Cakewalk Sonar X3

[cryophonik]

There is no dream DAW.

I thought that Bitwig was a dream DAW. Wait, are you telling us that it's REAL?!!

[flugel45]

Sigh.

You happy now?

Is it worgn to want something to work if the software has a good workflow? Two measly posts is not cutting it, mate.

Did he even try X3? I don't think so.

Who is "he" in this statement?

If it's me, the answer is yes, I own X3 (two licenses, in fact), had X2 also, and have been a CW/Sonar user for about a decade.

And it should be obvious that the ones "defending" X3 have actually used it, while those complaining have not (basing their rants entirely on past versions).

Since this thread has gone completely off the rails, I'm surprised it hasn't been locked.

I'm done anyway. Regardless of any difference of opinion, be happy with whatever you use.

[chk071]

Nono, i think he meant hibidy. Anyway, don't want to flog a dead horse, nevermind.

[fese]

First thing first, this post is just my general observation not directed towards any individual.

I usually read this type of thread with interest, I own Reaper and Sonar but I do visit the Studio One, Cubase and other threads as well. Just out of curiosity, that's all. Plus I want to educate myself on other DAWs too. What I have seen that happens frequently is, those who say bad things about the products usually don't back it up with any realistic arguments or examples. One example that I still remember is a Reaper thread. Around that time I was evaluating Studio 1 and Reaper. Many users posted that Reaper lacks MIDI functions. I specifically asked what is it lacking. MIDI is an important part of my workflow so I was curious but none of those users were able to pinpoint anything substantial. One or two who tried, turned out that they misunderstood the function entirely or didn't even try properly. There is no dream DAW. All of them have their pro and cons. Only way to find out is try the demo.

Good idea, but is there even a demo of Sonar available? I didn't find one on their website, but that might be me being blind again.
I am currently in the mood of switching DAWs as I don't like the direction Cubase is going, but then of course I am kinda used to the Cubase workflow and change is always hard. I already tried and ditched Reaper and S1, so Sonar would be next in chain. Maybe someone could shed some light on a couple of questions?
- I really like the logical editor in Cubase, does sonar have sth like that? Or MIDI functionality like compress/expand velocity, quantized lengths, legato/de-legato?
- one thing that annoyed me in S1: does the color, or better hue, of the MIDI notes in the piano editor reflect the velocity?
- can I configure something like generic MIDI controllers in Cubase to control internal functions of the software? I use my iPad with TB MIDI stuff for custom remote control functionality (not that the generic remote control functionality in Cubase is very useable...)
- how do I handle inserts? Do I always have to drag them from the browser or can I quick-select the directly at the insert slot? Can I replace insert plugins in place or do I have to remove them and then select a new one (was like that in reaper, as far as I remember. Annoying as hell. Could also be that I overlooked one of the two million configuration options...)

Thanks so far...

[trimph1]

Cakewalk has this issue with the timing of its demos. If there was a demo out at the same time, instead of months afterwards, you might not see all this arguing.

As said earlier, if it works with your system, great. I doubt many would have issues.

Oh BTW. Product NFR.

[chk071]

Is it NFR technically, when you're able to sell your account? Either way, i knew it before, and one should inform himself before buying. Wonder why i always have to feel like the companies lawyer in all of "these" threads.

[trimph1]

Like I said.

If there was a demo out AT THE SAME TIME those kinds of issues would not be an issue.

[chk071]

True, they really should offer a demo when releasing.

[pwal]

the demo is traditionally late, after a round of public testing, though interesting that they've staggered the physical media and download versions this time

[pwal]

and it'll be interesting to see hif the if they build the already announced patch version contents into subsequent demos

[trimph1]

True, they really should offer a demo when releasing.

I'd like to say that I have been something of a PITA here but this is my QA career showing up. I really want cakewalk to succeed huge here. X3 appears to be way more stable than previous versions and that is the way I want it to go.

I take my QA career way too seriously sometimes, lol!!!

[satYatunes]

There is no dream DAW.

I thought that Bitwig was a dream DAW. Wait, are you telling us that it's REAL?!!

I knew someone will quote me on this . You won't believe I did write something about Bitwig but removed. It looks like real but it's not, just like a dream
Look at the positive side, because of this we have some drama going on in another part of KVR

- how do I handle inserts? Do I always have to drag them from the browser or can I quick-select the directly at the insert slot? Can I replace insert plugins in place or do I have to remove them and then select a new one (was like that in reaper, as far as I remember. Annoying as hell. Could also be that I overlooked one of the two million configuration options...)

- Your demo question has already been answered multiple times . Cakewalk usually takes a couple of months to offer a demo. They should change this practice as I am sure it's not helping them in anyway.

- Yes, you can drag and drop plugins from browser. Also, you can replace plugins from right-click menu.

- Been out of touch since a long time but I think generic MIDI controller mapping is possible. It didn't come with a controller configuration file for my Emu Xboard MIDI controller so I mapped it myself.

I do understand your comment about Reaper. It would have been great if it had some "Replace plugin" option. Oh well, it doesn't take more than a couple of clicks to add another plugin and delete the previous one.
I heard moving from Cubase to S1 is piece of cake from a workflow perspective. Is it not the case?

[satYatunes]

True, they really should offer a demo when releasing.

I'd like to say that I have been something of a PITA here but this is my QA career showing up. I really want cakewalk to succeed huge here. X3 appears to be way more stable than previous versions and that is the way I want it to go.

I take my QA career way too seriously sometimes, lol!!!

Yes, the CW forum is also full of praise and positive reviews from all type of users (Power users included). This was not the case when they released X1 and X2.

[chk071]

True, they really should offer a demo when releasing.

I'd like to say that I have been something of a PITA here but this is my QA career showing up. I really want cakewalk to succeed huge here. X3 appears to be way more stable than previous versions and that is the way I want it to go.

I take my QA career way too seriously sometimes, lol!!!

That's totally fine. I'm sure Cakewalk also have a high quality requirement. No developper wants to produce bugs, sometimes it's a matter of manpower and finances whether these get nailed out or not. Actually i don't even doubt that Sonar has a couple more bugs than other hosts, overall you can't neglect certain user tendencies. It's just a question whether these bugs make the program virtually unusable (as some here seem to think), or if it's rather making the use a bit awkward. The couple of hours i used it rather convinced me of the latter, as i also tried different combinations of plugins, effects, internal and external, and it seemed quite stable to me. Of course, a couple of hours don't prove much, so needs a bit more testing.

[GeorgeZ]

It's just a question whether these bugs make the program virtually unusable (as some here seem to think), or if it's rather making the use a bit awkward. The couple...

Preface: not directed at chk, his post is just a catalyst for my comments

Most bugs may potentially not be a show stopper, but the one I had, without fail in X1 and X2 (all audio samples get auto chopped / grove clipped when dragged into the playlist... as noted previously, a lengthy community led 2-3 page quest for a solution didn't solve it on the CW forum, CW reps didn't make an appearance) was definitely a show stopper for me. I use audio samples for all percussion... so that indeed killed it for me. There just seems to be no way to turn it off for me (I reinstalled etc). Sample issue? Unlikely, as none of my other DAWs (I have a few) have had this issue.

It's really annoying however to see the chivalrous white knights jump to action on anyone who's experienced real issues (yes, some clamour on about it... who died and made you interwebz police?!). Sit down, CW is a big boy, it can stand up for is self, ok? << not directed at anyone in particular, just the overwhelming "for the honour of Cake!!" sentiment in this thread, it's pathetic. When dealing with someone's issues related to a product money was spent on, it's not a case of liking or disliking "features". As such, a snotty remark about how the software works brilliantly for you is utterly irrelevant and downright obnoxious when dirercting it at someone specific, as you're downplaying the other party's problem.

Now, as noted, yes I have a few other DAWs, and yes, I use them, but who are you to decide when or how I am allowed to complain over this particualr one, which I spent quite a bit of money on, when it doesn't work (and CW doesn't come to the party on their forum to help).

I will however demo X3 before putting my cash down this time, and if that issue is sorted, I'm all in!... once the upgrade goes on sale that is... I own all the addiotnal plugs already bar Melodyne Ess (which I don't have too much use for myself), so the full orice for the upgrade doesn't really appeal to me.

I've followed most of this thread, and to be honsest, it's mostly just bickering and BS... done with it