tlw
 
I know it's early days Andrew, but..
 
I'll quite happily admit you've surprised me, I didn't expect Sonar to ever be released in an OS X version, and I'm extremely pleased you've decided to go down that road.
 
A couple of questions though.
 
Is the plan for an OS X Sonar to be able to use AU plugins?
 
Secondly, pricing. I didn't pay membership for 2016 because the only PC we have is the DAW and it's been acting up badly. I also needed to learn Logic for a project and we already have Macs so I've mostly been using Logic over the last few months. At the moment I can purchase a discounted lifetime membership, until the end of August, yes? If I hold off until the OS X version is on the market might a reduced price deal for previous Sonar members/customers still be available?
 

Jesse G
What the @#$%^   I waited all night and part of the afternoon for this??   
 
* I have a Mac with Sonar already on it, it's call installing Windows using Boot Camp.  
 
* I and not going to spend 8 hundred plus dollars on the Softube plus  control thingy, I have a MCU the allows
   me to  control most all plugins from within Sonar Platinum. (My Main DAW) 
 
* I just want a FREE Cakewalk Coffee Mug and I'll be happy!!!!
 
 
 
 

Anderton

bnwitt
 
Well except the "collect more money from the existing users"

 
Don't overlook the part where in return for collecting the money, existing users get updates for life. No wonder so many people find this appealing.
 

everything else is future vaporware and promises.

 
The proof of concept Mac version is running now (and has actually been running for a while). Cakewalk has made it clear that what will be released is an alpha version designed to gauge interest. It's not like Cakewalk is advertising it and taking orders. And when the Alpha does come out, it will be free. 
 
As to promises, the developers are already working on the promised updates. And regarding crystal balls...recall that in January 2015, when the membership program was introduced, there were quite a few people whose crystal ball told them Cakewalk would just take the upfront membership money and not deliver anything. Then there were those who said despite Cakewalk's promise of monthly updates, they'd never be able to pull it off. And of course, that within a year after being purchased by Gibson, Cakewalk would be out of business.
 
Hopefully these people got free updates for life with the crystal ball, and are at least at crystal ball 3.6, which supposedly has major bug fixes that reduce the number of inaccurate predictions. 
 

bnwitt

Anderton

bnwitt
 
Well except the "collect more money from the existing users"

 
Don't overlook the part where in return for collecting the money, existing users get updates for life. No wonder so many people find this appealing.
 

everything else is future vaporware and promises.

 
The proof of concept Mac version is running now (and has actually been running for a while). Cakewalk has made it clear that what will be released is an alpha version designed to gauge interest. It's not like Cakewalk is advertising it and taking orders. And when the Alpha does come out, it will be free. 
 
As to promises, the developers are already working on the promised updates. And regarding crystal balls...recall that in January 2015, when the membership program was introduced, there were quite a few people whose crystal ball told them Cakewalk would just take the upfront membership money and not deliver anything. Then there were those who said despite Cakewalk's promise of monthly updates, they'd never be able to pull it off. And of course, that within a year after being purchased by Gibson, Cakewalk would be out of business.
 
Hopefully these people got free updates for life with the crystal ball, and are at least at crystal ball 3.6, which supposedly has major bug fixes that reduce the number of inaccurate predictions. 
 

Craig,
As a PC user, what do I have in my hand today for my lifetime upgrade fee which I already paid last week??  What if I drop dead tomorrow?  I've waited with drooling lips for this June 1st big deal and I have nothing to install right now.  Zip, nada. and nothing but a Mac version coming for other people not me.  It is clear to me that there are many people in this forum who would applaud the bakers for a poke in the eye with a sharp stick due to blind loyalty.  "Owe! That hurts!  But I know you really love me.  Hit me again" Instead of spending just my annual upgrade fee this year, I now have spent an additional $99 before my next upgrade is due for something I'm supposed get tomorrow.  Like Wimpy and a hamburger today for which I'll gladly be paid next Tuesday.  As I said in my earlier post, at the moment it's just a money grab to me.  Only the future will tell if it has value.  Also, I know darned well that adding the Mac OS will drive additional man hours for development and support which will take away support from us windows users.  Since there is no crystal ball all we have for our upfront money right now is promises
Barry

ntsing
Andrew, is there any chance we could get an official response on the SONAR product lifecycle? Is Cakewalk/Gibson guaranteeing to release updates for lifetime users (as an example) for at least 5, 10, 15, etc. years?
 
I appreciate the lifetime offer, an ostensibly good deal for users, however every 'lifetime' software product I have purchased has ended support within 2-4 years. Usually either 1) the company renames/reclassifies the product, 2) the company retroactively changes the lifetime license terms, 3) the company gets bought and the parent company discontinues support, or 4) the company goes out of business.
 
It would be great to have some kind of official assurance of the continued support for this new license type.

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
I don't think anyone can ever tell you that with 100% certainty. You are asking an impossible question. There are so many factors as you point out. But SONAR is very important to us and it's always been our flagship product in the MI industry. That's why we are putting even more focus on it today. There's no plan today to discontinue work on SONAR. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable with that answer I understand and this your choice. 
 
FWIW, there are other examples in our industry of companies that have adopted this strategy and they are still in business. 

Morvejones

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]

markoburrows
Hi Guys,
 
Maybe its because I am British, but with all the "High Fivein'" and  stuff I have become sooooo confused in a very short time.
 
In the comments above this post you have quoted the upgrade price to the Lifetime offer for  a gentleman with existing software as $99. I purchased Platinum in March and was expecting to renew sometime around then and there used to be a renewal price on your shop page. Now that is gone and my option to take on the offer is to "upgrade" to software I have already? 
 
And the cost to do so is £174. That's two hundred and fifty dollars.
 
So if I want to take your offer up I need to expend $250
 
How does that compare with the $99 ?
 
Any chance you could put all of the cost options up so we can assess the value of your offer and how much the lifetime renewal actually is?
 
Many thanks
 
Marko
Entertaining the few since 1962

The upgrade price from SONAR Platinum is $199. However if you renewed earlier this year (meaning this was technically the second time you purchased SONAR Platinum in the last 18 months), and paid say $99 during that promo, we are only charging you $99 (basically the difference). Since you didn't renew, you would just pay the full upgrade price. It's essentially the same price.

Andrew , so what about loyal customers that paid monthly why are we penalised? i am offered the lifetime updates for £175 ($252) even though i have spent £202 ($291) on platinum! i get the same offer as someone using X3! wtf? 

vladasyn
I am confused. So the subscription model failed? There will be no more $150 update/renewal every year? What happens if we do not pay for upgrade to "lifetime| before August 31st? Will it continue as subscription?
 
I kind of liked subscription model. It felt as an assurance that Gibson will stay interested in developing Sonar farther. Now- if nobody pays any more- what is the motivation to roll out updates?
 
So we basically back to the old model of buying once with questionable occasional patches and no major versions updates?
 
I am happy that Mac users will get access to Sonar, also it likely will push more people toward Macs...