after about a month and a half with Sonar Platinum and COUNTLESS hours of learning, the gorgeousness of simple GOOD compressors and EQs finally hit me.
 
i have been starting each session with a clean slate. no templates, no plugins. 
i've been pretty ham-handed with VSTs simply to get an exaggerated feel for their effects.
 
taking the plunge with multi-track drum loops was a HUGE eye-opener. i've struggled with stereo loops for years.
 
i was using the Klanghelm free comp VST MJUC Jr.
 
http://klanghelm.com/contents/products/MJUCjr/MJUCjr.php
 
pretty nice. game changer for me.
 
which leads me to contemplating biting the bullet with high quality comps.
the Nomad BT plugins look pretty nice, BUT...
 
i have my eye on 3 possibilities:
 
1. stick with the Sonar Nomad series.
 
2. buy the Softube Mix Bundle for $329
 
3. buy the currently heavily discounted Waves CLA bundle.
 
what's the scoop on WUP? searches reveal VARIED opinions.
something to be concerned with regarding 3 simple compressor VSTs?
 
this is just for personal project stuff.
 

holy moly!
 
i was just digging through all the Nomad Blue Tube stuff.
 
VERY impressive array of tools.
 
functionally, the Nomad BT set is perfect.
 
my question is then more pointed, and subjective:
 
is it worth buying the Softube or Waves CLA from a quality angle?
 
i don't mean to start an age old "Them or Us" thread (thanks Frank) - just some calm reflection on where things are in 2016 with VST technology.
 
thanks in advance!
fred
 
 

You'll be fine with the tools in Sonar for now, including the Sonitus compressor. When you want to add specific coloration, like emulations of classic hardware, then you'll want to evaluate who makes the emulation you like the best.
 
Regards,
Dan

dcumpian
You'll be fine with the tools in Sonar for now, including the Sonitus compressor. When you want to add specific coloration, like emulations of classic hardware, then you'll want to evaluate who makes the emulation you like the best.
 
Regards,
Dan

 
i like that.
 
a lot.
 
more $$$ for multi track drum loops.
 
i am slowly finding all the great tools in Platinum.
 
most notably LP EQ.
 
goodness gracious. 
 
thanks!
 

Sure this is in the first place a question of personal taste,
which software compressor is "better."
The Splat onboard fx are really good.
The compressors you are pointing to like the softube, Waves ClA aso
are imo not so much better sounding. if the cakewalk tools are edited right.
The best quality compressors are imo, Cakewalk La2a ,Slate all I know of,
Waves SSl 4000( also the channel strip) and  others.
Have to mention the UAD stuff, which needs a big and expensive  "dongle."

I have a real liking for the Softube stuff myself.
but for a long time I used sonar plug ins exclusively and had pretty good results.
when I bought my first plug in bundle I was amazed at what they could do, but as time goes on I realize there are some real Gems that ship with sonar.
Channel tools
Sonitus bundle
the Quad curve EQ
vocal strip
percussion strip

Hi Chuck,
is your audio interface a saffire or a scarlett interface ?
I´m just curious .
regards and have a nice day

i have the Scarlett 18i8 as well.
 
great interface.
 
eeegad, i JUST found the Percussion Strip.
 
AND i just loaded the Showcase Drumloop FX template.
 
man, lots of hidden sweetness.
 
thanks!
fred

just checking out some shootouts.
 
noticeable difference (to me) with the Softube FET.
 
i know, i know... VST frenzy.
 
but good price for it at the moment.
 

Hey Chuck, have you discovered the secret to learning more about using the MCU with Sonar yet?
 
While in Sonar, go to the control bar and look for the Control Surface area.  Click the white square box which shows the properties of your MCU.  While there, press the F1 key on your keyboard and it will bring up the HELP windows just for the MCU and Sonar.   This will guide you though every button and Pan Pot control used on the MCU for controlling Sonar.  
 
Finding this years ago was a God sent as it told me everything I needed to know about using the MCU with Sonar.  Also since the Behringer BFC2000 was designed to work as a MCU, the same help file works for that as well.
 
Happy reading and I'm glad your became a MCU user.
 
Peace