I am testing the demo, and so far it's clearly superior to the stock Sonar compressors (PC4K and PC76). But is it the best I can get?
 
A little background. I like to use this piece in the track prochannels, before the mix bus. I don't play through any stomp boxes, my guitars are going straight in through an M-Audio M-Track Quad, and use anything from BIAS to GR5 or GTR for tone. I remove all built-in FX from AD2 before sending to the mix, as well, but I will drop a prochannel compressor there. I will gently (hopefully) compress the full mix at the master bus.
 
Again, is there a better leveling amp/compressor? Am I using mine in a way that doesn't make you want to slap me into yesterday? :)

The CA-2A is one of the most useful comps on the PC.  The only 3rd party PC comp is the FET, as part of the Softube bundle.  So you are basically stuck w/ the CA-2A, 4K and the 76.  The 4K is a buss compressor, and I use it all over my busses - guitar, drums etc.  It really shines there.  The 76 emulates the 1176 FET comp (softube FET is modeled on the same hardware).  I use it a lot on tracks and it works great for stabilizing levels.  On lead stuff, esp. vocals, I'll use it and the CA-2A, which is modeled on the LA-2A optical comp.  The CA has more "tone" than the FET models, or maybe it is because I have the Warm 76 here at home and none of the soft comps deliver the tone I can ladle on in the hardware.  The CA also has a gentler touch on dynamics.
 
I find all 3 valuable - the 4K ssl comp is perfect on the guitar buss.  Or I've found it so.  I'd suggest getting the CA - tho calling it the best is probably not right.  It is a great tool and does some things the other 2 Cake PC comps don't.  But running your guitar (or whatever instrument) through a nice analog comp (or channel strip) really helps the digital sound.  Not only does it do tone (if you get a Warm or Neve etc.), it also helps stabilize your signal going in.  You don't have to squash it, but just do a little shaping going in.  Then the PC comps can fine tune the tame dynamics and will sound their best doing it.
 
@

Don't forget in addition to the bus version is the 4K Channel Compressor. Soon there will be another http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/10db 

Have you heard a price on that yet scook?

agreed, they are used for different effects.  the 76 is indespensible for controlling dynamics, while the ca2a is warmer with gentler GR- adding more color and harmonic distortion.

Probably the same as the current boz promo. Those who already purchased the bundle will get the PC format for free in an update.

Thanks!

Wow, a lot of very helpful information in such a short time. Thanks, everyone! There is much I have yet to learn about compression, and this is all good. I like that BOZ bundle. Time to try it out.
 
Am I correct in assuming it will be added to Platinum, or will it be another add-on I need to purchase?

Everything on this page including the +10db bundle are purchased add-ons not bundled with SONAR.

Thank you, scook.
 
I'm assuming something else from what AT told me above. It's best to have the compressor first in the chain, not last, as far as single instruments are concerned. That would mean I also need to buy the strip model of of the 4K, or do some convoluted routing.