SONAR X question - please help with begginer

You should probably post your computer specs as well as your usage intent.
 
Pardon me for saying this, but buying a DAW to suit a set of plugins just seems backwards to me. I mean no insult, just being blunt.

Look at the version comparisons on the X3 product page. You should be able to make up your mind there. I would look at the features and choose a little more than what I want in case I would need additional items/features.

I am just trying to create epic instrumental orchestral music. I may occasionally do some pop or other genres. 
I basically just need a recording software that will be able to use East West VST because that's basically the sound platforms I will be using. As far as I heard I do not believe these VST's come with recording feature. I need something to put the various tracks together that works well with it. I am not quite sure what you mean by backwards. East West is probably the most amazing stuff I have seen out there as far as sounds to use go. Obviously if i'm basing myself on it I will need something that works well with it. I might go for the sonar x3 studio version. Middle never goes wrong.
Interface, probably a small one as i won't be putting more than one instrument or mic at a time, I heard it has to support ASIO.
I am not trying to go crazy but I obviously don't want to get things wrong since it's the first time I am attempting to build up something like this and I will keep it for a while that way.
I used to record off of Yamaha motif xs to cubase but I sold that out a while ago and I'm trying to up my creativity by doing things differently. More computer based.
 
I know I obliviously will have a lot to learn but I have to start somewhere and I don't mind the challenge.
 
I remember someone saying in a forum (unfortunately lost that page) all you need is those 4 things to use East West sound libraries:
Good pc
Compatible recording software
Midi interface compatible as well/
And Midi Keyboard controller.
 
 
My system is:
AMD phenom II 3.2ghz
16gb of memory ddr3 1066
800 gb of hard drive with 7800rpm
1gb graphics ATI Radeon Saphire for now I may upgrade that
Windows 7 Pro 64bit

paulo
It has been rumoured around these parts the X3 demo version is imminent (finally!) so you can always try before you buy.
Yes, you will need some kind of audio/midi interface - pc soundcards generally don't cut it for this sort of thing. Roland Duo or Quad capture will probably do everything you need it to, but there are many other options.  Obviously some kind of keyboard - many to choose from, really depends on your budget. I just use my Yamaha keyboard rather than a specific midi controller.  Your pc will be fine.
 
 

thank you Paulo.
 
 

mudgel
East West have a very large library of content. Do you have any specific ones in mind?

I don't think that East West is the best value.

I believe you would get better value from Native Instruments Komplete 9 or Komplete 9 Ultimate. I have both East West libraries Komplete Ultimate and there is a much wider range of sounds and fx available with NI. Just my thoughts.

He's looking to create orchestral music. So the strings in Komplete are not going to cut it, they're more for pop productions. Komplete is awesome value, but only if you're looking to buy a wide range of synths and effects. 

Thanks Everyone. NI is not out of my plans either. But yes I will be basing a lot on Orchestral.

Since you are doing mostly midi authoring, you certainly don't need the top tier version of Sonar.   All versions have basically the same midi capabilities.  
Sonar is one of the better midi sequencers out there, the only weakness is in notation.  That may not be an issue for you. 
I have used East West and I own Komplete 7.   Both work well with Sonar (in my experience).
 
To make epic instrumentals with these large sample sets, you will need to most powerful computer you can afford.
Best of luck.

Well, I'll skip the orchestra stuff since I know nothing about them.  However, all VSTs use the CPUs, memory and hard drives of your computer.  That is where you should put your money, esp. the hard drives if you are doing orchestral stuff.  The common hard drive configuration is 1 for the OS, a separate drive for recording audio, and if you have a large sample based synth like you'll use you should probably have another drive for that, esp. if it "streams" the audio.
 
You will need an audio interface, since onboard cards ain't made for recording or midi production.  And their reproduction is low quality.  there are too many units to choose from and there are plenty of threads.  Decide how much you can afford and get one.  Focusrite and Roland are common amonst the forum members and seem to work well, but all audio interfaces have the potential to be buggy depending upon your configuration.  Just be sure to get one that you can return easy, tho whatever you choose should work.  I'd go w/ USB today, since firewire is losing share amonst computers.  I'm happy w/ my TC Konnekt 48 and would advise a twin or 6, if you can use FW w/ the computer.  Not the greatest latency, but above average ADDA.  The Focusrite Forte seems to be entry level price for sound quality these days, although w/ in-the-box productions the conversion is not so important, exept for monitoring.
 
Sonar works fine for what you want to do, except for the scoring part.  Another thing I don't use, but I've been told it is weak.  If you plan on scoring, you need a different or get one of the scoring programs and use SONAR to mix, etc.
 
As far as midi keyboard - most use USB these days, more than have actual midi in/out.  Go to a store, if you can, to test the keyboard beds.  If you play, it is important to have one that feels right.
 
Get a well spec'd computer, an interface that works w/ it, and the rest is gravy.
 
@

BlixYZ
What is it you're trying to create?

With no disrespect, I fail to see how this qualifies as "Best Answer"