SONAR X2 first look

[Gonga]

There's a new Overview video:

http://www.cakewalk.com/SONAR-X2/

I actually like the Prochannel concept, and the way it's headed. It's just that there are lots of folks who want to use their own channel tools (iZotope is better imo) and effects, etc. These people want all the new browsing and editing capabilities of a professional DAW but don't need the synths, prochannel and extra stuff. What I describe should be the Studio version, but I fear Studio won't have many of the basic editing and browsing features for example. This is what I especially don't like about the new direction Cake has taken. Used to be Studio was a pro DAW. It seems they're purposely hobbling it. Who will buy it? So we all have to spring for Producer and get tons of expensive stuff sucking cpu and cluttering the interface, that we never use.

[aMUSEd]

There's a new Overview video:

http://www.cakewalk.com/SONAR-X2/

I actually like the Prochannel concept, and the way it's headed. It's just that there are lots of folks who want to use their own channel tools (iZotope is better imo) and effects, etc. These people want all the new browsing and editing capabilities of a professional DAW but don't need the synths, prochannel and extra stuff. What I describe should be the Studio version, but I fear Studio won't have many of the basic editing and browsing features for example. This is what I especially don't like about the new direction Cake has taken. Used to be Studio was a pro DAW. It seems they're purposely hobbling it. Who will buy it? So we all have to spring for Producer and get tons of expensive stuff sucking cpu and cluttering the interface, that we never use.

What is Studio leaving out then? I don't want Prochannel etc either, but it did annoy me that they left out daft basic stuff from Studio when they brought out Expanded, like being able to replace a plugin using drag and drop. I hope that is not still the case.

[Gonga]

For people who own Producer, the cost of upgrading to Studio ($99) is the same as upgrading to Producer. So they don't recognize why anyone would want just the fully-featured DAW (audio improvements, take and automation lanes, advanced browser, advanced editing) without all the synths and extra processing and mastering plugins that they don't need. They don't provide details yet, but the simple comparison chart says Studio is not as powerful for editing or mixing Mixing could refer to Prochannel, but editing? That's hobbled. Producer should be aimed at extras and mastering, Studio at top-notch DAW without uneeded extras that can be provided by third parties (audio, editing, etc. needs to be in the DAW obviously).

[deastman]

I just really, really, REALLY wish they would add a modular MIDI and audio patching view. Or at least improve the channel routing so that any channel can be sent to any other channel, including feedback loops. As it stands now, there is no way for me to properly use Silent Way without going to another DAW first to calibrate. More and more, I find myself just staying in that other DAW because it does everything I really need.

Seriously, Cakewalk, you have to know that your routing system is severely lacking.

[ShawnG]

In the currently available version of X1 what editing abilities aren't available in x1 studio?

[Gonga]

Don't know, but I believe the new drag and drop browser functions weren't extended to Studio. In my opinion, they don't give users detailed info to compare the versions. And according to the info on X2, Studio will not have the recording, editing or mixing capabilities of Producer. Vague, huh?

[sonicpowa]

In the currently available version of X1 what editing abilities aren't available in x1 studio?

The Studio version is the same as Producer for editing. The difference is a few plugins and instruments, like ProChannel and Dimension Pro. Even Essential has the same editing but there's only 64 tracks/32bit.
I think X2 will be the same, it would be stupid to change that.

[satYatunes]

I know you know that already. You are a very happy Sonar user

But I'd like to be

I was J/k but I can feel your pain. Working on an unreliable system is difficult.

Don't know, but I believe the new drag and drop browser functions weren't extended to Studio. In my opinion, they don't give users detailed info to compare the versions. And according to the info on X2, Studio will not have the recording, editing or mixing capabilities of Producer. Vague, huh?

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/ ... ison-Chart

This link provides an overall view of the differences between studio/producer and essential. It's not at a very granular level of the features. Also, not sure how it holds in the context of X2. I wish they create a comparison chart like Cubase.

Someone mentioned that they are bundling all the Prochannel modules in X2, which I think isn't true. This is the first time I am hearing this. If they do bundle then it's great at least for people like me, cause I haven't bought any of those additional modules. At the same time they should compensate those people who have already bought it by giving discount on upgrade price. Sounds good when I write it but looking at their history there is a very little chance that it will happen and it won't be the first time either.

ProChannel isn't mandatory. It's there by default but neatly tucked away, invisible until you want to see it and use it, which IMHO a pretty good flexibility provided to the user.

Anyway, I am pretty scared about this:

Please note: SONAR X2 supports Windows 7 and Windows 8. Windows XP and Windows Vista will no longer be officially supported.

It makes me think, X2 might haven't been tested on XP extensively. Why would they if they are not going to support, I understand that but personally I would be in trouble as X1 is 99% solid on my XP that I am using regularly. Oh well, lets see.

[deastman]

Anyway, I am pretty scared about this:

Please note: SONAR X2 supports Windows 7 and Windows 8. Windows XP and Windows Vista will no longer be officially supported.

It makes me think, X2 might haven't been tested on XP extensively. Why would they if they are not going to support, I understand that but personally I would be in trouble as X1 is 99% solid on my XP that I am using regularly. Oh well, lets see.

Hmm. I hadn't noticed that either. I'm still very happy with my XP music system, and not looking forward to upgrading it to Win7. I know its inevitable, but I'd rather postpone that task a bit longer. Keep in mind that Native Instruments says the same thing, but all their software still works fine for me.

[Jace-BeOS]

Maybe you should acquire Win7 before Microsoft makes sale of it verboten (to ensure all upgrades are Win8)... This is a concern of mine right now as I plan to have a Win7 partition on my next Mac for PC software, but Apple hasn't announced my new computer yet :-p

[Seth [Cakewalk]]

Hello All,

Just thought I'd pop in to answer a few questions about X2 Studio as asked/ mentioned in several earlier posts ...

Editing and Browsing are totally on par between X2 Studio and X2 Producer, as they were in X1 Studio and X1 Producer. Replace Synth and Drag (clip) to Browser were new features introduced in X1 Producer Expanded, which superseded X1 Producer.

Both of those features from X1 Producer Expanded are now in X2 Studio and X2 Producer (and even Essential, although you run into other limitations there), as are XML Export and SoundCloud integration.

Additionally, all of the other core editing and browsing features introduced in X2 are in both Studio and Producer (and most, if not all in Essential, but I don't recall right now nor do I have a feature list in front of me [its Saturday, please forgive me ]).

These features include take lanes, automation lanes, Smart Tool enhancements, completely overhauled automation, PRV improvements, Aim Assist improvements, Smart Grid, improved Snap and Screenset modules, overhauled Snap functionality with setup wizard, timeline zoom enhancements with scroll, Auto Zoom, overhauled and updated clips pane and clips, enhanced Matrix View performance and updated UI, overhauled and enhanced MIDI engine, enhanced arpeggiator, replace plugin, and more.

That's all core, basic stuff that we worked on for SONAR X2, and those updates and enhancements touch all of SONAR X2's three versions. Between X2 Studio and X2 Producer its for the most part the noise making bits like ProChannel, synths, etc. that make up the difference between the two apps.

Hope that helps.

SP

[Seth [Cakewalk]]

For people who own Producer, the cost of upgrading to Studio ($99) is the same as upgrading to Producer. So they don't recognize why anyone would want just the fully-featured DAW (audio improvements, take and automation lanes, advanced browser, advanced editing) without all the synths and extra processing and mastering plugins that they don't need.

Gonga,

Sorry for any confusion, and just to be clear, X1 Producer to X2 Producer is $119. X1 Producer Expanded to X2 Producer is the $99 upgrade price.

And basically, X2 Studio is as you described above, a full featured DAW without all the mixing, mastering, and sound making tools available in Producer (see above thread).

Hope that helps.

SP

[chrisby]

Wish there was some way I could help make that happen. Let me know if there is.

Hi Brandon,

I wonder if you could confirm (or confirm it's wrong) something I read in the Sonar forum... a user there stated they he'd received an email from CW stating that if he upgraded to the "production suite" now he would qualify for the free X2 upgrade but also for whatever the early adapter freebie is going to be thrown in as well. I'd be upgrading from X1 Expanded but if what he claimed is correct I'm pretty sure I'd go that route and order now. If you don't know for sure no biggie, just thought It'd be worth checking.... Thx

In case Seth from CW pops back in.... Can you answer this? Thx....

[Seth [Cakewalk]]

Wish there was some way I could help make that happen. Let me know if there is.

Hi Brandon,

I wonder if you could confirm (or confirm it's wrong) something I read in the Sonar forum... a user there stated they he'd received an email from CW stating that if he upgraded to the "production suite" now he would qualify for the free X2 upgrade but also for whatever the early adapter freebie is going to be thrown in as well. I'd be upgrading from X1 Expanded but if what he claimed is correct I'm pretty sure I'd go that route and order now. If you don't know for sure no biggie, just thought It'd be worth checking.... Thx

In case Seth from CW pops back in.... Can you answer this? Thx....

Chris,

I can confirm that upgrading now to SONAR X1 Production Suite would get you X2 Producer for free.

We haven't announced any other promos for upgrading to X2 yet other than buy X1, get X2 free (any version, upgrades included). However, check out our webinar on Wednesday the 5th at 2pm EST/ 11am PST for more details.

http://www.rolandus.com/go/cake_tv/

SP

[Gonga]

Seth, thanks for the information, it is greatly appreciated and very good news indeed.

I run X1 Producer Expanded (I went with the upgrade because the new browser features weren't offered in Studio), and would like to step "down" to X2 Studio, but I don't think there's a path that would save me money. Not a really big deal though.

That is really good news. The more I look at X2, the more I think the upgrade is well worth the $99 it'll cost me (or maybe less if I can hold out)