We don't get many new users here as the software has not been available ( legaly ) for a long time now.
Of course Sonar is complicated and takes most a few months to get a grasp. I'm still learning after 2 years.
Start with a simple project and work your way up.
I'll get you going on a MIDI track.
Open the with the Normal template And name the song.
Before you start anything turn on your controler and let Sonar recognize it. Not sure if you have a MIDI output port. If you do set it too. Get familiar with the drop down menus.
GO to audio options and check your settings. If you don't have an interface you'll be stuck on MME mode with terrible latency.
If you don't want the 2 Audio tracks delete them and leave the 2 MIDI tracks. You can make all these bigger or smaller. Learn how to open dialog boxes with right mouse clicks.
Now go to INSERT and insert a soft synth , start with the TTS-1 as it is a GM multi channel and will be easy to figure out. It's got all 16 challes so as you record more tracks make sure to change their output channels. Input don't matter leave on omni.
Go the MIDI track your going to record and make sure the output is pointed at the TTS-1. Use properties to select a patch. Input echo on.
Set the metronome and hit record. There you go.
First you may want to purchase a proper audio interface. $400 software does not run very smooth on $12 sound cards.
MME mode is not very good, In a pinch some use asio4all . You'll want to use a real good solid ASIO driver to take advantage of using Soft Synths and the VST EFXs. .
You can certainly install all the versions of Cakewalk side by side. But trust me you don't want to be stuck way back there with the limitations of C9. Sonar 8.5 is the best there ever was and worth the time. Read , read, try try try, read read read,try try and come back and ask questions, A few of us die hard 8.5 er's are always around
post edited by Cactus Music - 2012/04/23 20:44:44