Hello I am a long time Sonar user (Since Pro Audio 9!) but not for many years. I have Sonar (I.e. the first version, not X1 and not the "current" version which is obviously just called Sonar again, albeit "Artist", "Professional" and "Platinum")
 
Also currently have
Win 7(64bit) Desktop PC
I had a 3 in 3 out ISA midi interface which now I can't plug in to my PC
I have bought one USB single midi in/out which seems to work ok but it was very cheap off ebay!
I have 5 keyboard/sound modules, some multi timbral hence need for at least one more midi in/out on my audio interface.
No other devices need to be recorded except 1 vocal mic.
I also have a 12 Channel Mackie 1202VLZ mixer to help getting synths in to the PC!
 
So need advice on which audio interface I need (Currently on just on board audio) and which version of Sonar to purchase/upgrade to.
 
Firstly, I assume the version of Sonar I have won't work under W7 (I think I tried and failed!) and of course, it is quite old now!
 
I currently have installed a trial version of X2 Producer to try and get a handle on the new versions and try and figure out how much functionallity I need.
 
Anyway, I have registered an account on Cakewalk website to see the "upgrade" prices
Artist is £39, Professional is £118 and Platinum is too expensive for me to contemplate!
 
The issue is clouded by the fact that certain stores (Music Matter for example) sell an upgrade to Professional from "Any Sonar" for £59. Why is this cheaper? Do I not qualify for some reason?
They also do a package with a Tascam US-2x2 and Professional Upgrade from LE for £140 or a US-4x4 for £203.
I assume that's all completely fine as the Sonar LE comes with the Tascam anyway?!
 
Audio interface wise i am also considering the Behringer UMC404HD which with the MusicMatter Professional upgrade would be about £160.
 
Now pretty confused and would love some advice on which way to go!
 
Cheers, sorry for long and rambling post
 
Liam.

Hi, and welcome to this forum.
I think you will be more content / pleased with the Tascam AI versus the Behringer AI.
Tascam (I have read) has good drivers and converters, which is a plus. I do not know about the Behringer.
The reason for the price difference, I do not know. Others may chime in to elaborate / explain.
All the best.
Edit: The new versions of SONAR is way ahead of the old ones. Why not demo the new line of products?

Yes, Win 7 64-bit is still a viable O.S.  Many users here still on it.
 
You should have at least 4GB of ram (but more is better).
 
Agree with Ken on Tascam over Behringer.  Can't comment on prices, except to say it's not unusual to find cheaper prices from 3rd party stores over any manufacturer's website.  Best to contact the retailer with any specific questions.

Well with Windows 7, you still have time to take advantage of upgrading to Windows 10 for free,  Download the media creation tool for Windows 10 and upgrade to Windows 10.
https://www.microsoft.com...are-download/windows10
 
You can always get more RAM later if your motherboard can accept additional RAM.

Hey, thanks for the replies!
Yes, I have tried a demo of the new versions: I have a demo of X2 that I am trying at the moment!
I know even that's quite old now but I downloaded it a while ago now and used a few times so i don't want to change again without the benifit of a manual!
However, that reminds me; it seems Sonar doesn't come with a manual any more?
Interesting that people seem to favour the Tascam over the Behringer - I've been impressed by the Midas desks I've used in the past so wonder why this might be?
Also considering the Steinberg UR22 and the Focusrite 2i4
I think I'll be staying with win7 for the time being, don't wish to change to 10 unless I have to!
But I do have 16Gb Ram and an i5 processor so I assume that part of it shouldn't be a problem.
I have sent an email to the retailer to check on their various options!
Anyone with any hard facts over the differences in AIs or direct experience in the ones I've shortlisted would be most welcome!
 
Cheers, Liam.

After days and days of research, I finally decided on the NI Komplete 6. Not having used the Tascam or Behringer audio interfaces, I can't make a direct comparison. But, the Komplete is excellent. No driver issues and an acceptable latency of around 8ms. I have and do use lots of Behringer products like mixers and the BCF2000. They are good for the price.

Upgrade prices at the Cakewalk store are based on the products registered in your account. If SONAR is not listed in your account, the price at the Cakewalk store will be wrong. To get your account corrected see http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3148924
 
Documentation for recent versions of Cakewalk DAWs is here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation/Home

As you can see in my sig, I have a Tascam US-16x08. In the US, it lists for $50 more than the US-4x4.
 
When I was replacing my AI a little over a year ago, I picked the new Tascam platform for several reasons: mic preamps, build quality, and that Tascam committed to developing and supporting drivers for it in-house.
 
I was waiting for the US-4x4 to go on sale, when Musician's Friend put the US-16x08 on a Stupid Deal of the Day for $200. I bought one immediately, even though I didn't think I'd need all of that extra i/o. Now that I have it, and have used it for a year, I can honestly say that I'd pay regular street price for it, it's that good of a product.
 
The US-16x08 has a DSP, while the 2x2 and 4x4 do not. If no USB is detected on power-up, it defaults to an 8 mic preamp, directly feeding the 8 mic inputs to the 8 line outputs.
 
Full disclosure, it took Tascam about 30 days after the release of Win10 to get the drivers updated. Now in version 1.04, the 16x08 is so solid, I've disabled my internal soundcard and use the AI for all Windows sounds (yeah, there are some limitations to that, but I've got workarounds).
 
I was an engineer by training and wound up designing solar-powered controllers for the oil company I worked for, and am proud to say that not one of my devices was ever responsible for a blow-up or a spill. So, I knew a thing or three about hardware and software.
 
After a year's use, I still love the US-16x08 and consider it one of my best purchases (after SONAR, of course ).

Thanks for that.
Just to confirm, I definitely do have my copy of Sonar registered; in fact its listed twice under my account as it seems I registered it last week as well as in 2005! I guess the loyalty value of Sonar v1 is pretty minimal. Waiting for retailers to get back to me.
Interesting that the Tascam is recommended so much - I'd been a bit wary as I'd heard of some driver issues - although that seems to apply to all AIs; someone somewhere has issues!
I'd leaned towards the Behringer as it is so much cheaper as well as 4 inputs. Haven't actually heard anyone who has got one say they wished they hadn't!
Got an X2 guide book on the way so hopefully using soft synths and the like will make a bit more sense!
Here in the UK the NI audio 6 (£180) and 1608 (£230) are too expensive for me; spending that much I'd lean towards the Steinberg UR44 or the Focusrite 6i6 (But again there's always someone who has issues!)

liamjf
Interesting that the Tascam is recommended so much - I'd been a bit wary as I'd heard of some driver issues - although that seems to apply to all AIs; someone somewhere has issues!

TASCAM did have driver problems in the past. However they figured they better improve their drivers, so they have in the more recent products. I use the TASCAM US-20x20 and love it because it's USB 3.0, which offers better performance than USB 2.0, and has really good mic pres.