Teach me something new about X1 for the next 30 days

All of us newbies like Beepster and I would like to learn as much as we can about Sonar X1 which we chose as our main DAW to make our music. Some of us don't like reading the manual or don't have time to sit around and watch the videos. The forum seems to be a great place to learn. So for the folks here who know their X1 and would like to teach us something about X1 - this is your chance to hold your class through this thread. Anyone can contribute of course, even if you just post one thing about X1. Fastbikerboy could teach us what Screensets is all about in example. So for the next 30 days, lets get as much knowledge crammed into this thread.

Pop some corn, crack beer, watch YouTube vids.   Shocking amount of info.   


I just learned that  "always echo current midi track" on the MIDI -> Playback & Recording -> Playback section will be spontaneously unchecked by gremlins and drive you (well, me) crazy wondering wtf has gone wrong .

Some of us don't like reading the manual or don't have time to sit around and watch the videos.

 
I would also add that you should search the forum instead of writing something that says "I'm too lazy to work for it so you should just bring it to me!" 
 
FastBikerBoy has some awesome tutorial vids - YouTube him and you will get a bunch of info fast. You have as much time to read the manual as you do to read the forum.
 
You have time. Take the time!
 
Brian

If you don't wish to take the time, I guess you should have saved your money and grabbed up a ripped version of Cool Edit Pro. 

Just remember Adobe's Audition is only a spruced up version of Cool Edit and doesn't do midi. They claim it's only an editor, not a full blown music production program...go figure that one out.

Thanks for writing it !! I've read a good part of it but mainly use it for reference. It comes in very handy !! I'm hoping to get back to reading more of now that I have Producer.

Stone House Studios

 

You have time. Take the time!
 
Brian

As the Meravingian says....How can you ever HAVE time if you do not TAKE time???

I'm definitely not a "noob" to Cakewalk.  It's been my DAW since Pro Audio 6, and I even used the original Cakewalk for DOS back in the day.   You could say I know a bit about Sonar and DAW recording in general.  BUT...my last version before X1 was Sonar 4 PE.  The basics are generally the same, but there are tons of new features and changes, some subtle and others not-so-subtle.  Since I also added the VS-700 (I'm a lucky girl) there's even more to learn.  So in some ways, I feel like a noob all over again.
 
As I work, every time I run into something that slows me down, or outright baffles me, I jot it down for later reference.  Because I know Sonar so well, I can usually figure out how to do what I want to do with a little experimentation, even though I'm sure there must be a better way.  Over time, I'll learn the little tricks and "gotchas" and my workflow will gradually increase.  When I'm totally stumped, I post here.  If it seems like a bug or setup issue, I'll contact tech support, too. 
 
The first thing I did when I finally got my new system up and running with X1 and all the extras, was start a new test project just for practice.  Throw in some softsynths, add loops, lay down a few guitar tracks, play with all the plug-ins, the ProChannel, etc.  The Help feature is very comprehensive and I can often find what I need there.  If that fails, I search this forum. 
 
One thing, I never got a paper manual (I did get an electronic one) and I REALLY miss it.  I thought I'd get a whole box set when I ordered the extra disks to accompany the downloads, but I did not.  Of course the same info is in the PDF but it's a pain to read, IMHO (gotta get an iPad or Kindle).   I do plan to order Scott's book when I get a chance.   I've owned past versions of Sonar Power and they've been very useful. 
 
Most of the workflow in X1 is streamlined compared to past versions...but there are certain things that throw me off.  Little things, usually, but they take time to get used to.   Overall, I'm VERY happy with X1 and look forward to learning all the little ins and outs of the new interface. 
 
 

I suggest starting with an easy project, like a 12-bar blues and as you run into questions, refer to the Help Menu or manual or this forum. 

I'm a noob and totally agree that to just do a simple project and work thru the blockages as they occur.
I started by collecting a mass of resources.
Links to vids, clips of good advice etc stored in a "My Music folder" and intended for reading later, but very soon found I had way more than I'd ever read and would tend to forget I had them when I needed them.
1. KISS and do it ,do it, do it works for me and gives the most satisfaction bang for the buck and sets a permanent memory.
2. As you run into each block, patience is a must or you might go mad with frustration.
3. Respect for the forum folks' valuable time is essential.
4. Power X1 is worth reading right thru to start (Mine is full of post it note tabs) because that implants the seeds of potential and when you hit a wall you will remember there was "something" on that in it.

We live in a "We do it all for you" world that tell us we can have instant gratification but time and hard work will never go out of style and is still the only road to professionalism.

Yeah... I've been thinking about it a lot since last night and I think I will do it. I find writing things down, even if I don't end up going back to review the info, really helps me retain information. Kind of like why they forced you to take notes in class as a kid. It's more about making sure the info is ACTUALLY passing through your brain than having hard copies to review. Also if I were just making notes for myself they'd probably be a little scattered, truncated or filled with gaps. By typing it up for the forum I'd be more thorough and articulate. Plus it's interesting chatting with you guys and seeing various users opinions on stuff. If it helped someone down the road... well that would just make me super happy. Love helping out whenever I can. For now though I have to sort out what's wrong with my monitors. Urgh...

@strikingly handsome... actually that's not really true (depending on the exchange rate). Buying the Cakewalk stuff retail here is the same in CAD as it is in USD. I picked up the Suite for $500 and that seems to be what it sells for in the US. So, again depending on the exchange rate, it might actually be cheaper for Canuckians. Not sure about Europe though.

So the first "new" thing that skylightron learned about X1 is it can be cheaper in Canada.

Well done.

I believe you yanks create a bastardized version called "disco fries". This is unacceptable.