Case for an absolute basic version of Sonar??

Hi Guys,
 
First off - love Sonar .. have been a Cakewalk user back to the early 90s.
 
Recently I started looking out for what I would call a stripped down, simple sequencer that loads vsti / vsts, record audio ( maybe ) & thats it - as a companion to Sonar. No extra bloat, just midi/audio tracks, vsti / vst capable, record audio .. thats it!
 
WHY? Sometimes i just want to quickly load a few vsti's and noodle with them on a few tracks QUICKLY. Sort of quick idea, storyboard, non production type stuff.
 
The best description here is I have my main car - SONAR with all the frills & extras, but I would also like a little runabout for short journeys :D Reaper seems to fill this gap slightly ( have trial version ), but I am sure their are others even lighter, faster ( Windows ).
 
Music Creator still has "extra's"??
 
Got me thinking that it would be nice if bundled with Sonar was SONAR STRIPPED DOWN / VERY BASIC that could be installed side by side? Call it Sonar Scratchboard :D Good idea, bad idea??



 
  
 
 

I had some vague idea in a similar fashion - suggested name Sonar Custom where you could buy up on features to what's in Platinum - but no bling-bling plugins and instruments.
 
I wouldn't mind pay $149 annually for that, and no extras whatsoever in plugins.
 
Otherwise Cakewalk has been very generous what's in Artist - really fine piece of software, and not seriously cut down like any other of the major daws.
 
You have to buy full version Cubase Pro to even get that stuff. At the time I was looking at Cubase, to get track templates, track lanes and midi list editor from Cubase Elements it was going all the way to Pro.

Something like this? (I've never tried it myself, so don't know if it's good)
http://www.multitrackstudio.com/
 
 
 
 

IPad version would be nice.

Funny - I looked at Creator 7 yesterday.  The price?  $19.99

paulo
Don't really understand the need for it TBH. IF you have SONAR already, just use that - projects don't have to be complicated, you don't have to have multiple effects and busses or even have to look at the ProChannel. Set yourself up a simple template for your " scratchpad" ideas if that's what you want and you're there.

 
That makes sense to me. A suitable template and some screensets should do the job.

If you already have full-blown Sonar, what I always do is create template to my liking.  Just a couple midi and audio tracks, setup the audio engine, a few buss.  I do it all the time to workout ideas or test new vst or hardware (mic, outboard gears, etc.).  So imo there's no need for a super light version, unless you don't want to invest that much $$ into something that you only intend to have limited use. 
 

aidanodr
Hi Guys,
 
Some good points here. Maybe the template route is it. Would love to see stripped down template files here from others who might be a bit more intimately familiar with the newer Sonar GUI than I am .. lets call the template MINIMAL or SCRATCHPAD :D
 
So - any tips here on what to disable, what to not have loading to give a light no frills GUI like i said in the OP? What things can be disabled so it loads faster for example. All we need is tracks, access to vsts / vsti's & probably master and track console
 
For example - dumping pro-channel from loading - is it enough to turn it off / close it and save as that in template?
 
 
 

1. Start off with a BLANK template - you can't get any more cut down than that.
2. All Pro Channel channels are bypassed until you activate it
3. Add a single audio track. Open the Pro Channel for that track, right click and remove any modules automatically inserted. You cannot delete the EQ.
4. Right click again and select "Set Modules as Default for Tracks"

I don't see the need for a whole new version. As pointed out, just use blank template. Perhaps as a blog article or something maybe the bakers could create a stripped down template and screenset for those who are not inclined to make one themselves. Just seems like bloat to add another product to the line. It's like asking Chevy to make a bike for days you just want a leisurely ride through the neighborhood.

But dubdisciple I WANT a bike for days I just want a leisurely ride through the neighbourhood :D
 
Yes - the idea of a base template sorts things .. it will suffice as the bike :D
 

FidelityMusic
You want something fast and straight to the point? Go with FL Studio. 

 
I have that .. not really, in my opinion. Also I find it fiddly with external plugins.
 

pwalpwal
that used to be project5 imo

I thought P5 was very different.  I would like to see it brought up to date and usable again

BobF

pwalpwal
that used to be project5 imo

I thought P5 was very different.  I would like to see it brought up to date and usable again

Don't know why they didn't roll P5 into Sonar along with Matrix View.

jimst57
Could be. That's what I paid, but if I look at it now it says $49.
Maybe a one time price for already Cakewalk customers?

I was thinking of getting a Surface 3 tablet and putting MC7 on it. Went to the CW store looked at it last week, clicked "Buy Now" and it was $19.99

Went back today and it's still $19.99

I dont really understand the point of this at all.. I dont ever feel like things are in the way or slow or clunky at all.. everything is super fast and super quick for me... I dont see the practical point here.