New On The Cakewalk USD Store: SONAR HS 7 XL DVD Tutorial by Hal Leonard

In this DVD tutorial by Hal Leonard, Andrew Eisele explains the feature set, inferface and menus included in the new version of SONAR Home Studio XL.
Topics include:
-Navigating the Home Studio 7 XL interface
-Recording audio and MIDI instruments
-Using Home Studio's VST, DX, Rewire synths and effects
-Producing better mixes with new techniques
-AND more...

Visit the Cakewalk Store to purchase your copy today
 
Best,
Kate

I purchased this DVD and watched the entire tutorial last night.  My reason for deciding to purchase the DVD was the fact I have been using rack mounted equipment, an Alesis QS6, and a very old computer based sequencer for many years.  EVERYTHING I did was outboard.  Mixing and mastering was then done very manually, track by track.  So this was a big change for me and I have to admit I was lost at first.
 
I decided to take the plunge into a real DAW.  I took the advice of some unknown helpers out there in the virtual world of the internet.  That advice was - start out with Home Studio 7 XL (although I REALLY wanted Sonar 8 Producer).  I am glad I went with HS7XL.  It will be good for a while.
 
Now, about the DVD.....
 
It is a little rough around the edges, but that isn't necessarily bad either.  What I mean is - it is good to see the instructor goof up at times because we all will and it acts as a real time troubleshooting tip.
 
What really got me though, was seeing the LOADS of softsynths, effects, etc the instructor's computer had loaded on it.  Obviously, the PC used for the video had several other Sonar products, plug-ins, etc loaded on it.  BUT the instructor comments several times about how good HS7XL is because it has ALL of these plug-in features.  Sadly, it doesn't (but hey you get what you pay for right).  Examples of what you’re told is included (but is not): Pentagon I, PSYN II, Cyclone, Session Drummer 2, SFZ, RXP, Alien Connections ReValver, Perfect Space Reverb (and my god all of the insert effects on his computer…. SO MANY).  It was a bit disheartening.  It is not a good thing to show everyone what they’re missing L.  Or is it?  (Marketing strategy?)
 
I learned a lot.  I think the video was a great intro and gave me a tour of HS7 to where I now know all of the things I would have never imagined or even tried to do with a DAW.  Wow, they’ve come a long way!  So if you find yourself lost, if you’re used to the old way of doing things, or if you’re just a better “show me” learner, I think this is a good product.  Just don’t get too wrapped up in all of the plug ins he has (or go looking for them on your installation, like I did, when you’re done watching it).  Because they’re not ALL there (sadly).  But what I am finding to be so nice about these DAWs is the ability to purchase these plug ins and add ons.  My next purchase is the Proteus Pack.
 

I was going to ask the same thing. I have just purchased HS XL. Did you get an answer?
 
Martin, Wales

Is it available as a download? If not can you make it available as a download? I am a truck driver by trade. downloads are very convenient for me.

I just bought this DVD on Amazon and watched it a couple weeks ago.  It was very helpful for me, mostly the mixing/EQ/compressor discussion in the last couple of chapters.