FYI Sonar 3

[dfroom]

The other day I went on the Cakewalk site to check out the price to upgrade to Sonar XL, I had pretty much decided that I was going to bite the bullet and get it if I could afford it. When I checked out the price it said that Cakewalk was no longer selling it directly and I had to go somewhere else to buy it. I e-mailed them asking why and got this responce last evening.

We will be announcing Sonar 3 tomorrow. Please check our web site or call
us tomorrow for upgrade pricing and advanced ordering.

If you have any questions, please call us at 888 CAKEWALK. Thank you and
have a good day.

Just thought I would let you all know.
BTW:
Does anyone know what the differances are planned on being?

[Rocks88]

I was also taking a look on Cake's site and then found some info that may help.

Sonar 3 Studio Edition
(New customers= $479)

Sonar 3 Producer Edition
(New customers= $719)

Producer Edition Exclusives :

Lexicon Pantheon Reverb
Integrated per-track Ultrafunk Channel EQ
Complete Ultrafunk Sonitus:fx suite
VSampler 3.0 DXi multi-format digital sampler
2 CD-ROMs of sample content


COMING IN SEPTEMBER SONAR 3 Studio Edition brings it all together:

· The creative tools you need to realize, excite, and act upon your musical inspirations
· Unmatched ease-of-use, efficiency, customization, and flexibility to speed your ideas to completion-faster than ever before
· The precision and power of a world class production environment that delivers a polished final product
· With the stability of a workstation designed and optimized exclusively for the Windows platform, which has been the hallmark
of the Cakewalk name for over 15 years.

SONAR 3's streamlined new Track view is the center of your recording and editing environment, designed to enhance your own creative process. Record, edit, sequence, and mix your projects-all from within one global view. The new on-demand TrackInspector provides convenient access to all channel/bus parameters and plug-ins even when your channels are minimized.

The Heart of Your Studio

SONAR 3 seamlessly combines together all of the professional music production technology you need in one integrated workstation,
making it the heart of your studio.

Audio Hardware
· Use any Windows compatible audio device via ASIO or WDM - from the soundcard that shipped with your computer to dedicated Pro
Tools | HD hardware.

Automatable DX & VST Audio Effects
· Mix with the multiple flavors of audio effects in SONAR 3 Producer Edition (28 included), or enhance your capabilities with additional DirectX or VST plug-ins.
· Includes: Lexicon Pantheon Reverb (see side panel) | the complete Ultrafunk Sonitus:fx suite (see side panel) | Alien Connection's ReValver SE guitar rack simulator | Audio FX2 Tape Saturation | DSP-FX by Power Technology | More
· VST support provided through the Cakewalk VST Adapter - the best VST adapter available today

Integrate DXi & VSTi Soft Synths, ReWire Clients

· Compose, orchestrate, and perform using SONAR 3's integrated software synthesizers, or widen your scope with DXi and VST instruments, ReWire clients like Project5, or external MIDI synths
· Includes: Audio Simulation's DreamStation(tm) 2.0 DXi | Cyclone DXi | EDIROL's Virtual Sound Canvas(tm) 2.0 DXi | VSampler 3.0 DXi
· ReWire clients and soft synths are directly routed through SONAR's bussing architecture for enhanced processing and seamless
integration into your mix.

Expand Your Reach with Global Control Surface Support

· SONAR 3's support for control surface hardware gives you tactile control of your mix, audio effects, and soft synths
· Features dedicated support for control surfaces from CM Labs, EDIROL, JL Cooper, Mackie, Radikal, Roland, Tascam, and many
others
· Use Learn Mode to quickly configure any MIDI device to act as a control surface

With No Limits

· SONAR 3 places no limit on the number of tracks you can record
· Patch as many effects or synths as your processor can handle
· Get your mix right with no limit to effects sends and busses
· Unlimited undo/redo gives you the freedom to explore new directions for your music-without having to commit to them
· Edit History List allows you to instantly jump back and forth to any point in your editing session
· Create and save templates to recall routing, bussing, automation, mixer, and effects settings for new projects
· Assign hot keys to instantly configure SONAR with custom screen layouts for various editing and mixing tasks, and for shortcuts to the editing commands, features, and views that you use most.

A Cutting Edge Mixing Environment

SONAR 3 features the latest in 32-bit floating point digital mixing and bussing technology with full delay compensation throughout your signal path. Whether you prefer to mix in the Track view or a more traditional Console view, SONAR has the dynamic tools you need to suit your mixing style.

Dynamic Console View

SONAR 3's Console view has been completely re-engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of mixing professionals.
· Unlimited mixing capabilities with unlimited potential audio and MIDI channels, real-time effects and synths, effects sends,
and busses
· All parameters can be automated on screen or remotely via hardware
· Dynamic Display Filtering ¾ see all mix parameters or only the ones you need
· Narrow or wide strip widths
· Dynamic sends
· Assignable Channel FX Controls for quick access to plug-in automation
· Assignable MIDI controls for access and automation of MIDI data
· Integrated 6-band per-channel Parametric EQ with plot display (see side panel)
· Flexible metering (peak, RMS, peak and RMS, pre-fader, post-fader, and pre-fader post effects) with peak history

Universal Bus Architecture

SONAR also now includes completely configurable, dynamic bussing capabilities.
· Use busses for subgroups, effect sends, master busses, output to different monitor or headphone mixes
· Route busses to busses or main outputs
· Insert busses and sends on the fly
· Per-track "input monitoring" switch

Other Recording, Editing, and Mixing Enhancements

· Confidence recording ¾ real-time display of audio waveforms, MIDI data, automation during recording
· Automate with vector envelopes for precise control over your mix
· Patch effects, trim audio, and roll out loops without disrupting the audio stream
· Fast, offline rendering of soft synths, effects, and tracks for conserving CPU.

Loop-based Composition tools

With support for both ACID(tm)-format audio loops and MIDI groove clips, SONAR 3 provides total integration of loop-based
composition to your studio.
· Roll-out loops with click and drag ease.
· Features on-the-fly beat matching, and loops follow the pitch and tempo of your projects with no degradation of audio
· Create and export ACID-format audio loops and MIDI Groove Clips for use in other projects
· Includes loop content from KeyFax, PowerFX, and Smart Loops

Cyclone DXi

· A 16-part, ACID-compatible, multi-out, phrase sampler, loop trigger, composition tool, and loop editor wrapped up in a single
DXi synth
· Rearrange, replace, combine, and tweak loop slices to create custom grooves

Enhanced MIDI Routing and Synth Layering

· Play multiple or split synths from one MIDI controller
· Route multiple controllers to multiple synths or MIDI devices
· Custom drum maps allow you to create and play kits that span MIDI devices on multiple ports and multiple DXi synths
· Save presets of your favorite MIDI configurations for instant recall

Complete MIDI Editing

SONAR is widely recognized for having the most complete and intuitive MIDI editing of any multitrack recording system
· Multitrack Piano Roll and Drum Editor both feature polyphonic rhythmic Pattern Brush
· Event List view with display filtering
· Staff Notation view
· Non-destructive MIDI editing and mixing with 13 included real-time MIDI FX

Professional Project Management & Collaboration Tools

SONAR includes a vast range of features that take the hassle out of project file management and collaboration with other studios
· Optional per project audio directories and intelligent file naming
· Consolidate all project files for fast backup or transfer
· Enhanced asset sharing with networked media support
· Search for associated files
· Export or bounce multiple tracks and busses to single or separate files, with full control over what is printed to the output
file (effects, automation, synth output, ReWire client output, mute/solo, mono/stereo, etc.)
· Import/export OMFI & Broadcast Wave files for seamless, platform-independent collaboration with Avid, Digital Performer,
Logic, Nuendo, and Pro Tools studios.

System Requirements:

Minimum:
Operating System: Windows 2000/XP
Processor Speed: 500 MHz
RAM: 64 MB
Recommended:
Operating System: Windows 2000/XP
Processor Speed: 1.2 GHz or higher
RAM: 512 MB or higher
Sound Card**
Windows compatible
WDM or ASIO compatible***
* Required to connect to external MIDI devices** Required for audio playback
Note: SONAR does not support Windows 95, 98, ME, or NT

[dfroom]

Thanks for the INFO
I guess I am going to wait untill Oct. when it ships to upgrade.
I only hope that the Lexicon Reverb is as good as their hardware ones, they are great some of the best around imho.

[MediaMonster]

Wow, that looks very cool and may just win me away from Cubase SX if they fix that hideous UI.

[gibong]

Wow, that looks very cool and may just win me away from Cubase SX if they fix that hideous UI.

At the very least - their mixer view which was (is?) looking very ancient.

[dfroom]

It's UI has to be better than the one Cakewalk Pro that I am using I hope that they come out with some screen shots to give us an idea of what it will look like.

[E4K1]

I tried Sonar once and liked it, although I found the constant 'ping' in the background a bit distracting.

François

[dfroom]

It took me a while but I get it now

[AWannaBe]

Does anyone else think the UI here for Sonar 3 looks suspicously like Cubase???

Or am I just seeing things....

P.S. I like it glad I waited... think it'll be time to upgrade soon....

[Xeeban]

Sweet news! And it looks like Sonar 2 XL owners can upgrade to Sonar 3 Producer for just $179 and Studio for just $99.

The VSampler and Lexicon Reverb additions are welcome suprises. Its about time Sonar came with a decent soft sampler, and can't wait to take the lexicon for a spin.

[E4K1]

Yes, the upgrade cost is a major coup for Twelve Tone. This itself should induce a few defections from the other camp.

François

[Tweak]

The new mixer looks great. That is the thing that bugged me the most about sonar. If it works as well as it looks they have one up on SX and Logic.

http://www.cakewalk.com/images/SONAR3/S3-console.gif

[Xeeban]

Indeed, I've been staring at that GIF all day. Its convinced me that I will also need a Mackie Control to go with it...

[alterboy]

all i can seem to think of is price. its quite expensive and it looks like its actually worth it, but one reason i was attracted to cakewalk was its lower price. but theyre really marking it down for registered users. 199 for registered cakewalk users for studio.

[doktorziplok]

i would guess those prices aren't what the retailers will sell them for.

[Tweak]

They have got the look; we'll see if the thing can perform. Cake's earlier mixers were sluggish. But all soft mixers are a tad slow when you start inserting plugins.

[Xeeban]

I just put in a pre-order for Sonar Producer Edition. One nice thing is that they are running a concurrent special for Project5. Its only $199 if you pre-order Sonar 3.

[owel]

It looks like Cakewalk "listened" to all my gripes about Sonar

The new look, inclusion of VST, nicer and more functional mixer rack... it's like they read my email to them a few months ago! Great!

Oh BTW, if you think the Producer edition upgrade of $170+ is expensive, take note that it includes the VST DX adapter already (which alone costs $39 separately). And the VSampler is about a $90 piece of software if purchased separately. So it's like getting Sonar 3 for only $30 for owners of Sonar XL.

This is a must-get upgrade for me.

The one thing Cakewalk didn't listen to me is the inclusion of a "Librarian"!!!! hello!!!!

[alterboy]

the coolest thing i think is the inclusion of the ultrafunk fx plugins. i havent used em but the old cakewalk plugins were in need of some help. they never sounded great and had the ugliest interfaces you could imagine.

[Xeeban]

Agreed, their old effects were not all that great in both sound and look. I'm also looking forward to the VSampler 3.0 addition. I was looking at Kompakt and Giga, but now VSampler may tide me over in the soft sampler area. I remember Nmodi recommending it a while back.

[AWannaBe]

Someone slap me if I'm wrong maybe twice regardless of....

But am I seeing this right...
Sonar 3 [Producer Edition]:

New $719
Upgrade from 2.2XL $179

Cost of Sonar 2.2XL $399.95 (zzounds.com, can also be found some places sometimes for $100 cheaper.)

That means the cost of Sonar 2.2XL + the Upgrade to Sonar 3 is $578.95 which is $140.05 less then buying the new version out right. You could get overnight shipping and still save at least $100.

Or am I thinking incorrectly here, and missread something?

Does Cakewalk do like others used to and when you buy an upgrade it's a different version that requires the previous version be installed? Or do you have to send your current version in and they send out the full version back to you? Anyone with experince in the Cakewalk world of upgrades?

I'm definately considering getting Sonar 3 Producer (would be a huge step away from HomeStudio)... but the price tag is making me think twice since Cubase 2 will be hitting soon as well... just curious thanks for the input.

[dfroom]

I upgraded from Guitar Tracks 2 to Guitar tracks Pro. All I had to do is order GT Pro as an upgrade, I had previously registered GT2. I can't remember if they required a serial number or not but they sent a full copy of GT Pro, not just an upgrade disk. They were very easy to work with but their upgrade deals surely keep their clients.
I got GT 2 as an impulse buy at a computer store. Played with it a while, liked it but wanted to do more. The upgrade price to GT Pro wasn't bad so I upgraded. Then when I got my Aardvark card it came with Pro 9, that got me started into midi, now I am looking at an upgrade to Sonar 3. The total cost of me getting Sonar 3 and all the other ones is less than if I had just gotten Sonar 3 outright and I have gotten to record for over a year. For me it has worked out great, I have been able to grow at a comfortable pace not being overwhelmed by to much stuff at once without having to pay a finical penalty for it.

[AWannaBe]

Excellente!

Thanks for the infop DF.... I've heard nothing but good things from people regarding Cakewalks upgrade policies and practices... very swank...

[owel]

I like Cakewalk's upgrade pricing.

I was able to upgrade my old Cakewalk Pro Audio (circa 1997) to Sonar 2 XL (circa 2002) for less than $200.

And now, from Sonar 2XL to Sonar 3 Producer edition for $180.

Some software companies out there will force you to buy a new version if your software is TOO OLD to upgrade. You might as well switch brands if that's the case. They don't give you a break... but not Cakewalk. Cakewalk keeps it's customers happy and provide more stuff than what you're paying for.

[Xeeban]

I was just scanning through the Cakewalk site and read this carefully (kinda just scanned over it the first few times):

Universal Bus Architecture
SONAR also now includes completely configurable, dynamic bussing capabilities.

* Use busses for subgroups, effect sends, master busses, output to different monitor or headphone mixes
* Route busses to other busses or main outputs
* Insert busses and sends on the fly, pre or post fader
* Per-track "input monitoring" switch

Sounds very powerful and flexible! All this waiting till October is killing me... Can't companies announce *after* they have shippable product?