Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced

Author
FastBikerBoy
Forum Host
  • Total Posts : 11326
  • Joined: 2008/01/25 16:15:36
  • Location: Watton, Norfolk, UK
  • Status: offline
2012/05/13 14:06:48 (permalink)

Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced

I've recently answered a question on here about swapping to the draw tool and that got me thinking about how often I actually change tools.

I use the comping tool quite a lot, occasionaly the draw tool but I don't think I've used any of the others since the smart tool was introduced. Anyone else find their 'tool changing' has dropped since the smart tool was introduced or are you still swapping tools rather than use the smart tool?

Just curious...............
#1

21 Replies Related Threads

    konradh
    Max Output Level: -42 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 3325
    • Joined: 2006/01/16 16:07:06
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/13 14:33:19 (permalink)
    I despise the Smart Tool, but I recognize how well it works for those who know it well. I ignore it.
    #2
    Rasure
    Max Output Level: -79 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 584
    • Joined: 2007/02/06 06:26:21
    • Location: UK
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/13 18:34:10 (permalink)
    Cant live without the smart tool now :-)

    [ASUS Z97-K 3.30 gigahertz Intel Core i5-4590]
    [16 Gig Ram]
    [NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 Ti 1920 X 1080]
    [Windows 10 Pro x64]
    [Sonar Platinum x64 Lifetime]
    [Studio One 4 Pro]
    [Notion 6]
    [Waves Mercury + Abbey Road & SSL Collection V10]
    [Mackie Onyx 400f]
     
    YouTube | 10% Off Waves | Rasuresphere II Omnisphere Library & Midi Stems
    #3
    John
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 30467
    • Joined: 2003/11/06 11:53:17
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/13 19:00:22 (permalink)
    I like it too! But I also like the ability to use just one tool if I want to. To me its best of both worlds.

    Best
    John
    #4
    bluzdog
    Max Output Level: -56 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 1928
    • Joined: 2007/10/06 17:15:14
    • Location: Lakewood, Colorado
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/13 19:22:54 (permalink)
    The smart tool rocks!!! I just wish it wasn't so much smarter than me!
    #5
    Crg
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 7719
    • Joined: 2007/11/15 07:59:17
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/13 19:28:51 (permalink)
    It depends on what you're doing. If you need to do short multiple actions, the smart tool is faster. If you need to use one to do a lot of things then tool selection is easier.

    Craig DuBuc
    #6
    Bristol_Jonesey
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 16775
    • Joined: 2007/10/08 15:41:17
    • Location: Bristol, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 04:10:39 (permalink)
    There are other tools?

    Smart tool all the way here - I haven't used anything else for months.

    CbB, Platinum, 64 bit throughout
    Custom built i7 3930, 32Gb RAM, 2 x 1Tb Internal HDD, 1 x 1TB system SSD (Win 7), 1 x 500Gb system SSD (Win 10), 2 x 1Tb External HDD's, Dual boot Win 7 & Win 10 64 Bit, Saffire Pro 26, ISA One, Adam P11A,
    #7
    soens
    Max Output Level: -23.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 5154
    • Joined: 2005/09/16 03:19:55
    • Location: Location: Location
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 05:33:03 (permalink)
    SMART TOOL! - The coolest thing since cool was invented. The other tools only confuse me as to just how much you can do with the Smart one.
     
    What would be even way cooler is if you could use SMART tool to draw straight lines in the PRV Controller pane. This is one of the few times where I have to switch tools.
     
    Feature request for SMART tool:  Hold alt + shift key while clicking the start and end points which would form a series of controller points in a straight line. 
     
    The following excerpts from the HELP file are incorrect:
     
    Select the Freehand tool in the Control Bar... A tooltip appears when you depress the mouse, and constantly reports the controller name, channel, value, and location of the controller value that you are entering.
    Tip: To draw a straight line, hold the SHIFT key down while you draw.
     
    No tooltips appear and to draw a straight line you select the LINE tool from the DRAW tool dropdown menu. Holding SHIFT while drawing with the Freehand tool has no affect and is still freehand.
     
    Steve
     
    OK I just read another post where you can hold SHIFT + CTRL + ALT to do this but I cannot find any reference to it in the HELP file. I still like my idea better as it uses fewer keys and is more precise.
    post edited by soens - 2012/05/14 06:09:29
    #8
    John T
    Max Output Level: -7.5 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6783
    • Joined: 2006/06/12 10:24:39
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 06:21:08 (permalink)
    Smart tool only for 99% of the time. It's a brilliant design. What it needs though, is a very prominent video tutorial.

    http://johntatlockaudio.com/
    Self-build PC // 16GB RAM // i7 3770k @ 3.5 Ghz // Nofan 0dB cooler // ASUS P8-Z77 V Pro motherboard // Intel x-25m SSD System Drive // Seagate RAID Array Audio Drive // Windows 10 64 bit // Sonar Platinum (64 bit) // Sonar VS-700 // M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 // KRK RP-6 Monitors // and a bunch of other stuff
    #9
    FastBikerBoy
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 11326
    • Joined: 2008/01/25 16:15:36
    • Location: Watton, Norfolk, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 07:03:58 (permalink)
    John T


    Smart tool only for 99% of the time. It's a brilliant design. What it needs though, is a very prominent video tutorial.


    LOL - Who knows what might pop up somewhere someday........
    #10
    JazzSinger
    Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 895
    • Joined: 2004/07/06 16:30:59
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 17:48:35 (permalink)
    Where's the smart tool and what is it for?
    #11
    John
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 30467
    • Joined: 2003/11/06 11:53:17
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 18:22:02 (permalink)
    JazzSinger


    Where's the smart tool and what is it for?


    Are you running X1? The Smart tool is the Star looking tool in the tools module in the control bar. Its a context sensitive tool that does many of the things separate tools do. You also can get to it via pressing T.

    Context in where one has the tool on the track. It will act as the grab tool or the split tool. It is also changeable by using key combinations. Its fast and easy to use. 

    Look on page 404 in the manual for more information.

    Best
    John
    #12
    JazzSinger
    Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 895
    • Joined: 2004/07/06 16:30:59
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 18:39:18 (permalink)
    That star is blue on my setup.

    Looks like I've been using it without realizing it.
    #13
    stevec
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 11546
    • Joined: 2003/11/04 15:05:54
    • Location: Parkesburg, PA
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 18:44:37 (permalink)
    Looks like I've been using it without realizing it.

     
    I think that's the idea in X1 - only switch tools if there's something you need to do that the default tool cannot.   Pesonally, I'm in the 90%+ range myself.  I think I've used the Draw tool on isolated ocassions, but that's probably about it.
     

    SteveC
    https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi
    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163
     
    SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors;
    Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO);
    Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
     
    #14
    JazzSinger
    Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 895
    • Joined: 2004/07/06 16:30:59
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 18:51:01 (permalink)
    Read up page 404 and trying it out now - apart from T, I can't say it's dramatically different from 8.5.3, is it?
     
    All the hotspots seem to be the same as in 8.5.3,
    The functions also are mostly there, if presented a bit differently.

    Just takes up more screen space from what I can see?
    #15
    JazzSinger
    Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 895
    • Joined: 2004/07/06 16:30:59
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 19:06:01 (permalink)
    FBB, which is the Comping tool you mention? 
    That's something I do a lot!
    #16
    Living Room Rocker
    Max Output Level: -77 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 675
    • Joined: 2009/09/16 22:10:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 19:44:46 (permalink)
    I don't want to sound like a hater, but I don't dig the tool bar and the smart tool doesn't impress me much. I preferred clicking on a tool icon. That way I know exactly what tool I am getting without having to click in a specific zone. I find that I am always typing "t" for the HUD. So, if you think about it, it's one key stroke and a click or two (depending if I need to right click for a drop down). Yeah, that seems more efficient that clicking on a single icon. (Sorry, old rant still lingering around my head.)

    Kind regards, Living Room Rocker
    #17
    millzy
    Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 890
    • Joined: 2005/01/28 20:32:51
    • Location: Melbourne, Australia
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 19:51:11 (permalink)
    I would say 90% smart tool user here, for me it works a treat.

    Millzy

    i7 3770K, 16gb ram, Samsung EVO SSD, 2 x WD drives, RME Babyface, Win 10 (x64), Cakewalk by Bandlab, heaps of other stuff.
    #18
    John
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 30467
    • Joined: 2003/11/06 11:53:17
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 19:58:11 (permalink)
    Living Room Rocker


    I don't want to sound like a hater, but I don't dig the tool bar and the smart tool doesn't impress me much. I preferred clicking on a tool icon. That way I know exactly what tool I am getting without having to click in a specific zone. I find that I am always typing "t" for the HUD. So, if you think about it, it's one key stroke and a click or two (depending if I need to right click for a drop down). Yeah, that seems more efficient that clicking on a single icon. (Sorry, old rant still lingering around my head.)


    The tool module can be on the Control Bar. It works as the tool icons in 8.5.  You do not have to type t in order to access a tool. Nor are you required to use the smart tool. You can choose to use any tool you want.

    I'm not sure why you think its more trouble.

    Best
    John
    #19
    jrfrogers
    Max Output Level: -86 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 228
    • Joined: 2010/06/22 23:36:49
    • Location: Maywood, IL
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/14 20:11:13 (permalink)
    I use the smart tool almost all the time, once in a while I use the draw tool.

    Sam

    Studio Cat Project Studio DAW i5 760 8GB RAM
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Sonar Platinum
    Roland Octa-Capture



    #20
    FastBikerBoy
    Forum Host
    • Total Posts : 11326
    • Joined: 2008/01/25 16:15:36
    • Location: Watton, Norfolk, UK
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/15 01:57:22 (permalink)
    JazzSinger


    That star is blue on my setup.

    Looks like I've been using it without realizing it.

    That's why it's called the smart tool, it sneaks in and works without you realising it.

    JazzSinger


    Read up page 404 and trying it out now - apart from T, I can't say it's dramatically different from 8.5.3, is it?
     
    All the hotspots seem to be the same as in 8.5.3,
    The functions also are mostly there, if presented a bit differently.

    Just takes up more screen space from what I can see?

    The main difference is it transfers between views so whereas in previous versions when I wanted to do something in the PRV I'd switch to one of the PRV tools, now there's no need it just works. I genuinely didn't give the all the other tools much thought until a thread I posted in the other day. I don't think I've ever selected the Select move, or edit tool since X1 was released.

    JazzSinger


    FBB, which is the Comping tool you mention? 
    That's something I do a lot!

    Oh sorry, that's my own naming convention. It's official name is the mute tool which is all I use for comping hence my name for it. Accessed by pressing F10 twice or clicking on the "Erase" tool to change it to the mute tool. Of course I have a video on how I comp including a specific screenset for it (of course).  

    #21
    Sylvan
    Max Output Level: -75 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 793
    • Joined: 2005/04/14 14:51:02
    • Location: San Diego, CA-USA
    • Status: offline
    Re:Sonar's tools since the smart tool was introduced 2012/05/15 10:56:51 (permalink)
    I love the smart tool. Also am loving that I can switch to a specific tool if needed with ease. This flexibility is the best and perfectly integrated.

    SONAR Platinum
    RME Fireface UFX
    Tascam US 20X20
    Tascam US 16X08
    Intel i7-5830K LGA2011V3 (6 CORE)
    Asus X99-AII
    Corsair Vengeance DDR4 32GB
    Geeforce GTX 970 4GB
    #22
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1