Free of not, the main thing is that it will have much less bugs, since CW has to deal with one type of machine only.
No more working on mine but not yours or vice versa.
dan

I think we owe an apology to jacksojo2000
 
I re-read the posting for Sonar OSX Alpha and it does say free. The Alpha version may be a free, time limited give away or free with very limited options.
 

We receive a lot of requests for a Mac version of SONAR, so we’re very excited to announce SONAR OS X Alpha. This free version runs SONAR’s built in plug-ins, and works with any Core Audio compatible audio interface. Starting in the Fall, please join us in testing out this new frontier for SONAR—and then share your experiences, or find support, in the new SONAR Mac forum.

 
I will install it on my Mac when it's available.

With out even having an additional  bunch of the 3rd party Jazz going on . 
I would love to be able to run SONAR  SPlat on my Mac in OSX  and have it run reliable just as it comes as a SONAR Splat Windows full install...
 
Kenny

They announced the release of a "public alpha", so I'm guessing it will be open to all who ask for it at that point.

The final release (if there is one) will be part of subscribing much as 32 and 64 bit versions. If you subscribe to Sonar you get either/both...

That is my understanding...

Jesse G
I think we owe an apology to jacksojo2000
 
I re-read the posting for Sonar OSX Alpha and it does say free. The Alpha version may be a free, time limited give away or free with very limited options.
 

We receive a lot of requests for a Mac version of SONAR, so we’re very excited to announce SONAR OS X Alpha. This free version runs SONAR’s built in plug-ins, and works with any Core Audio compatible audio interface. Starting in the Fall, please join us in testing out this new frontier for SONAR—and then share your experiences, or find support, in the new SONAR Mac forum.

 
I will install it on my Mac when it's available.

I think you have it nailed. I guess I was thinking about the version that would be the final release.  

John
The free version of Sonar is Sonar LE. 

Sonar LE is not free.  
 
As for the OP, I'd guess the Alpha will be free to all.  Basically use that to gauge interest as well as provide feedback on bugs.  The actual release will be free for Plat owners, that much is certain based on word from Cake.  
 
It is pretty obvious the full boat Mac version will be a paid product.  

A free Mac alpha will, unless it's a disastrous bugfest, help Cakewalk in at least two ways. The first is getting it tested on as many Mac/studio configurations as possible and the second is getting people with Macs to download it and take a look at it in the hope they'll like it.

I'll also admit I hope the alphas will be free because lacking a reliable PC and having several reliable Macs of varying ages and spec available I'm currently "out of membership" with the current Sonar release. The Sonar for Mac announcement is what persuaded me to hold off building a new PC, and I'd really like access to the alpha.

And a pricing structure that reflects previous ownership/membership of Sonar... :-)

I just bought a Mac and I will like to try sonar os-alpha Got sonar 8.5 sonar x2 and sonar x3 like I said I will like the free copy I  being using sonar since sonar was cakewalk 9  send it to  if u can't send it for free tell me the price than u

At this point, everyone should just pretend they never heard of a Mac OS version of SONAR until further notice from Cakewalk.