Up to you if you want to learn Sonar or not. It would be probably be of huge benefit to you.. But then I'm not 'you'.

Most of us haven't learned this product or other DAWs to get poor results. Sonar can be regarded as an emulation of a standard recording studio... If you don't want to get into this then get a tape recorder.

The analagy is .. If you decided to buy and fly a fighter jet would you expect be able to fly it straight away? Answer is yes... If you read the manual... You probably could take off first time, but after that you will probably crash it without training yourself up.

If you set aside 6 to 12 hours of your life you will benefit. If you are prepared, if you aren't then you arent, stay where you are... Do not pass go..... Are you prepared to learn a skillset or not?

There are free YouTube vids available, but I strongly recommend a groove3 subscription. Black Friday coming up. Nobody has to do anything of course that's your bag!

Cheers.

SWA have uploaded the "Sonar X2 Complete" series to youtube.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR1DLE2UIfM&list=PLKRYWdEpbc5PgUgvrNuSvVyfv5qkll0qj
 
This is the reference I use to get a quick refresher on pretty much everything in Sonar (and BOUGHT from the Cake store).
 
IMO... this series blows the Groove3 ones out of the water (but the groove3 ones are helpful, particularly the Eli Kransberg ones). Even though it's a couple versions old almost everything is done the same way (except for Comping).
 
Now you have what you need to figure it all out. Only thing that can stop you now is you.
 
Enjoy.

Beepster, Thanks for the link.  I'll check it out.  
 
Doktor, to be clear, Cakewalk PA9 was the old 'Sonar'.  It did everything I needed and was a recording studio.  So the tape recorder reference is not apt.   
 
My 2002 Dell crashed and I was forced to upgrade everything. 
The  Delta 1010 soundcard was no longer supported by Windows 10 and I wasn't sure if PA9 would still work with a new computer, etc.   It was probably time. 
 
I have spent 6 - 12 hours.  As for the fighter jet analogy, so climbing in the cockpit for 6 - 12 hours and going for it with a groove3 video tutorial is the way to go?  I'll read a good manual first before even going to the hangar. 
 
These days I need to find youtube links, tutorials, etc.  Only needed one book to get going before.
 
Right now I just need basic recording, and mixing.  All of the advanced editing, bells and whistles I don't need. - I can score a drum part and  play the guitar and bass.

 
 

AnthonyMangos
Beepster, Thanks for the link.  I'll check it out.  
 
Doktor, to be clear, Cakewalk PA9 was the old 'Sonar'.  It did everything I needed and was a recording studio.  So the tape recorder reference is not apt.   
 
My 2002 Dell crashed and I was forced to upgrade everything. 
The  Delta 1010 soundcard was no longer supported by Windows 10 and I wasn't sure if PA9 would still work with a new computer, etc.   It was probably time. 
 
I have spent 6 - 12 hours.  As for the fighter jet analogy, so climbing in the cockpit for 6 - 12 hours and going for it with a groove3 video tutorial is the way to go?  I'll read a good manual first before even going to the hangar. 
 
These days I need to find youtube links, tutorials, etc.  Only needed one book to get going before.
 
Right now I just need basic recording, and mixing.  All of the advanced editing, bells and whistles I don't need. - I can score a drum part and  play the guitar and bass.

If you want one book that'll get you started:
 
http://www.amazon.com/SONAR-X3-Power-Comprehensive-Guide/dp/1305090195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447939538&sr=8-1&keywords=sonar+power
 
It's for X3, not the latest version, but the things you are struggling with will be laid out for you.
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Anthony,
Just wanted to jump in and let you know that the 1010 does work in win10. I was a little surprised but did the upgrade to see if I needed a new interface. Win 10 took it and ran. That I can verify. Stick with it my man. Baby steps and it will get easier and easier.
 

@Anthony. Fair enough, you still have to learn it or not. Up to you if you want to or not. It's going to be harder and more time consuming for you in the long run though to search around and pick and choose the features you think you need (if you can find them), rather than go through a course sequentially. Take it from me... First year I scratched around the surface myself... Wasted a lot of time. Same boat as you (used other DAWs). You are still going to need to learn a new product... Or just don't.. Your choice..


Cheers.

AnthonyMangos
Beepster, Thanks for the link.  I'll check it out.  
 
Doktor, to be clear, Cakewalk PA9 was the old 'Sonar'.  It did everything I needed and was a recording studio.  So the tape recorder reference is not apt.   
 
My 2002 Dell crashed and I was forced to upgrade everything. 
The  Delta 1010 soundcard was no longer supported by Windows 10 and I wasn't sure if PA9 would still work with a new computer, etc.   It was probably time. 
 
I have spent 6 - 12 hours.  As for the fighter jet analogy, so climbing in the cockpit for 6 - 12 hours and going for it with a groove3 video tutorial is the way to go?  I'll read a good manual first before even going to the hangar. 
 
These days I need to find youtube links, tutorials, etc.  Only needed one book to get going before.
 
Right now I just need basic recording, and mixing.  All of the advanced editing, bells and whistles I don't need. - I can score a drum part and  play the guitar and bass.

Hi, Anthony,
Your Delta 1010 should work on Windows 10.  A forum mate stated that it's working fine and he hadn't any issues so far.

I already have the quad capture installed and my new computer didn't have the pin connection. I bought Garrigus Sonar X3 book and have read the first few chapters- the section on Session Drummer wasn't much help. Cakewalk Power was revelatory back in the day. The only suggestion Garrigus ever made in that book I didn't like was to use the sim amp plug ins on vocals. LOL. That didn't really work - but then again who sings through a Marshall? I'm setting aside 4 hours tonight to get Sonar routed through my sound card and playback working.

Anthony,

What you are wanting to do, record audio, draw automation, just record...

Those can be done just as easily on SPP as they were in PA9.

I've been using this software since the original Pro Audio and would upgrade every 3 to 4 changes.  PA to Sonar was a minor jump.  Numbered Sonar to the "X" series was quite a leap, up in learning curve, down in quality.  By X3 I had it figured out pretty well and the quality had risen.  Platinum Pro is the best yet, and the subscription model (if you were a prior user and get the "deal") is a great way to stay updated and the wife does not have as bad a knee jerk over $15 a month as she did over $150-200 every year or two to buy it outright.

Please, take the time to learn it.  It is worth the effort.

My suggestion is this; here is a link to the simplest way to use the help file in case you have not had a direct link posted yet (I did skip about the 4 pages of the thread so someone may have already posted this link) you can access this from your device or other computer to read like a book if needed:

http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=toc.html

If that does not give you the info you want I would do a google search on the the particular issue you are having, even if the result is for X2 or X3, watch the video, read the tutorial or written directions as it may unlock the "missing menu" step to help you unlock the missing link to what you are trying to accomplish.  There are hundreds of instructional pieces out there that are FREE, be it from Cake TV's own videos or user created.  You don't have to necessarily subscribe to Groove to find good instruction.

As for session drummer 3, decent sounding, horrible implementation.  I almost always "play" my drum parts on electronic drums, quantize and make my own loops.  For triggered loops, Session Drummer is not bad and is often easier to make "sit in a mix" than the more ambitious AD turns out to be.  I find AD is MUCH more user friendly in the realm of just drag and dropping pre-made grooves.

Welcome to the modern Cakewalk family.  We will remain here to help.

@Anthony... The Power book is indeed a great guide (I don't have the X3 one but if it's anything like previous editions it is good for getting going).
 
However I still HIGHLY encourage you to watch the vids I linked to. They are not a walkthrough style tutorial that shows just one or two workflows or techniques (as most vids are). It is more like a very thorough guided tour of pretty much all the areas you are likely to use. It is dry, to the point and free of "opinion" type commentary/procedures. It is broken down into sections too so you don't have to watch through all 9 hours (or however long gone uploaded).
 
For similar vids (from the same dude) about all the synths/instruments and effects there are two other video series that you'll probably have to buy (I don't think SWA has uploaded them to youtube). They can be found in the Cake store and go on sale from time to time.
 
Just look for the SWA Producer Effects (for effects) and SWA Sonar Instruments (synths). Those aren't the exact names but I'm sure you'll find them. THose are also a little older but most of the instruments/effects remain and there have only been a few extra additions. I think SWA has put out some new vids for Sonar Platinum.
 
Also if you haven't done it already go through the tutorials at the start of the Reference Guide that came with Sonar. It's pretty basic but will show you how to get around and get things done. You can then use that basic knowledge/experience to delve in deeper and use the terminology to ask more accurate questions about stuff here on the forum.
 
As for routing to and from your interface with Sonar that is covered in the SWA X2 vids. You of course have to make sure the actual unit is installed properly first though before Sonar can do anything with it so look at the interface manual.
 
Cheers.