call the sales office for Steinberg and explain that you're purchasing a second license and dongle and see if they'll make you a deal.

or, if you own a competing product (and you might be surprised what would be considered "competition") you might qualify for a "competitive upgrade" or cross-grade.

call steinberg and see what they can do for you. a salesperson is a salesperson. they want to keep you as a customer and sell you more things in the future. see if they can help you out.

[chris harris]

you could also find a legit used copy with a dongle. or, maybe find a deal on a used copy of another program that will get you the good competitive upgrade?

[theBaldfather]

are you going to be using both copies at the same time? if so, that kind of makes the fact that you've paid for it once a moot point.

if you need two copies of it, it shouldn't be any different than buying another mic to complete a stereo pair. Just because you paid for one before, doesn't mean that you should get the second one cheaper.

that said, you could just call the sales office for Steinberg and explain that you're purchasing a second license and dongle and see if they'll make you a deal.

or, if you own a competing product (and you might be surprised what would be considered "competition") you might qualify for a "competitive upgrade" or cross-grade.

call steinberg and see what they can do for you. a salesperson is a salesperson. they want to keep you as a customer and sell you more things in the future. see if they can help you out.

yeah, I will be using both computers at the same time and it does make sense to pay like a stereo mic pair. It's just that I've noticed everyone has their favorite places to get gear and sometimes they know something I don't . thanks for the advice! Anyone else?

[rwc]

reaper. buy it once; no dongle, and you can use it on multiple computers. unlimited updates for life, too.

totally unhelpful I'm sure.

[theBaldfather]

Reaper was honestly my plan. I did a project in it, and it's just a little too buggy for high pressure situations yet. I really do like how it works though. I was starting to feel a connection..

[dtrider]

I have found some great deals on ebay. Retail stores selling stuff cheap and people cleaning closet. There scammers out there for sure though. Just make sure you buy from a legit seller and have the paypal protection.

[T-rex]

I would go the used route if you need a second copy. You have to be careful and make sure it's a legit seller, but you can get Cubase SX for a couple hundred dollars and the upgrade to Cubase 4 is $199. So you are talking half price for Cubase 4 - legit just like buying used gear.

[Jay Reynolds]

Does anyone have favorite tactics for getting good deals on legit software (beside academic discount)? I'm needing to get a second copy of cubase studio 4 for a second computer and I'd really like to avoid paying full price for something I've already paid full price for once. If anyone has advice, I'd be happy to hear it. Or possibly buy your used cubase studio 4 w/dongle. . Thanks!

Are you trying to set up VSt System Link? I've gone down that path and its not all that its cracked-up/advertised to be. While it does provide a nifty protocol for linking the transport control on both boxes, and some midi connectivity, all your audio still has to be routed traditionally.
I still run Cubase SL on my pc, but mainly to host verbs and delays to save cpu cycles on my G5. A big consideration is how well does Studio 4 compensate for latency when using external hardware. If it doesn't, you might be better off saving up for a Receptor or a few UAD cards.

[FBH]

or, if you own a competing product (and you might be surprised what would be considered "competition") you might qualify for a "competitive upgrade" or cross-grade.

I would love to hear more about this. I'm currently using Acid Pro 6, and I would love to be using the new Ableton Live instead. Is this the kind of thing that might warrant a "competitive upgrade" discount? If so, how would I work that out?

[metanoiastudios]

Reaper was honestly my plan. I did a project in it, and it's just a little too buggy for high pressure situations yet. I really do like how it works though. I was starting to feel a connection..

Seriously, just get Reaper now. I have used Logic, Cubase, Sonar, Traktion, what have you, and I've switched to Reaper because it's so much more intuitive, you spend less time clicking like a maniac, and it's fast as hell. The current version is not buggy at all, and there's a few decent looking skins that you can choose from.

[lutopia]

Reaper was honestly my plan. I did a project in it, and it's just a little too buggy for high pressure situations yet. I really do like how it works though. I was starting to feel a connection..

Seriously, just get Reaper now. I have used Logic, Cubase, Sonar, Traktion, what have you, and I've switched to Reaper because it's so much more intuitive, you spend less time clicking like a maniac, and it's fast as hell. The current version is not buggy at all, and there's a few decent looking skins that you can choose from.

PC version though, right? What I/O interface are you using?

[percussion boy]

I would love to hear more about this. I'm currently using Acid Pro 6, and I would love to be using the new Ableton Live instead.

Just go to Ableton's site, the part where they sell Live. If there are crossgrade deals, you'll see it in the price list. Good to get on their e-mail list too, sometimes there are promotions.

Many DAW makers do crossgrades, I got Sonar 7 by crossgrading from Live 6.

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Re the original question: One other option would be to upgrade from Cubase LE, if you got a freebie of LE with any of your other hardware/software. I think it was $199 when I did it. Check Steinberg's online store.