The Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is a copy-protection unit (sometimes called "dongle") which is needed to use Steinberg's software range. The Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is required to run Steinberg VST instruments, but is not included in all the product boxes and must be purchased separately if no Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is already present on the system.

The Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is actually a tiny computer which stores licenses for Steinberg products, and is connected to a USB port on your computer. All current Steinberg products that use a copy-protection device use exactly the same system. The Steinberg copy protection system allows the storage of several licenses on the same Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser). Licenses can also be transferred between Steinberg Keys (USB-eLicensers) with certain limitations. This can be very useful, for example in the unlikely event of a Steinberg customer wishing to sell a product.


The Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is included with the following products (all sold separately)*:
Cubase 5
Cubase Studio 5
Cubase Essential 4
Nuendo 4
WaveLab 6
WaveLab Studio 6

The Steinberg Key (USB-eLicenser) is not included with the following products:
HALion 3
HALion Player
HALion Symphonic Orchestra
The Grand 3