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Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:32 am
by Giannis
I'm about to buy Digital Performer, but wondered if it also came as a download upon purchase.
Does anyone know?
Would be great, thanks!
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:50 am
by kgdrum
No,it comes with a disc and Manual.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:08 am
by Giannis
Ok, so there's no download available at all after purchase?
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:13 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
Updates are downloadable, but you need to buy the initial product on a disc, with a manual.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:13 am
by kgdrum
downloads are for updates only.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:14 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
Beat you to it.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:17 am
by Giannis
That was a bit different. I guess I need to talk to my local music store then...
Soooo 90's...
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:32 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
Giannis wrote:That was a bit different. I guess I need to talk to my local music store then...
Soooo 90's...
If that's your deal breaker, then go with Logic. DP is worth the "90's mindset." Many of the more seasoned users actually prefer that system - and the printed manual.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:37 am
by Giannis
It's not a deal breaker, it's just uncomfortable.
And, I'm seasoned enough to understand that downloads are preferable most of the time - I think Digital Performer has to be the only DAW, or even plugin, that doesn't come as a download as well.
Is there any other example of music software that only ships on disc?
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:38 am
by kgdrum
Giannis wrote:That was a bit different. I guess I need to talk to my local music store then...
Soooo 90's...
I really don't understand what kind of objection anyone could have to a disc,a printed manual and a PDF guide.
I guess maybe if you didn't have a drive to run the disc but that can be solved.
So 2000's
I hate the trend now with even large libraries moving towards being download only,I like having the disc and not having to worry about an Internet connection.
When I have a choice I go for the discs.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:42 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
I got nothin'!
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:46 am
by Giannis
I really don't understand what objection there can be against also putting up a downloadable copy, just like any other music software there is out there.
I don't mind the discs and the manuals, but I will put them straight into the archives.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:54 am
by kgdrum
Giannis wrote:I really don't understand what objection there can be against also putting up a downloadable copy, just like any other music software there is out there.
I don't mind the discs and the manuals, but I will put them straight into the archives.
Most users that actually use DP and get into it past a superficial level usually keep the big manual handy and refer to it often,it's probably one of the best manuals in DAW land and a big plus to most DP users.
It's nice we have the PDF now as well but there's something about the actual manual most users cherish.
Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:56 am
by Kubi
The disc is part of their copy protection scheme - you actually need to hold on to it for the rare occasion when you have to re-authorize from scratch.
I agree I prefer downloads and that disc-based distribution feels archaic. But I sympathize with software developers trying to hold on to some sort of profitability - it's total anarchy out there, as far as software piracy is concerned. Everybody offering software for sale is being robbed blind, constantly. Every little deterrent translates into dollars not lost, so every developer constantly has to juggle user convenience with trying to put up as many barriers as possible against folks stealing their wares. Rock and a hard place if there ever was one.
What's sad is that any kind of copy protection is even necessary.

Re: Does Digital Performer come as a download?
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 11:20 am
by James Steele
Giannis wrote:I really don't understand what objection there can be against also putting up a downloadable copy, just like any other music software there is out there.
I don't mind the discs and the manuals, but I will put them straight into the archives.
I think you question was answered. We can turn this into a debate about MOTU's policy if you'd like, and I'm serious about that... no sarcasm whatsoever, but then this topic is going to get moved to the "MOTU Theoretical" forum because we're discussing company policies instead of DP.
Keep in mind that MOTU recently started using some online confirmation/authorization in DP where you enter your information on first launch and it confirms your registration with MOTU's server. This might indicate they'll have the ability to co that in the future.
Either way, it's a great app, so having to authorize with a physical disc when you first buy it (you don't have to bother with it again for update downloads) to my mind, isn't that big a deal or a reason not to get it.