Goodbye iLok: Why We’re Moving On
October 20, 2018
This article discusses or mentions our previous use of the PACE iLok licensing system.
We have since moved to a new, customer-first licensing approach.
Learn more about our decision here.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying it. If you’ve been around the recording world long enough, you’ve crossed paths with iLok. For years it’s been pitched as the “industry standard” for plugin licensing and security. But let’s be honest: the only thing it’s standardized is frustration.
We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear. The dongles, the account logins, the endless license transfers... it’s all a pain. iLok has created as many headaches as it’s solved, and for a lot of producers, it’s been a dealbreaker.
At Joey Sturgis Tones, we’ve always believed that tools should get out of your way and help you make music. That’s why we’re proud to say we’re officially moving away from iLok and launching our own, streamlined licensing system built for real producers and not software gatekeepers.
Why iLok Had to Go
Let’s face it: iLok has never been about convenience. It’s a system that was built for an era when piracy protection mattered more than user experience. Somewhere along the way, the focus shifted from helping musicians to policing them.
Here’s what we’ve all dealt with:
• USB dongles that eat up ports (or disappear at the worst possible time)
• Account sync issues that block you from opening a session
• License transfers buried under extra fees and red tape
• Updates that break things that were already working
• The lingering fear that one lost dongle could ruin your week
We’ve seen too many users avoid JST plugins entirely because they wanted nothing to do with iLok and honestly, we don’t blame them.
That’s not the creative environment we want to support. You shouldn’t need a keychain full of plastic to make art.
A Better Way Forward
Our new licensing system is everything iLok isn’t:
-
No Dongles, No Nonsense – Your license lives inside your JST account, not on a stick.
-
Quick, Simple Activation – Log in, click authorize, and start mixing.
-
Perpetual Ownership – Your license is yours, forever.
-
Zero Third-Party Accounts – No iLok, no extra software, no hoops to jump through.
This new system gives you total control and flexibility. Install on your authorized machines and get back to doing what matters: creating.
For Our Existing iLok Users
If you already own JST plugins on iLok, don’t worry: your licenses will continue to work just as they always have.
You won’t lose access, and we’re not forcing anyone to switch. We’ll continue to support iLok for existing users while eventually providing a smooth, step-by-step migration path to our new system for those who want to move over.
You can keep using your current setup without disruption or join the new era of JST licensing in the future. All new purchases as of 10.31.25 are on the new licensing system.
Freedom for Every Producer
For years, iLok stood between creators and the tools they wanted to use. Too many producers looked at that blue dongle and decided not to bother. We get it and we’re changing that.
This move opens JST plugins to everyone, from bedroom creators to touring engineers, without the old restrictions or complications. Whether you’re mixing on a laptop or in a multi-room facility, our goal is to make your workflow as frictionless as possible.
The Future of JST Licensing
This isn’t just a technical update, it’s a statement. We’re choosing freedom, flexibility, and respect for the people who actually use our products.
Our new licensing system puts the power back where it belongs: in your hands. No middleman. No dongles. No forced updates that “fix” what isn’t broken. Just you, your plugins, and your sound.
We’re thrilled to finally give the community what it’s been asking for: the ability to own and use JST plugins without iLok standing in the way.
Welcome to a new era of Joey Sturgis Tones — one built for freedom, simplicity, and creators first.
Stay tuned for more details as we roll out the new system and show you just how easy plugin licensing can be when it’s made for musicians, not corporations.