Sonnox plugins rely on a valid, active iLok licence to operate. If a plugin loses communication with its licence during a session, it will enter a licence failure state.
This article explains:
- Why licence failures can occur
- How Sonnox plugins behave when a licence becomes unavailable
- What the different licence failure screens mean
- How to minimise disruption to your work
Why Licence Failures Can Occur
A licence may become temporarily unavailable for several reasons, including:
-
iLok driver or connectivity issues
Intermittent communication between your system and iLok -
Outdated iLok software installation
Older versions of iLok License Manager or drivers -
System power management settings
Especially on laptops, where aggressive power saving can interrupt background processes -
General licence management issues
Such as suspended services or system-level interruptions
Sonnox Licence Failure Screens
Sonnox plugins display one of two screens depending on the state of the licence.
1) “Licence lost some time ago”
What happens:
- This screen replaces the plugin’s GUI when communication with the licence is lost during use
- The timing of this can vary depending on background licence checks
Important behaviour:
- Audio processing (DSP) continues running
- Your mix/project continues to play normally
- Parameters can continue to be modified in your DAW's remote control editor, or via the automation lanes.
- Plugin interface is unavailable
What this means for you: You can continue working in your DAW without interruption. The plugin remains active and processing audio exactly as it was before the licence connection was lost.
Recommended action:
- Continue working if needed
- Restart your DAW when convenient to restore full plugin control
2) “Licence not found”
What happens:
- This appears when:
- You try to add a new plugin instance after a licence timeout, or
- No licence was available from the start
Important behaviour:
- Audio processing is bypassed
- Plugin parameters cannot be changed in any way
- Plugin is inactive
What this means for you: The plugin will not process audio or function until completing the following:
- Re-establish your iLok licence connection
- Restart your DAW before continuing work
Key Differences at a Glance
| State | DSP Active | GUI Available | Can Add New Instances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence lost some time ago | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Licence not found | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Minimising Disruption
To avoid encountering licence issues during sessions:
- Keep iLok License Manager up to date
- Ensure your iLok drivers are properly installed
- Avoid aggressive CPU or USB power-saving modes, especially on laptops
- Use a stable USB connection if using a physical iLok
- Confirm licences are correctly activated before launching your DAW
Sonnox plugins are designed to prioritise session stability where possible:
- If a licence is lost mid-session, audio processing continues uninterrupted
- If no licence is available, plugins will remain inactive until the issue is resolved
Understanding these behaviours can help you continue working with minimal disruption and quickly recover when licence connectivity is restored.
If you continually run into iLok related issues while using your Sonnox plugins, please get in touch with our Support team