Complete Newbie

Author
Ian1957
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 13
  • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
  • Location: Cocoa,Fl
  • Status: offline
2015/05/29 19:09:50 (permalink)

Complete Newbie

I recently got Sonar Artist on a monthly subscription from Steam. Can I still register it here?
And secondly and most importantly I need help with the software. 
I did use apple's Garage band a while back. I was hoping I could use this in a similar way. (I do not play any instruments, I have been told on very many occasions I can not sing) I want to use pre made stuff I can either get free or pay for, to compose instrumental type tracks. So I need some help in finding tutorials that will help me do this.
Or have I got the wrong software? As I said earlier I have a monthly subscription so I will only be one months subscription down. Should I need to cancel.
Cheers
Ian
#1

28 Replies Related Threads

    kevinwal
    Max Output Level: -69 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 1066
    • Joined: 2007/07/27 19:07:43
    • Location: Rogers, AR
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/29 19:39:55 (permalink)
    Ian1957
    I recently got Sonar Artist on a monthly subscription from Steam. Can I still register it here?
    And secondly and most importantly I need help with the software. 
    I did use apple's Garage band a while back. I was hoping I could use this in a similar way. (I do not play any instruments, I have been told on very many occasions I can not sing) I want to use pre made stuff I can either get free or pay for, to compose instrumental type tracks. So I need some help in finding tutorials that will help me do this.
    Or have I got the wrong software? As I said earlier I have a monthly subscription so I will only be one months subscription down. Should I need to cancel.
    Cheers
    Ian


     
    Welcome!
     
    I'd start here:

    http://www.cakewalk.com/CakeTV/SONAR-University
     
    Lots of people use the midi editor and the notation editor to compose instrumentals, that might be a good place to start. I mostly record audio so I'm not as up to speed on all of the details on how to do what you want, but I still do many bass and drum tracks using midi and virtual instruments.
    #2
    Zargg
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10666
    • Joined: 2014/09/28 04:20:14
    • Location: Norway
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 05:10:29 (permalink)
    SONAR comes lots of MIDI and audio loops / one hits. You can preview both MIDI and audio clips from the browser (B). You will need a VSTi (soft synth) to be able to preview MIDI from. In this example I used Rapture. In the browser view, you will see Media, Plugins and Synth tabs. Click on Synth, and click on the "menu arrow". Choose which Synth you would like to start with. Click on the preset menu on the Synth, and choose preset.
    https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9f3ad2706eba5d86!1311&authkey=!ALyPghbA8rGAjOU&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg
    You can also choose which output you would like to preview it.
    https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=9f3ad2706eba5d86!1298&authkey=!AE8ASTy0fPIgQVc&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg
    Best of luck.

    Ken Nilsen
    Zargg
    BBZ
    Win 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII
    Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
     
    #3
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 05:19:01 (permalink)
    Sonar has a number of tutorials available to help you get to grips with the basics.

    Open Sonar, Press F1. The a help file should open on the tutorial page. Select the tutorial in which you're interested.

    Here's a link to the online help. http://www.cakewalk.com/D...ge=3&help=toc.html

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #4
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 07:00:41 (permalink)
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.

    Tom
    #5
    kevmsmith81
    Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 259
    • Joined: 2015/04/24 16:13:01
    • Location: Winchester, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 07:31:05 (permalink)
    TPayton
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.




    Or given the price of Mixcraft, maybe Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 might get the job done? 
    #6
    Zargg
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 10666
    • Joined: 2014/09/28 04:20:14
    • Location: Norway
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 12:00:49 (permalink)
    mudgel
    Sonar has a number of tutorials available to help you get to grips with the basics.

    Open Sonar, Press F1. The a help file should open on the tutorial page. Select the tutorial in which you're interested.

    Here's a link to the online help. http://www.cakewalk.com/D...ge=3&help=toc.html

    I always seem to skip the first step. Sorry for that.

    Ken Nilsen
    Zargg
    BBZ
    Win 10 Pro X64, Cakewalk by Bandlab, SPlat X64, AMD AM3+ fx-8320, 16Gb RAM, RME Ucx (+ ARC), Tascam FW 1884, M-Audio Keystation 61es, *AKAI MPK Pro 25, *Softube Console1, Alesis DM6 USB, Maschine MkII
    Laptop setup: Win 10 X64, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb RAM, 320gb 7200 RPM HD, Focusrite Solo, + *
     
    #7
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 13:10:08 (permalink)
    Perhaps 
    kevmsmith81
    TPayton
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.




    Or given the price of Mixcraft, maybe Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 might get the job done? 


    Perhaps MC too. I realize it's heresy to recommend another software on this forum.
    kevmsmith81
    TPayton
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.




    Or given the price of Mixcraft, maybe Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 might get the job done? 




    Perhaps Music Creator too.
     
    I realize it's heresy to recommend non-Cakewalk software on this forum. :) But it's a sincere effort to help the guy out. Sonar is great, but isn't for everyone.

    Tom
    #8
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 13:10:08 (permalink)
    Perhaps 
    kevmsmith81
    TPayton
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.




    Or given the price of Mixcraft, maybe Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 might get the job done? 


    Perhaps MC too. I realize it's heresy to recommend another software on this forum.
    kevmsmith81
    TPayton
    I use Sonar, and grow to love it more all the time.
     
    But for your specific situation, and for ease of use for your stated goals, I suggest that you look into Acoustica Mixcraft 7.  It is sometimes referred to as "garage band for windows". It is much easier to use for a "newbie" than Sonar, and is ideal to do exactly what you are looking for.




    Or given the price of Mixcraft, maybe Cakewalk's Music Creator 7 might get the job done? 




    Perhaps Music Creator too.
     
    I realize it's heresy to recommend non-Cakewalk software on this forum. :) But it's a sincere effort to help the guy out. Sonar is great, but isn't for everyone.

    Tom
    #9
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 13:10:09 (permalink)
    oops! Double post. Internet acting up on my end.
    post edited by TPayton - 2015/05/30 13:21:14

    Tom
    #10
    kevmsmith81
    Max Output Level: -85 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 259
    • Joined: 2015/04/24 16:13:01
    • Location: Winchester, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 15:13:18 (permalink)
    Another option if he is just working with loops and has his own loops to use is Studio One Free from PreSonus.  It's what I used before Sonar, but I moved to Sonar as I wanted more features and Sonar was more affordable than the version of Studio One I would have gone for.
    post edited by kevmsmith81 - 2015/05/30 15:21:30
    #11
    charlyg
    Max Output Level: -72 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 950
    • Joined: 2015/02/27 22:10:47
    • Location: West Hills, CA
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 15:49:37 (permalink)
    I've been around cakewalk for years, and finally 2 months ago, I got started on actually found something. I use drum loops, and play the bass. John writes the tunes, sings, and plays rhythm and lead guitar. I am just starting to get some chops with the help of the 2 newest Groove 3 videos. The biggest thing for me is staying organized. I need to really pay attention and take copious notes. By that I mean set markers, be over explanatory, etc. I sometimes can remember the bottom line, but the info I need was in the line before that I DIDN'T WRITE DOWN!
     
    Some of my favorite reading has always been the inside info on a recording session. If folks like Carol Kaye hadn't taken notes, there would be more controversy on who played on what than there is now.

     
     
    #12
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 18:20:02 (permalink)
    kevmsmith81
    Another option if he is just working with loops and has his own loops to use is Studio One Free from PreSonus.  It's what I used before Sonar, but I moved to Sonar as I wanted more features and Sonar was more affordable than the version of Studio One I would have gone for.


    Free is ALWAYS good! Definitely worth a look. But the cool thing about Mixcraft is that it is just plain easy to use.

    Tom
    #13
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 18:22:29 (permalink)
    Ian1957,
    Make sure to let us know how you make out. And don't forget to take advantage of free software trials where possible.

    Tom
    #14
    Ian1957
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13
    • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
    • Location: Cocoa,Fl
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/30 23:22:26 (permalink)
    For the moment I have cancelled my monthly subscription to Sonar Artist.
    I have downloaded a trial run for Mixcraft 7. Thanks for the heads up TPayton
    Initial thoughts are, this may be the right one for me. 
    Thank you all for your replies. If you have anymore suggestions I would welcome them.
    Cheers
    Ian 
    #15
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 09:50:59 (permalink)
    What none of the guys mentioned is that this forum is worth a considerable amount in time and resources.

    For a newbie in software and music at the same time you're going to need a hand. Even the seasoned pros come across problems and I don't mean software ones, I mean techniques or processes for accomplishing a task.

    It's not heresy to talk about other software but considering its Cakewalks forum and they pay for it and this is the Sonar forum it might be worth thinking about whether it's a really an ethical thing to do.

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #16
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 16:49:57 (permalink)
    Well......... No ethics violation intended. Just one music guy trying to help another. I have used Cakewalk products for nearly 20 years.
     
     I also wrote in another thread about my trial of Mixcraft, and how I ultimately settled on Sonar as my DAW of choice. And I detailed the advantages and disadvantages of each, and why I chose Sonar over Mixcraft. Anderton even replied in that one and said Mixcraft was good for what it does, but of course Sonar is more comprehensive and powerful. Which is true.
     
    If I ran across someone on the Mixcraft forum who was seeking a deeper feature set for their DAW I would certainly point them toward Sonar. 
     
    So bottom line, I thought Mixcraft sounded like a perfect fit for Ian based on his stated goals, and as he is someone who does not play instruments and is new to DAWs.
     
    All in all, I think my post was far less detrimental to Cakewalk than some of the downright nasty and even personal  attacks some malcontents direct toward the Bakers. Just trying to tell it as it is.
     
    With malice toward none....  

    Tom
    #17
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 17:31:20 (permalink)
    we often talk about other products on the forum and no one is forced to be a Cakewalk evangelist nor am I trying to be one. I only expressing my opinion.
    A lot of folks come here, newbies that have all sorts of problems getting things going. What would happen if we suggested to all of them to get Mixcraft because it's easy to get into.

    Cakewalk have products like Music Creator 7, that cater to folks like our original poster Ian. And like I said before, the back up of this forum is an invaluable resource that isn't available elsewhere. I own and use many DAWs (from before I retired) and I can tell you there's not the support on their forums that you get here.

    To me it's just worth thinking about. All the best.

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #18
    Ian1957
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13
    • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
    • Location: Cocoa,Fl
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 21:45:51 (permalink)
    Is there a demo version of Music creator 7? So I can be sure it is what I need. At the moment I cannot find one.
    Cheers
    Ian
    #19
    scook
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 24146
    • Joined: 2005/07/27 13:43:57
    • Location: TX
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 21:49:08 (permalink)
    Currently, there are no trial versions of Cakewalk DAWs. I am pretty sure there has never been a trial version of Music Creator. In the past Cakewalk has provided trial versions of SONAR Producer.
    #20
    Ian1957
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13
    • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
    • Location: Cocoa,Fl
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 22:03:54 (permalink)
    Ignore above. I have just got Music Creator for $19.95. so I have taken the plunge. I think I may be back with questions...LoL
    Cheers
    Ian
     
    #21
    scook
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 24146
    • Joined: 2005/07/27 13:43:57
    • Location: TX
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 22:07:23 (permalink)
    I believe that is why there is no demo for MC.
    There is an area dedicated to Music Creator http://forum.cakewalk.com/Music-Creator-f71.aspx 
    #22
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/05/31 23:36:30 (permalink)
    Ian1957
    Ignore above. I have just got Music Creator for $19.95. so I have taken the plunge. I think I may be back with questions...LoL
    Cheers
    Ian
     

    What made you come back? Thought you were off to demo Mixcraft?

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #23
    Larry Jones
    Max Output Level: -74 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 834
    • Joined: 2007/10/11 02:45:33
    • Location: Southern California
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 02:16:33 (permalink)
    mudgel
    It's not heresy to talk about other software but considering its Cakewalks forum and they pay for it and this is the Sonar forum it might be worth thinking about whether it's a really an ethical thing to do.

    The original poster said he does not play an instrument or sing, and his only experience with any kind of a DAW was Garage Band (which isn't even really a DAW). Given that information I think it would be unethical not to point him to something far simpler to learn and use than Sonar.
     
    That said, Ian1957, I applaud your move to Music Creator. It may be a challenge, but I'm sure you'll be able to get all the help you need in these forums. Welcome!

    SONAR Platinum 2017.10 • CbB  Win10 • i7/2600 • 16GB RAM • Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 • NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS
    #24
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 02:30:51 (permalink)
    Larry Jones
    mudgel
    It's not heresy to talk about other software but considering its Cakewalks forum and they pay for it and this is the Sonar forum it might be worth thinking about whether it's a really an ethical thing to do.

    The original poster said he does not play an instrument or sing, and his only experience with any kind of a DAW was Garage Band (which isn't even really a DAW). Given that information I think it would be unethical not to point him to something far simpler to learn and use than Sonar.
     
    That said, Ian1957, I applaud your move to Music Creator. It may be a challenge, but I'm sure you'll be able to get all the help you need in these forums. Welcome!

    That's why I mentioned it in post #18

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #25
    Ian1957
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13
    • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
    • Location: Cocoa,Fl
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 07:02:34 (permalink)
    mudgel
    Ian1957
    Ignore above. I have just got Music Creator for $19.95. so I have taken the plunge. I think I may be back with questions...LoL
    Cheers
    Ian
     

    What made you come back? Thought you were off to demo Mixcraft?

    I did play with mixcraft for a while . Not long I know. But when I saw the offer  to buy Music Creator for the price of $19 I thought it was too good a deal to pass on. 
    #26
    mudgel
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 12010
    • Joined: 2004/08/13 00:56:05
    • Location: Linton Victoria (Near Ballarat)
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 10:30:48 (permalink)
    Glad you're back. Enjoy your music making. Don't forget there's a specific Music Creator forum for getting your questions answered.

    Mike V. (MUDGEL)

    STUDIO: Win 10 Pro x64, SPlat & CbB x64,
    PC: ASUS Z370-A, INTEL i7 8700k, 32GIG DDR4 2400, OC 4.7Ghz.
    Storage: 7 TB SATA III, 750GiG SSD & Samsung 500 Gig 960 EVO NVMe M.2.
    Monitors: Adam A7X, JBL 10” Sub.
    Audio I/O & DSP Server: DIGIGRID IOS & IOX.
    Screen: Raven MTi + 43" HD 4K TV Monitor.
    Keyboard Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88.
    #27
    TPayton
    Max Output Level: -87 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 178
    • Joined: 2014/09/26 11:23:12
    • Location: Indiana
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 18:00:31 (permalink)
    Ian,
    Glad you got a good deal on some software that will do the job. That's a great deal for $19.95 Happy music making!
     

    Tom
    #28
    Ian1957
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13
    • Joined: 2015/05/28 13:13:26
    • Location: Cocoa,Fl
    • Status: offline
    Re: Complete Newbie 2015/06/01 20:39:47 (permalink)
    Thanks.
    #29
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1