LICENSE ISSUE / NO SUPPORT

Hello, I just purchased a used MK2 Black but the serial # has already been used. I can not get in contact with the owner because I bought from a pawn shop. I put a request in for customer service but havent gotten a reply. Am i stuck with a useless controller now, did i make a mistake buying this. Is there no other way to get this fixed?

 

I'd take it back to the place you purchased it from and get your money back. The serial is needed to register the hardware and the previous owner needs to release that at the time of sale/transfer.

Could see what NI say but my guess is you will be stuck without a serial and no way to get it going. Buyer beware when buying registered products second hand.

 

Correct native will not transfer the license so get it back to the shop, maybe online you'll find one with software. That will the seller then say separately in the description. And additionaly you can ask if he has already an transfer key.

Uwe

 

I know this isn't ideal but if you have the extra cash buy the new A series 25 controller (like $110 USD) and it comes with Maschine essentials. It'll be the full Maschine software but with a limited sample library. That and you'll get a nice keyboard out if it too, and a way to browse through Komplete Kontrol in a DAW.

 

Yes great idea and you will have more fun with both devices.

 

Based on the serial number, NI can see who the previous owner is, right?

Then NI can also mediate between the two, in this case. Or is thought too simply.

 

Doing that could quite possibly open a whole can of nasty worms regarding data protection drama's

 

This only applies if NI exchanges the data to the two users. But that is not the case.

Ni approaches the old user, and asks if the software can go to the new user.
If this person gives permission for this, NI can handle this internally and send the new owner an email stating that the software is available. In this case, no private laws are violated.

By returning the device and asking your money back, the problem is not resolved. The next one who buys the device has the same problem again. Because NI cooperates in this way, there is a chance that the new user will purchase additional VSTs or expansions.

René

 

Thank you so much for your replys and advice. I still haven't received a reply from support. Do they usually take morevthan 3days to offer suport? Im new to NI community , im going to call today, Hopefully they will resolve. But if not..

Data strain music, are you saying if I purchase the keyboard you referring, the software that comes with it, I can use with the MK2 Black?

If that is the case that's a great option because I also purchased a maudio keyboard on this sale. I can return it, get the money back which was close in price to what your suggestion.

I just want to be sure I could still use both hardware's to their fullest potential if I follow your advice.

Thanks again to all of you.

 

NI under no obligation as this is a second hand unit, op should just take it back to pawn shop. Also using a persons data in the way you describe is definitely not ok, and isn't part of the agreement. Not a simple matter as you think and legally dodgy

 

It kind also opens another can worms related to stolen controllers, scammers that sell them and never transfer the software, etc.. People would probably demand a forced transfer for scams if they know the current owner can be contacted.

He can try but Pawn shops usually have a "buy it as is" fine print policy, which means when you buy something you're accepting whatever condition it's in, that includes if it has a software license or not.

If he paid very little for it, something like 100$ it's worth keeping even if just as a generic midi controller, or even buying a KK-S A25 for another 110$ to get the software license.

 

Cheaper option is to snag up a second hand license for the Maschine software. I've seen them on KVRaudio.com for $ 50-70, most of the sellers there are legit. I somehow ended up with second unregistered Maschine 2 license in between all my upgrades, I'd need to check with support first if that's transferrable though. And you'd have to be sure there isn't something that ties the software license to the hardware unit in any way, I don't think there is but I never looked into it.

 

Had the same experience buying used and also filed a ticket. TBH this kinda sucks but it is what it is.
At least there's other software & DAWs that work with Maschine in the meantime.
I've also searched reddit and KVRAudio and couldn't find any recent posts of people selling their licenses.

 

Yes you should be able to use the MK2 without any issue. It will automatically connect to the Maschine software once opened. I work at a music retailer and this is how I've been helping to move used Maschines from our stock since the A series came out. No problems so far and no angry customers.

 

I think you've already read this.

https://support.native-instruments....41.947050755.1543448695-1174611997.1543448695

NI is willing to contact the previous buyer.
NI would not do this if it would not be legal or would give problems.

NI actually does what I suggested in a previous message.

René

 

And I suppose you missed this at the bottom of the page too
We will then contact the registered user about the confirmation of the sale. Please note that in case the account holder does not confirm the sale we are not allowed to release the serial number.

 

That is exactly what I indicated.
Here again the message.


This only applies if NI exchanges the data to the two users. But that is not the case.

Ni approaches the old user, and asks if the software can go to the new user.
If this person gives permission for this, NI can handle this internally and send the new owner an email stating that the software is available. In this case, no private laws are violated.

By returning the device and asking your money back, the problem is not resolved. The next one who buys the device has the same problem again. Because NI cooperates in this way, there is a chance that the new user will purchase additional VSTs or expansions.

René

 

Thanks to all of you your help. I spoke with support and they sent the email to the previous owner. They said he was very active on the site and hopefully he would reply but unfortunately he hasn't.

I've looked on the site one of you sent me for a license but no luck. I'm guessing my only option now is to purchase the A series. Tomorrow morning I'm going to the pawn shop with the maudio I purchased, hopefully they'll let me get a refund.

Thanks again

 

Maybe you should read a bit better, I didnt indicate law was broken, I merely mentioned that if the other party doesn't respond to NI the buyer wont get the software simple as that