Can anyone help me, how to export an AAC file from Sonar Platinum

Cakewalk External Encoder Config utility
 
Did you look in help how to config?
"To use the utility, start SONAR and go to Utilities > Cakewalk Ext Encoder Config, then specify the proper settings or the encoder you want to use."

sonar does not natively export AAC files. Cakewalk do however provide a tool that enables you to configure a 3rd party encoder that can be accessed in Sonar's export dialog.

You will need to find the AAC codec and files to install on your computer first, and then of course configure it for use.

It would be much easier if you were to just use google and find yourself a converter utility that can take an audio file and convert it to AAC. There are many free utilities available.

http://www.nch.com.au/swi...wjKtXguekZQRoCR6nw_wcB

Go to the bottom of the page on the right side, and look for the links to the Free version for windows.

OK I am giving up.
 
I have been trying to set up AAC export thru the external encoder config utility.
 
I screwed up my settings for Youtube export and Soundcloud Flac an WAV (deleted them to be precise).
 
Can anoyone copy/paste me these lines or make print sreens for me please.
 
Still no AAC export. I keep getting the "Warning: The external encoder returned an error code the file may not have encoded properly" box.
 
I have Nero AAC encoder copied in my shared utilities\Nero AAC codec\win32 folder. I have tried combitations of the following:
 
I have [keep wave file] and [modal encoder] checked an off on all conditions
 
1. neroaacenc.exe" -cbr 320000 -lc -if %s -of %d 
2. ""C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\Shared Utilities\Nero AAC codec\win32\neroaacenc.exe" -cbr 320000 -lc -if %s -of %d ""
3. neroaacenc.exe -cbr 320000 -lc -if %s -of %d 
4. neroaacenc.exe  -cbr 320000 -lc -if %s -of %d  %I=wav %O=mp4
5. neroaacenc.exe  %I=*.wav %O=*.mp4
 
I get the error often when using soundcloud a few times with mp3 export. So I have no idea the error is because of me doing the wrong thing or something wrong on my system.
 

I run my wav files through Audacity for conversion. It is very quick and I hadn't even thought of doing it in Sonar. But then I'm a noob.

I'll have a look at Sonars configure utility this evening and see if I can come up with a routine that allows you to add the codec so you can export direct from Sonar to AAC.

That'll be in a few hours my local time in Australia.

Hey Mike,
 
That sounds very promising. Just woke up. Going to check it out now. Wil post ASAP with my findings.
 
Did not know about the cakewalk content sample configs that might be thing I missed to get this working. [must not get to entheusiastic]
 
Thanks a lot :D

There are no examples I could find in the folder. The help file refers to the installations CD so I guess no luck. 
 
I just got Sonar to render a file (i guess .wav) before retuning an error. So You could say some progress :D
 
Still trying to get it to work.... Keep you posted.
 
If I get it setup, would it be a good idea to post a tutorial somewhere? I can imagine I am not the only one who would be content with the functionality.
 
Thanks again

Hi Mike,
 
Still no luck. The F1 help gets me very general help. Youre explanation summed it up.
 
Still trying all sort of combinations. with some luck I accidently find a working one:P.
 
Is there sombody else there who succesfully setup an external codec? Would you be able to help?
 
Riz 

OK. Our good friend scook has found a possible encoder candidate. Give me a bit of time and I'll see what I can come up with. here's the link. https://trac.ffmpeg.org/wiki/Encode/AAC
 

rezab
Hi,
 
Thank you very much Scooc :D
 
I got it setup and it worked imediatly, however after making the files and wanting to copy them I noticed large file sizes. Upon inspection I Noticed the files created are PCM files.
 
I tested rendering on:
16 bit 44.1 KHz
16 bit 48 KHz
24 bit 44.1 Khz
24 bit 48 KHz
 
All resulted in .M4A container created with a PCM (.wav) file in it.
 
I eventually tried unchecking the "keep source file option" check box. That did the trick.
 
Now I am one happy camper.
 
Is it possible to get a dialogue box to appear like with tyhe MP3 functionality to tag the files? 
 
Going to set up the deleted ones now :D. I will try to make sence of the instructions and the working config I got from you and try to ad the "ID3" tags.  
 
Is it an idea to post a HOW TO ENCODE TO AAC FROM SONAR manual or something, if so where? (In my perception I must not be the only one or this is going to change). Maybe even a Feature request?
 
Maybe worth noting; I ASSUMED when purchasing the MP3 codec option I was getting the fraunhofer codec (it doesn't say so any where tho, )  and also assumed the AAC functionality. It doen't say that I know But I didn't think we were paying for the free Lame codec. I understand now how it is.
 
Maybe we should ask the fraunhofer guys since were paying for the licence if we could use there codec.... 
 
If it wasn't for you guys I would have been wasting precious time ;).
 
 
Thanks a lot.
 
Riz

Glad scook was able to get it working for you. He's in his element doing that sort of stuff.
As for the help file I have it documented now and I'm sure scook does too. Cakewalk don't have anywhere for us to post fixes like this other than in the forum here.
When it comes to the MP3 codec, Cakewalk use Lame. The reason they charge is that if you distribute the lame encoder with commercial software it attracts a licensing fee which is paid on a per copy sold basis so Cakewalk charge for it.
Using the same External Config Utility you used for the AAC encoder you can creat an entry or multiple entries for lame. Doing this yourself circumvents the fee that's charged but it does take effort. At $10 I think most people just pay.

Again glad things are working out. Perhaps you can impose on scook to create a more elaborate command line that gives you more options.

I actually did some testing today and spent quite some time with scook PM back and forth and I installed Audacity 2.05 (doesn't seem to work with later versions-needs more testing) with an AAC encoder (very easily done by the way).
Having done that I setup Sonar's Utility menu to show Audacity allowing me to highlight a track in Sonar, select Audacity from within Sonar, the selected track passes over to Audacity and I have access to its many options for export including AAC at a variety of bitrates etc along with tagging and all. If you're interested I can give you all the files and instructions you need.

@Mike You didn't waste my time. I learned a few things. How neccecery they were the future will proof. I would love that code you mentioned, could I use it to us my own external program? (Wavelab) 
 
Or do you reccomend me to look in to Audacity?(also @charyg) 
 
I wish Sonar would have the functionality or option for that (Just cause I like the bakers) Thank you .
 
@ Craig, Thank I will keep that in mind. Actually it is this client that insists. The material is intended for Youtube. He insists that youtube recomends your own AAC encoding as it should provide better results. I could find proof to backup his claims but those could be subjective. I have used Ogg Vorbis files in one or to occasions.
 
I wasn't aware it was gaining populairity. In my circles (yes they appear to be small) the AAC codec is the way to go an bla bla...
 
I actually encounter AAC more then MP3. I use to ignore it as much as pssible as MP3 is just fine/perfect for my (sometimes lossy) needs. But now I got forced in to it. And I refused to believe my lousy time consuming workflow was the way to go.
 
Happy I decided to ask for assistance:)
 
I woudn't mind to pay for this option tho. Actually I wouldn't mind to pay for good quality codecs as addons for Sonar. Like The Fhg Codec (tool). Cause it would improve my efficienty and the price/competitiveness etc. etc....
 
A while ago you asked if it was interesting to get more mastering functionality in to Sonar. Most people think of it as A Xtra special limiter or something... But I agree. This exaple is one of the Mastering abilities Sonar would benefit from. (Like having kmeters on every track, just for the ease of use. Or how about EBU complient metering per track complete with short and long term options stereo, phase, bla bla. When the tools are available the benefints are going to be more obvious to the most people. 
 
I actually have AAC working on all my consumer devices, so I think it safe to assume pretty good compatibility. Ogg on the otherhand is only suported on Specific Smart devices or PC like devices. So I dunno how much of an alternative for MP3 or AAC. Is there something I missed?
 
@Scooc Thank you again. You saved hours of my time ;). I understand the need of the fee. I actually wished there was a fee I could pay to have the AAC codec export function. Or better yet include it at least in Platinum (cause its Platinum). 
 
Your solution did save me money. It actually got me fired up on the ideas/options. You could now use an external encoder to upload a song to youtube without it taking an "hour".. right? 
 
Ehem, As a certain forum member advised me; I would like to impose on you to create a more elaborate command line that gives me more options.... Please :) . Or is there no such thing and would I need it integrated in the encoder? if so wich encoder should I use for these purposes?
 
AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE EFFORT and copying and pasting your command line settings. I pledge to be a more helpfull forum member.
 
 
I am curious on all your opinions on this AAC. Is my case individual, or are you guys also seeing a shift towards AAC? I noticed smaller file sizes and same better quality. So all is good, right? 
 
And last but not least: Can anybody elaborate on Youtube a video containing AAC codec audio being better, as it not being have to be converted by the time efficient encoders of the big G?
 
Riz