Thanks Zargg. I read that but since the command center has the Mac thing I thought maybe it could be downloaded early.
 
So far, I really like Sonar Pro and I haven't had any glitches. One good thing is, I don't use a lot to tracks, so I'm hoping my Windows 10 laptop will handle it all just fine. On my home demos I never use over 12 tracks. Even when I'm playing with the pro demos on Pro Tools that I do in Nashville, they never use over 24 tracks.
 
One good thing for people like me is that the serious studio people have pushed Cakewalk to keep adding more and more tracks, and getting more and more efficient with CPU and other needed resources. So, the programs now can handle a lot of tracks and plugins for the more professional applications that have to be able and ready to really stretch out there. I can't foresee ever needing more than 24 tracks, and usually not over 12, for what i do.
 
The only thing I don't like is that they have these built in nag screens reminding you that you are using a trial and to buy it. That, and you can't really use it all since you can't save anything. i wish they would give full access for 30 days to really give it a work out. There's really no easy not to. If someone uses it for 30 days and really likes it, they will be used to it by then, not want to give it up, and more likely to buy it anyway.
 
I'll post more updates soon.
 
Thanks again for all the kind help.
 
JGP

I thought that the demos would allow you to save, and be able to use it to its fullest. Others may know better. The Mac version of CCC is due to Rapture Pro and Z3ta (+2) is dual platform (both mac and pc).
And IIRC SONAR could do unlimited tracks since SONAR 2 (around Y2K), when I started with with SONAR. 
All the best.

jan.ynske
Hey guys, don't try the psychological tricks on me. I started with Sonar Home 4XL, then upgraded to Sonar Home 7XL. Then I upgraded to Sonar X1 Studio followed by Sonar X1 Producer Extended. Finally I did the upgrade to Sonar X2 Producer. I can imagine that when you work daily with artists and in studios you want to be top of the bill. For me as a home recording old man (69) with only instrumentals and creating backing tracks for those instrumentals, it has everything I want, just like this guy JGP who placed this thread originally.
 
Of course it is tempting to upgrade with life time upgrades, but as I will have to skip X3 it will cost me a vast amount of money. However X2 also does not cost a monthly amount of money. Personally I do not like these kind of constructions with follow up payments.
X2 is also a kind of a life time setup. Although I will not get new functionality CW has the obligation to bring out updates when major operating problems occur (there was only one update so far the, X2a Patch). It works fine on the W10 platform (as does X1) and with the interfaces I use.
 
Finally, I also have Cubase 8LE and I can tell you that IMO Cakewalk is much more intuitive.

It would cost you what $160? To upgrade for Lifetime updates from X2 producer...pretty sure that is right if you order from AudioDeluxe.com
 
There are a lot of added goodies for an instrumental music creator in Plat vs X2, and while X2 works now, who know what a future update holds with compatibility.  X3 was certainly better than X2, and Plat so far for me is another step up.
 
Have you looked at the tempo mapping, so you don't have to play to a click track...you create the tempo you see fit?  Stuff like that is pretty cool compared to X2.  

Thanks again Zargg.  The only thing I can't figure out is how to adjust the volume or level in the edit view. It will show the value as a number, and the range is wide in my experience. How do you raise and lower that?

In case no one mentioned it already, the "TRY SONAR" button is for the DEMOs. There's a DEMO for each of the 3 versions so you can try them all. Just go here.
 
"SONAR demo versions include all essential SONAR functions with no time limit, but won't allow you to export or save projects. Additional instruments, effects, and content will be included in the paid versions once you purchase. All demo versions will include monthly updates (just like the paid versions) so you can try out the latest updates as soon as they are available."

It's on the previous page, but whoever said the DAW deal of the decade...or no brainer of all no brainers....is to buy Platinum and get free upgrades for life.
 
1. Are there any catches to that? IF we're all fortunate enough to live another 50 years I'll still be getting all the free updates, upgrades, and new versions of Sonar. Even if they change the name from Platinum to something else. Even if the company is sold. No matter what, I'll always be able to get the latest, most advanced version of what we now know as SONAR. Even if I go inactive in recording for ten years, and come back, I can download the latest and jump back in the game.
 
2. We still get two downloads; one for our laptop, and one for our desk top. Or two for whatever variation of that we choose.
 
Anything else I need to know?
 
I started with SONAR back around 2007. I've bought practically all of the new versions up to X2. If I can always get the latest version of the top of the line SONAR (in this case, currently PLATINUM) for life, then I can't imagine why everyone doesn't get that.
 
I hope this is as good as the ZZ Top deal. Some of you older fans may remember when they came out with the lifetime membership for $100. TWO free tickets and TWO backstage passes for each tour, plus all kinds of swag and goodies, for life. I was one of the first. After about $1,000 worth of free stuff and countless passes over 20+ years I just quit asking out of guilt. I told BFG they had done enough and I was on my own after that. Yet, he still made offers from time to time. Point being, my only other purchase of a lifetime of anything was a dream. I'm getting pumped about the same thing from SONAR.
 
I'm downloading the trial of PLATINUM now. If my laptop can handle it, I'm all in on this deal. We'll know pretty soon and I'll keep you posted.
 
Thanks for the suggestion and other great tips here.
 
JGP

Yes for 1 and 2. This is the intention of CW.  However no one can know what the future will bring. One fact is unavoidable and that is if you don't get the lifetime upgrade you will have to buy the program each year.  

John
One fact is unavoidable and that is if you don't get the lifetime upgrade you will have to buy the program each year.  

Once purchased there is no requirement to pay any more to use SONAR. A SONAR license does not expire.

scook

John
One fact is unavoidable and that is if you don't get the lifetime upgrade you will have to buy the program each year.  

Once purchased there is no requirement to pay any more to use SONAR. A SONAR license does not expire.

Yes but thats not what I am referring to. I'm talking about upgrades.   

JustGotPaid
Thanks again Zargg.  The only thing I can't figure out is how to adjust the volume or level in the edit view. It will show the value as a number, and the range is wide in my experience. How do you raise and lower that?

Which edit view are you talking about? Track view, Console view, Piano Roll view etc?
Could you post a screenshot?
All the best.