KVR Audio

crimsonwarlock · Post by **crimsonwarlock** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:44 pm

Just recently I bought a midi-controller from Ediroll (PCR-M80) and it came with Sonar LE bundled. I was looking for a good host for linear sequencing and HD-recording and it seems that Sonar fits me very well. Sonar LE seems quite complete, just without all the plugin synths and effects that come with commercial Sonar versions. So it seems that Sonar LE might be enough for me as I have quite a nice arsenal of great synths and effects already.

But maybe I'm missing something

So are there any Sonar Studio or Producer users that can tell me if and why I should (maybe) get Studio or even Producer

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:48 pm

Im not quite sure what LE contains, but you'll be able to get a better idea if you download the Sonar5 demo.

Oh, and welcome back.

crimsonwarlock · Post by **crimsonwarlock** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:01 pm

As far as I can find info, LE seems to be like Studio 4 without most of the plugins. Strangely enough there is nothing available on the web about any limitations in this version but I have seen someone mention that LE can record 4 audio inputs maximum. But that is no problem for me. No mention of any limitations in the amount of audio/midi tracks.

I've seen that version 5 seems to have 'track freeze' which might be more userfriendly than track-bounce.

I must say so far that my purchase seems a great bargain: a 61-key midi controller with assignable knobs, faders and switches AND Sonar 4 together for Euro 280,-

And thanks for the welcome back.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:14 pm

The 'non plugin' differences between 4 and 5 include the new 64-bit audio engine, 'inline' MIDI editing, clip-based effects, some additions to automation (eg tempo synced automation) and some new tidies (eg docking) for the UI. Not sure how much of that made it into LE; I know some bits and pieces (track templates and track icons) made it into Home Studio.

Full change spec for 5 is at http://www.cakewalk.com/Press/10-07-05- ... ing_US.asp

Joenco · Post by **Joenco** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 8:44 pm

Another limitation in LE.
Only 8 VSTi in Synth Rack.
No folder tracks. (I can not find them)
Otherwise I love Sonar LE.

Lunch Money · Post by **Lunch Money** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 8:50 pm

I got the PCR-M50, and they really ARE a good value for money, eh? I haven't gelled with the Sonar LE, but part of that is that when you're already used to something else, it feels pointless to switch to something that's in theory more limited.

Greg

ResonantOrder · Post by **ResonantOrder** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 8:57 pm

If your going to use automation, then you should really get Project5v.2. The automation for VST is broken in both 4.04 and 5.01 right now. You can't automate more than 1 parameter or the automation breaks. Automation is rock solid in P5, it comes with some great synths, and I consider the workflow better. I haven't had it long, but I love it already. Although I was initially miffed that I have to shell out 200.00 for features that I felt should be included in Sonar in the first place, I really like P5. If your into softsynths, P5 is a must buy.

Left Headphone · Post by **Left Headphone** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:05 pm

I would wait till S6. I think the midi section of Sonar will be getting a big update...

crimsonwarlock · Post by **crimsonwarlock** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:44 pm

Lunch Money wrote:I got the PCR-M50, and they really ARE a good value for money, eh? I haven't gelled with the Sonar LE, but part of that is that when you're already used to something else, it feels pointless to switch to something that's in theory more limited.

Yep, the keyboard seems really nice. I bought it to replace a DX7 that I only used as a midi-keyboard (I have the FM7

). I liked the breathcontroller on the DX7 but I also have a WX5 so the breathcontroller hasn't been used for ages. And I inally wanted some knobs to control my softsynths.

crimsonwarlock · Post by **crimsonwarlock** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:50 pm

ResonantOrder wrote:If your going to use automation, then you should really get Project5v.2. The automation for VST is broken in both 4.04 and 5.01 right now. You can't automate more than 1 parameter or the automation breaks.

That sucks. But Project5 is clearly not my thing. When it cam out I thought it might replace Orion Platinum for me, but Project5 does not have a decent mixer and my workflow is very much mixer-centrix (that's what I love the most in Orion: it's completely mixer-centric).

Joenco wrote:Another limitation in LE.
Only 8 VSTi in Synth Rack.

Well, that is the info I was looking for (but hoping NOT to get). I really HATE to be forced to use multitimbral synths so this is going to be a major limitation for me. I will have to see if I can rewire Orion into Sonar and use Orion as my synthrack

Otherwise, this might be the reason for me to get Sonar Studio (at least).

I have Sonar LE, should I get Studio/Producer