I was given a V-Studio 100 but it only came with the drivers disc.  I am new to cakewalk/Sonar and would like to start recording/producing material.  First, what else do I need to operate the V-Studio ie: software programs?  I am looking at purchasing Sonar 8 or X program.  Is this all I need?  Second I was told that the V-Studio is a DAW/ interface.  Can I run instruments thru the 100 and record in a Cakewalk program?  Do I need a DI as well?  As you can tell I'm way over my head but willing to give it a go.  This is just a hobby now but you just never know.
 
Dan

If purchased the unit comes with both a Driver Disc, and the Sonar VS software which is a slightly cut down version of Sonar - more akin tot he Home version.  If the original owner did not provide you with this disc, you will need to buy some version of Sonar for the tight integration it gets you as a control surface, other than that you can use any DAW you want.  As for needing a DI - the V-Studio 100 is an audio interface with control surface and mixer capabilities all in one - it's also a stand alone WAV recorder.  You can plug your electric guitar directly into the number 1 input on the front - hit the Hi Z switch and record directly from that into either the WAV recorder or your DAW.  Sounds like you should ask the original owner why they did not give you the software disc - most likely they already registered it and since it is non-transferable, you will need to buy a version of Sonar. 

Sorry to hijack, but I just wanted to expand on the question already asked...

If I bought the CW V Studio 100, do I have to use the included Sonar VS software, or to put it another way, does it give me any functionality that Sonar 8.5PE (which I already have) wouldn't?

TIA for any comments.

JonD


Sorry to hijack, but I just wanted to expand on the question already asked...

If I bought the CW V Studio 100, do I have to use the included Sonar VS software, or to put it another way, does it give me any functionality that Sonar 8.5PE (which I already have) wouldn't?

TIA for any comments.

Nope. Use Sonar 8.5.3PE and be happy.

I am thinking about putting sonar VS on a laptop I've got lying around, but I haven't gotten out of the house much for that stuff lately, so who knows?

as a beginner would the home version be enough to get me started? 
 

A home version should provide you with enough to get you started.