NeoSoul

Anderton

BMOG
 
$150 times forever adds up over time don't you think? 

Yes, no doubt it does add up. In fact 35 years from now, it will have added up to what I paid (adjusted for inflation) for a 4-track tape recorder in 1975 which had no mixer, no processors, no instruments, and a need to feed it $156 worth of tape every month. (No, that's not a typo...35 years.)

I really enjoy using Sonar.   But it is quite an unfair comparison.  Sonar doesn't do anything without a computer + audio interface, the cost of such a computer in 1975?  The $150 is also just an update cost.  To start the process, sonar costs $500 for the version under question.  
 
$150 a year isn't cheap for an upgrade/update on a yearly basis, IMO.  However, the nice thing is the software from X3 on, I could see using it and not needing to upgrade for quite a few years.  
 
Personally, I'm guessing the upgrade price with be worth it for me every few years.  Every year I think it is a bit steep.  Users should keep in mind that X3 to today's Platinum is really 2+ years of upgrades not one.  
 
I'm really interested to see what they off in the next year.  I personally thought it was odd that the developers came out with Rapture Pro, but didn't add that to the premium product, they just provided a stripped down version, and offer it as a separate purchase.  Even Apple gave Logic users (a full DAW that costs $200, and even includes plgins like drummer) the Alchemy Synth as a free add on, not some stripped down version.  
 
The same can be said for some of the pro-channel models they have released on the side.  The model has changed, why not start including those in the package, especially since they are of no value to anyone but Sonar users.  

+1

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Nice list... Indeed, I could probably go for years and never use everything but some things I just LOVE... Do I need to upgrade? No... Will I?  Of course... 
I'll continue to upgrade, not only for the goodies, but to support the small group of awesome folks creating this wonderful platform.  I'll continue to reup because I can and know it's what makes improvements possible, even though I'm really pleased with the last year... beyond my expectations... and I humbly appreciate all the effort put into the platform this year.
 
This issue is a personal decision EVERY person makes with EVERY DAW and other piece of software periodically... it is purely a matter of perspective and circumstances whether or not to upgrade... BMOG, you've made your position clear and I don't really care... do what you want... upgrade whenever  or not...
 
Repeating, defending, polarizing, judging, regurgitating/spewing, +1ing one side of contrived/subjective arguments at some point begins to sound like trolling to me. Many have said quite appropriately that this is a personal decision... there is no right or wrong. Many of us take a break for a year, two, or longer... That's fine... but nothing to keep dwelling on as if you're promoting a religious position... Egos are so ridiculous...
 
Love the list, jb...I find it amazing.

Apparently the OP does not plan to keep his membership going in 2016.    Umm, OK.
 

lawajava

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.

. . . jb101's list really puts it in perspective. The bakers have accomplished a lot in this last year.
Can you imagine the old yearly + update system, and having all these new Cakewalk features all at once ?
Would take a long time to download, and a long time to investigate how to use them, or whether you even need to use them. (I have found many items on the list not useful, but have equally found many items useful)
 
The intangibles are the audio engine improvements, and the code enhancements, bug fixes, making everything run so much smoother. These are worth the price of renewal alone in my opinion. It's a far better piece of software than it was a year ago, and I think emerging as a DAW leader in the market because of the bold move to this membership model. You either join the partnership, or go find something else that better fits your needs.
 
You can still make great music without renewing your membership, but you'll keep coming back to their website and forum just to see what they have come up with next.
 

lawajava

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.

Spot on.

lawajava

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.

Spot on.
 
A quick look at the monthly ezines this morning (all 213 pages of them!) reveal a list far, far longer than the ones you've highlighted above.
 
$150 ($200?) per year to maintain & upgrade a million dollar studio and people are complaining it's too much?
 
Get a grip fellas and remember how it used to be.
 
 
 

Bristol_Jonesey

lawajava

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.

Spot on.

lawajava

jb101
So far, as part of the Sonar Platinum membership, the new features and content that I have received are:
 
Command Center
FX Stacking
Recycle/Pin Plugin Windows
Expandable Send
Pattern Tool
16 Virtual Custom Amps
Addictive Drums 2
"Stunning" New FX Chains
Mix Recall
The New Control Bar
REmatrix Solo
VocalSync
Craig Anderton VoxTools
Craig Anderton Acoustic Piezo CA-X Amp Sim
Hardgroove Steinberger Rapture Expansion Pack
Hardgroove’s Bass Loop Library
Craig Anderton Acoustic Guitar Presets
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Bark of Dog
ProChannel module from Boz Digital Labs-Panipulator
New Impulse Responses for REmatrix Solo
Anderton Collection “Phasor Constructor”
Les Paul Gold Top Expansion Pack-DimPro
Onscreen Virtual Controller
Pedalboard FX Chains
Kickmaster FX Chain
Synthetic IRs for REmatrix Solo
Kick Start Pack
SizzleBus
Drum Replacer
Strum Session 2
Deflate Gate
EDM Percussion Loops
Plug-In Upsampling
Relative Video Path
Windows 10 Compatibility
Interactive Project Tutorials
Showcase Templates
Mixing Templates
Mastering Templates
Start Screen
.PNG Support
Export Presets
Enhanced Clip Export
Synth Recording
Style Dials x3
Upsample on Playback
Aux Tracks
Patch Points
Rapture Session
Monitorizer FZ Chain.
 
I may have missed a few.
 
This does not include the hundreds of fixes and optimisations..
 
Do I think it is worth another year?  Err,  yes.
 
I have upgraded every time since the X series, and every few times since Sonar 6.
 
I seem to be getting more in a year, and a greater level of bug fixes than with the old model..
 
edited to add clarity

Saved me the time of saying something similar.  It's a slam dunk how the bakers have proved the value of the annual investment through this year.
 
I won't blink at re-upping.  It's a no brainer.

Spot on.
 
A quick look at the monthly ezines this morning (all 213 pages of them!) reveal a list far, far longer than the ones you've highlighted above.
 
$150 ($200?) per year to maintain & upgrade a million dollar studio and people are complaining it's too much?
 
Get a grip fellas and remember how it used to be.
 
 
 

No problem paying if it works!
 

I don't know who got their subscription in Dec2014. I was one of 200 people offered to purchase the program a few weeks before official release and that was in January 2015. I believe the official release date was Jan 21

As for not wanting to upgrade next year that's OK. But I don't know of any software that continues to offer free updates for previous versions. In 2016 Sonar 2015 will be the previous version.

The payment for this version of Sonar actually provided all the development of Sonar during 2014 which was released in Jan 2015 and monthly updates until Jan 2016. I can't see how that is unfair or expensive.

If you're making a living using Soanr then $150 per year is chicken feed for maintaining your equipment and if it's just a hobby then I know lots of guys who spend tons more money on their hobbies than $150 per year.

Fabio Rubato

No problem paying if it works!
 

 
It does work, and work better than ever, so I am more than happy to pay.
 
The list above was only an extract from a much longer list that I compiled when thinking about whether to upgrade again in January.
 
I was already pretty sure I would, but just wanted to see how well it had worked this year, under the new model.
 
Many of the new features do not directly affect my workflow, but I am happy that they are there, and useful to others.  What does affect me in a BIG way is the improvements in stability and optimisations that make using Sonar even more productive and smooth.

Like I said, the combined total of the ezines comes to 213 A4 pages

BMOG
I am struggling to find a reason to pay for another year of subscriptions. I plan to upgrade to Kingston tonight so what would I really be missing out on if I don't re-up? Price just does not seem worth it to me your thoughts?

I'm with you on this. I've been using Cakewalk since '98, but sonar pro has everything I need and the succession of more and more features is often more of a distraction than of any real use.