‘Cakewalk By BandLab’ is here. Free. Available for Windows now. [Updated: Dec 11, 2018]

Cakewalk by BandLab Current Release (2018.11)

The 2018.11 release brings you file load performance enhancements, bug fixes, updated Overloud plugins, and a brand new export control bar module with seamless one click integration to export projects to the BandLab cloud and fast access to common file export operations.
 
Features & Enhancements
For details see New Features

• Export Control Bar module for fast access to common file export operations
• Publish to BandLab, with options for full mix, track stems, or bus stems, and full support for project revisions
• Updated BREVERB 2 Cakewalk full VST plug-in
• Updated version of Overloud TH3 that is fully compatible with Cakewalk by BandLab
• Project load optimizations, including faster load times of large multitrack projects and projects that contain many AudioSnap transient markers
• UI optimizations, including faster track scrolling and navigation in big projects
• Smaller update installer that will only copy the necessary files required for a given update (only able to install over the previous release version; full installer available when updating from older versions)

  
Bug Fixes

• Slip stretching (CTRL+SHIFT+drag) is not possible with Edit tool
• Cannot preview M4A/MPEG-4 audio files in Media Browser
• Crash on project load using 2018.09 build 29
• Closing toast notification for VST Scan should hide further toasts until scan completes
• Potential crash and incorrectly mapped parameters when opening Craig Anderton FX chain that uses Overloud TH3

 
Changelog for latest release is here.
See prior release notes.
Check out all new features released to date. 

Meng's Announcement (2018.04)

Hi Everyone,
 
Today is the day! Let’s dive straight in with a TL:DR version:

• Today we’re launching Cakewalk by BandLab – a free, streamlined version of SONAR Platinum
• There is only one version, with full authentication and the advanced feature set for free
• Cakewalk by BandLab is available via BandLab Assistant for Windows (sign in with your BandLab account)
• No matter what plug-ins or bundles you’ve bought in the past – anything that worked with SONAR before will work with Cakewalk by BandLab and should integrate seamlessly.
• This is just the beginning, we have an aggressive feature roadmap ahead

Firstly, thank you to everybody here for your incredible support in the last month (and a bit!).
As you might have guessed, it’s been a busy few weeks for us at BandLab. On top of maintaining the steady flow of feature releases that we consistently do on BandLab every week, the whole team has been working tirelessly to pull together the new flagship, streamlined version of SONAR so that we could get it to you ASAP.
 
We have an aggressive vision here at BandLab – and that is a world in which there are no barriers, physical, geographical or technical to the making and sharing of music. For the millions of creators already on BandLab in more than 180 countries around the world – this vision continues to develop every time we push a new release.
 
For the professional musicians who use our platform, access to a complete toolset is a key part of this vision and this release is one of our biggest yet. The big news is a business model change that is only possible because of our ecosystem – we’re releasing the entire feature set of SONAR Platinum (sans certain 3rd party plugins and content) in its new form of Cakewalk by BandLab completely free.
 
We want anyone to have access to the highest level of professional music production tools in the same way that we empower musicians to make and share their music around the world with BandLab’s creation, collaboration and social tools.
 
Cakewalk by BandLab has all the premium features of SONAR Platinum that you know and love but we’ve also added some small new features for now: you now have the ability to replace Track Templates and enjoy a theme-capable Piano Roll View (easier on the eyes for those late nights). These are just two quick additions – there’s a lot more coming based on your feedback and I’m confident you’ll be excited about what’s on the horizon.
 
Existing Platinum users: all previously purchased third party bundles, plug-ins and instruments already installed on your system should automatically integrate with Cakewalk by BandLab. If you have all your third party products and plug-ins previously downloaded from the Command Center, everything should work seamlessly.
 
People who are downloading Cakewalk by BandLab or experiencing SONAR Platinum’s features for the first time (not relevant to many people in this forum, but still including it to cover all bases!): we have removed certain 3rd party plug-ins and content that we felt were unnecessary and/or not feasible to be released in this first version. Updates will come and more features and content will be available in the core pack. For now, check out the Sounds tab on BandLab Assistant - there are thousands of loops available there - just drag and drop. ;-)
 
For anyone concerned that downloading Cakewalk by BandLab via BandLab Assistant might mess with your system or existing software – we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure that it doesn’t affect previous SONAR installations - Cakewalk by BandLab and previous versions of SONAR can run on the same machine with no issues. That said, there will be no more updates released for legacy SONAR products. As always, keep in mind that if you make changes to your operating system, this could affect performance of any legacy products as updates won’t happen in the future.
 
Many thanks to everyone who has already signed up for a BandLab account. As mentioned before, it will be necessary for tagging other purchases you have made in the past - for example, the next iteration of Rapture will not be released for free when it is ready unless you are an existing owner and eligible for a crossgrade. Having your obsolete Cakewalk ID linked to your BandLab Account ensures that we can verify your previous purchases, and any future upgrade or cross grade opportunities are available to you. For those who haven’t signed up yet, you’ll also need a BandLab account to install and authenticate Cakewalk, as well as to receive future updates and new releases.
 
On a side note, we’ve also been busy organising some Cakewalk swag (featuring new and vintage looks) to celebrate the launch and offer something fun for some of you lifetime Cakewalk fans. We’ve souped up our Tip Jar and released an early version of our upcoming Rewards feature, and you’ll visit this page once your install has started. A reissued version of Noel’s famous Cakewalk mug is there as well as some other swag - I'll add the link in a second, we're just updating some photos! There is no obligation to send a tip.
 
I want to thank all of you for your support, your encouragement, your feedback and suggestions. We are constantly humbled by the passion and wealth of knowledge among the Cakewalk community. We are so proud to be able to continue development of SONAR’s core feature set as Cakewalk by BandLab and are committed to investing in this excellent product - we will continue to innovate to ship new and improved features as we do with all the products we develop.
 
We hope that you, the dedicated core of long-term SONAR users, will be able to keep creating music with your preferred workflow for decades to come – and that a whole new generation of music creators, artists and producers will be introduced to this fantastic professional music software.
 
I hope you’re as excited about the future as we are. Please jump in and explore Cakewalk by BandLab – for existing SPLAT users, you’ll find it very comfortable and I hope we’ve alleviated some of your worst nightmares. For those of you that never could justify spending on an upgrade – welcome to the real deal :-) In the coming days and weeks, there’s much more I will share and I’m sure you’ll discover some of the other things you can do with BandLab Assistant and maybe try out BandLab too, if you haven’t already!Happy downloading and music making! Long Live Cakewalk!
 
With love,

Meng
 
p.s I meant it when I said we were baking something special up for you!
 
p.p.s RIP the runner up names of TDFKAS, BONAR, LabraDAWr and BADASS
 
 

Downloading ...

Downloading ...but why the Bandlab Assistant has no proxy setting^

Error:  Installation files are corrupt.  Please obtain a new copy of the program. 

Where is the download link? I've got Producer and wouldn't mind seeing what Platinum is like.

Very good news!!!

This is so exciting! Finally getting back into the DAW after 5 months.

aidanodr
 
Does this mean they have ported PLATINUM to Mac???

 
Yeah it only took a couple of days... Kidding :-P
No the Mac version of BandLab assistant allows access to the loop content and of course the BandLab Mix editor today.

Is offline activation still possible with this version?
 
Thanks.

.

Hi all.
I downloaded the program that was stated free. It is still getting the plugins arranged. But.........................
I have a few questions.
 1.  Wasn't the company name Cakewalk. I see Cakewalk as Daw. I thought that only the software was bought and not the company.
 2. My validation is until/through 04-10-2018. I had a lifetime validation. This version is free to all Platinum members , but for how long? And if that is the case, do we have the option to get the code to use our old software without authorization?
 I like what Bandlab did as far as saving the software, but after the downfall of Sonar I have little faith in what the company says.
I am not here to bash anyone on the forum, company, Bandlab or anyone/thing on the forum. 
I just would like some honest answers as to what we can expect.
 
Danny