Virtualhere - iLok Sharing, Reliable Recording Studio Setup

<p>Hi Everyone,
</p>
<p>I’m sure some of these questions have been answered before. But I believe there are a few recording engineers scratching their heads with the same questions. Im kinda looking for an all in one solution here.
</p>
<p>firstly….I run a recording studio in Australia and Im looking at creating a "multi" iLok Virtualhere setup. And I stress the word multi. I want to share 2x iLoks to my studio assistants in studio down time.
</p>
<p>I understand the iLok can only be accessed one user at a time which is fine, and Im not trying to breach any fair use of my iLok licences.<br />
I also am aware of iLok Cloud solutions etc. Thats not what I want.
</p>
<p>I have tested running VirtualHere server trial on a Mac running macos 10.13.6...... iLok works and I can see the amazing potential. Apart from the iLok Sharing issue (no usb power down support on osx) it works great over the internet and local network.
</p>
<p>I am looking for a more dedicated, permanent, and reliable setup for switching clients flawlessly with full iLok support.<br />
Im not on a tight budget, and Im prepared to purchase what is required to make this work effectively.
</p>
<p>My thoughts are the VirtualHere CloudHub/Raspberry Pi solution, and possibly a supported hub (if required)
</p>
<p>I would like to run at a minimum on my Virtualhere server:
</p>
<p>1 x iLok - for Protools Licence<br />
1 x iLok - for Plugin Licences<br />
1 x Syncrosoft dongle
</p>
<p>I have:
</p>
<p>1 x Studio Mac Pro running macos 10.13.6<br />
2 x MacBookPro 2015 models running 10.13.6 (Identically cloned from studio Mac Pro with protools and plugins installed for assistants home use)
</p>
<p>My questions are:
</p>
<p>1. What do I need to purchase to run this setup with full USB port power down support for the iLoks? I don't want the iLok sharing error
</p>
<p>2. Can Raspberry Pi’s support power control on every port individually or does it power down all the ports at once?
</p>
<p>3. Which Raspberry Pi is better for this?…eg…Pi 3 Model B, over the Pi 4 Model B
</p>
<p>4. Should I buy 2x Raspberry Pi's/Virtualhere Licences for each iLok, to solve USB power down issues?
</p>
<p>5. Does anyone have a working solution to sharing iLok over IP using software or hardware?
</p>
<p>6. Can anyone suggest a shopping list of what is needed to get this working?
</p>
<p>Theres quite a few questions and I 'd be super thankful if anyone can help out with this, Im willing to learn.<br />
Hopefully this post can be used as a guide for future recording studios.<br />
Appreciate any feedback.
</p>
<p>Thanks,<br />
Dave </p>

#2

Hi, yes you need

1. Any linux based server. A raspberry pi is fine and install this firmware https://www.virtualhere.com/hardware

2. One of these hubs https://github.com/mvp/uhubctl . VirtualHere automatically knows to powercycle the port when an ilok is used to avoid the sharing error. The raspberry pi doesnt have all its ports power-cyclable. Only one of the ports is (port 4 on the pi4) so thats why i think you need a hub as well so you can use multiple iloks. I personally have the amazon basics one but ive heard from customers new models dont work with power-switching. Try something simople like the phidgets one. I havent tested that one personally however.

#3

I am having issues with eLicenser, PACE and my QNAP NAS. It the pi a better option?

#4

The pi is good but you shouldnt be having issues like that. It think maybe there are network issues with your setup? Is it dropping out or something like that?