I need help trying to install and use the mp3 encoder with my sonar x1 LE. It keeps saying it needs updated or I need to buy a new one. Any help?
 
Also, I need help loading and accessing third party VST's and VSTi's...... I'm at my wit's end plz gimme my sanity back! 
 
Third problem......I can't use my controller either. Akai mpk mini....I love this program but these three issues have made me go mad!!!!!
THX! Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

The mp3 encoder that comes with Sonar needs to be purchased separately from them... I think it's something like $10 but i don't recall...

If you had it working with a previous version of Sonar, contact cutomer support to re-authorize it...

You can use a free encoder such as lame and if you search the forum you will find very explicit instructions on how to install it..

Vst use requires running the vst scanner which you can find in the tools menu i believe (plugin manager) and you must make sure to add any paths your plugins are installed in if not installed in the program files/cakewalk/vstplugins folder...

How does your contoller connect to your machine? Have you selected it in Sonar Prefernces?

Keni

I want my.... I want my... I want my mp3!

...(sorry)

You heard that Chris Rea and Dire Straits are getting together? It's not going to be called Chris Straits...

@OP
 
Install VSTs wherever you like. Then go into Preferences in Sonar and map to that path. You can check the standard paths first and just install them all there if you want. That's what I tend to do. When I sometimes use an installer that sticks the VSTs somewhere else by default, I just add the path in Sonar and Sonar finds them and adds them to my FX choices.
 
Regarding your controller, I have a video in my signature where I go through steps setting up a controller I was using with ACT. Your controller may have a choice in the controller list already. Just have a look when you add the controller in preferences.
 
I use the free MP3 tool called Lame (as do many here). I have Media Monkey Gold, but the Lame encoder is just better. I'm guessing Sonar's encoder is just the same as Lame, but I might be wrong about that.