Can I use one DVS licence on more than one computer?
No. Each DVS licence activates one computer at a time. If you want to run DVS on several computers, for example to send and receive audio between them, each computer needs its own licence. You can buy more licences from the Dante Store.
What licence types are available?
| Licence | Can it be moved to another computer? | How you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single Machine | No. It stays on the computer it was first activated on. | One-time purchase |
| Transferable | Yes, as often as you need, but only on one computer at a time. Requires regular internet access | One-time purchase |
| DVS Pro | Yes, as often as you need, but only one computer at a time. Requires regular internet access. | Annual subscription |
- Single Machine: best for a dedicated computer that stays offline or never changes.
- Transferable: best if you replace computers, switch between several, or wipe machines after temporary deployments such as events.
- DVS Pro: adds extra features and performance for more complex audio networking work.
I have a Single Machine licence and need to move it. What can I do?
You can’t transfer a Single Machine licence. You can either:
- Upgrade it to Transferable: log in to your Dante account, go to Products & Subscriptions and choose Upgrade. Use the account the licence is registered to. You can also click Upgrade in the DVS Licensing tab, which opens the checkout page.
- Contact Dante Support: if something has happened that means you need it on another computer, we can help. You can contact via get support
An upgrade can’t be reversed. Once a licence is Transferable or DVS Pro, you can’t go back to Single Machine.
What do I need to use a Transferable licence?
- DVS 4.3 or later. Download the latest version from Software Downloads.
- Internet access at least every 30 days. A Transferable licence has to check in (“phone home”) at least every 30 days to keep working. A Single Machine licence works offline indefinitely once it’s activated, so it’s the better choice for computers that are offline for long periods.
macOS Intel users: DVS 4.3 and later runs on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs, but it isn’t optimised for Intel. Test DVS 4.3+ on your Intel Mac before you buy or upgrade to a Transferable licence.
What will I see in DVS with a Transferable licence?
In DVS 4.3 and later, the Licensing tab shows:
- Deactivate: releases the licence so you can activate it on another computer.
- Days until phone home: how long until DVS needs to connect to the internet.
- Refresh Now: checks in straight away and resets the counter to 30 days. Use it before a period offline.
How do I move a Transferable licence to another computer?
- On the current computer, open DVS, go to the Licensing tab and click Deactivate.
- Activate DVS on the new computer.
If you can’t get to the original computer, use Recover instead (see the next question).
My computer has been lost, stolen or wiped. How do I recover my licence?
- Log in to your Dante account and go to Products & Subscriptions.
- Find your licence and click Recover.
- Follow the prompts, then activate DVS on the new computer.
You can recover a licence once every 30 days.
No Recover button? Either the licence is already deactivated and ready to use on another computer, or it’s a Single Machine licence, which can’t be transferred.
What happens if DVS is deactivated or can’t phone home in time?
DVS stops working. It won’t appear in Dante Controller or as a sound card. To get it running again, connect the computer to the internet and click Refresh in the Licensing tab. This only works if the licence is still valid and not activated on another computer.
Can I use a Transferable licence with DVS versions earlier than 4.3?
It’s not recommended. Older versions will usually start and run, but they:
- Don’t show the correct licence details
- Still need to phone home, but don’t show the countdown or any warnings
- Don’t offer Refresh for a full 30 days offline
- Don’t offer Deactivate. You can still deactivate from your Dante account.
Upgrade to DVS 4.3 or later before buying or upgrading to a Transferable licence.