Licensing

How our licensing system works

Simple, Fair Licensing

At Stillwell Audio, we believe in keeping things simple. When you purchase a plugin license, you own it forever. No subscriptions, no recurring fees, no artificial limitations.

What You Get

  • Perpetual License – Your license never expires. Use the plugin as long as you like.
  • All Formats Included – VST3, AU, AAX, and RTAS where available. One purchase covers all formats.
  • Mac and Windows – Your license works on both platforms. Use it wherever you work.
  • Free Updates – Major updates within the same version are free. When we improve a plugin, you benefit.

How Many Computers?

We understand that musicians and engineers often work across multiple systems – a studio desktop, a laptop for mobile recording, maybe a home setup. Our licenses are designed to accommodate reasonable personal use across your own machines.

We don’t impose a hard machine limit, but we do expect licenses to be used by one person (or one studio) at a time. If you’re a larger facility with multiple engineers needing simultaneous access, please contact us about multi-seat licensing.

License Files

After purchase, you’ll receive a license file that unlocks your plugin. Installation is simple:

  1. Download and install the plugin (demo mode works fully)
  2. Drag your license file onto the plugin interface, or
  3. Place the license file in the appropriate folder (see Installation)

New in Version 4.0: Drag-and-drop license installation! Simply drag your license file onto the running plugin UI – no host restart required, and one drop activates all plugin formats.

Lost Your License?

No problem. Your purchase is recorded in our system. Contact us through support with your order details and we’ll get you sorted out.

Trial Versions

Every Stillwell Audio plugin is available as a 100% functional trial. There are no disabled features, no noise, no time limits during a session. The only limitation is that the plugin will stop passing audio after about 30 minutes of continuous use – simply reload the plugin or your project to continue.

We want you to know exactly what you’re buying before you spend a penny. Try the plugins on your actual projects, in your actual workflow, with your actual audio. If they work for you, great – consider buying. If not, no hard feelings.

Upgrades and Updates

Free Updates

Bug fixes and minor improvements within a major version are always free. If you bought version 3.x, all 3.x updates are included.

Major Version Upgrades

When we release a major new version with significant new features (like the move from v3 to v4), we typically offer:

  • Free upgrades for recent purchasers
  • Discounted upgrades for existing customers
  • Grace period pricing around release time

We’re not in the business of nickel-and-diming our users. If you’ve supported us, we’ll look after you.

Questions?

If you have any questions about licensing, feel free to reach out: