Vlad, this has been a big controversy with Cakewalk Sonar.

vladasyn
Why do we need the same e-mail? My understanding- it is free for everyone, not just those that paid for it.
 
 

Because this will link it to your existing Cakewalk account. And, if you already have SONAR installed on the same computer then the new version will make use of and import any/all 3rd party plugins that do not come bundled with CdB.
 
Note 1 - you need to use the same username as well as email in order to link the accounts
Note 2 - you may need to modify the paths the new version searches for your plugins

vladasyn
Hey there
 
I dont see any discussion about installation of Cakewalk by Bandlab. Will the Command Center be used? Do we just install Cakewalk again besides the Sonar? Any issues with it?
 
Let me clarify: so Cakewalk is Freeware for everybody to download without limits? Will there be paid version? Not that I want to pay for it but this makes it unprofessional if anybody in the world can get it for free. So- yes, I like to pay and have exclusive features for paid clients. I cant take freeware seriously. Can you?  

There are existing treads about the install, for me it went without any problem. Look around. Search.
 
Cakewalk has not become Freeware, not that there would be anything wrong with that in itself. Freeware is great, most of the MIDI tools for windows have been freeware (with the option for donation) for ages. I don't know where I would be without MIDI-OX, Booms Midi Translator etc. 


If you have the means to pay for it, I would suggest you use the Tip Jar to support and accelerate the development of CW. With a big enough tip, you can even have your name up in the about box ... and if you feel there is a connection between professionalism and money ... it would be the reward option most suitable for you. 
 
It's still early days, but maybe custom support on demand will be provided as a future paid service ? 
 
To me Cakewalk by BandLab looks and feels super professional as is. I made a small donation towards development, and think it is great that BL and Meng are not rent seekers ... but seems to understand what money is. Maybe having enough of it helps.

This is the dumbest post I’ve ever read here.  Do you seriously believe that the pricetag on the box determines the value of the software?  What makes a tool “professional” is how well it produces the end result.  Having used several other DAWs, I’m here to tell you that Cakewalk is still one of the best, even now that it’s free.  It’s exactly the same professional tool it was before.  If you believe the cost of your DAW is your selling point as an engineer, then by all means go out and spend thousands on the latest Pro Tools crap.   It won’t make you a better engineer, but it’ll impress your clients, at least until they hear the mix.  

HeatherHaze
This is the dumbest post I’ve ever read here. 

Stick around. It won't be long before someone makes it look quite astute.

Some folk's will complain no matter how good they got it... It's the interwebz where anyone has an opinion and will push the "Submit" button even when no thought is made.

Just like this reply...take or leave it you can not deny the value on offer no matter what you believe is "Pro".

vladasyn
I cant take freeware seriously. Can you? 

Yes, I can.  Windows 10 is free.  IE is free.  Gimp is free.  Youtube is free.  Air is free, and I take it very seriously.
 
If you don't want to use freeware then don't.  I'm perfectly good with that, however I do want to use it.  And I take it seriously.

Once again another pointless thread ,, we really need that FACTS sticky and soon. I'm going to abstain from answering these same questions and focus on questions about using the software. 
Hope we all aren't coming across as not being very helpful but the regulars here are pretty tired of these same question over and over and over when the answers only take a little reading by people looking for the answers to what's happening. 

Free DAWs existed before this one.  Free VSTs, Free Kontakt libraries. I don't think we are aware of the long range game plan.  I would imagine part of that is making Cakewalk popular in Asia.  As for free most people in other parts of the world can't afford software.  So having it free means no piracy either.  I think the Sonar users are just a small part of the big plan we know nothing about.  Those that acquired Cakewalk are bigger than we think. They own a lot of stuff. 

vladasyn
 I cant take freeware seriously. Can you?  

Sure