bmoncbus
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Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
Hey gang, Was wondering if anyone had any opinions as to what I should get now that I'm moving over to Win7 64 system. Currently I'm still using Sonar Prod 4 on XP, but obviously will need to upgrade to something more current. The reason I've held off on upgrading is I always hate trying to figure out the new interfaces and I get very set in my ways. Heck, I still put my drums on MIDI chan 10.  Anyway, I'll need to be able to open my previously produced tracks, hopefully with plugin settings retained, and I'd like something with a simple and hopefully somewhat familiar looking interface. What of the current products that I can buy would be, in your opinion, the easiest for me to transition to? Thanks! -Brian
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Kalle Rantaaho
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 17:00:43
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You can get SONAR 8 only at eBay or other shops, not at CW store anymore. So you need to be careful if you want a legitimate copy.
If you want to stick with CW and the flagship product, you don't have much to choose from :o/ It would be X1 Producer, which, according to what I've read here, differs quite clearly from earlier SONARs, and does have difficulties in opening older projects.
SONAR PE 8.5.3, Asus P5B, 2,4 Ghz Dual Core, 4 Gb RAM, GF 7300, EMU 1820, Bluetube Pre - Kontakt4, Ozone, Addictive Drums, PSP Mixpack2, Melda Creative Pack, Melodyne Plugin etc. The benefit of being a middle aged amateur is the low number of years of frustration ahead of you.
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Beagle
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 17:08:49
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I have not had any problems opening older projects in X1. I have several projects authored in versions 4, 6, 8 & 8.5 and I have not had any problems opening any of them.
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bmoncbus
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 17:56:16
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Yeah - buying software from eBay would be a last resort. Is X1 going to be that jarring a move from Sonar 4? I love how easy everything is in 4, but the VST adapter is a pain. Anyone here recently made a jump like this and can recommend the best product for someone like me? Beagle - when you opened projects authored from earlier versions did your VST instruments and plugins load up fine?
Thanks!
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Sidroe
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 19:33:51
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Jump over to X1! BUT, PLEASE remeber that so much has changed it is virtually a brand new software. I have had experience since Pro Audio 9, and I can say that X1 is like a Ferrari after a driving a model T. You don't just jump in the Ferrari and run like a bat out of @#$#. I installed X1 the first day it was available. But, I also did not use it for my studio use until I was comfortable enough. Keep your Sonar 4 and continue to work while you "play around with" X1. X1 has a somewhat steep learning curve but if your computer is setup correctly and all your drivers are updated, you will soon find yourself in X1 and never looking back. REMEMBER, APPROACH IT AS A WHOLE NEW DAW. Give it time and any problems you may have can probably be answered right here in this forum. These guys have been a godsend to me. Remember also, any software you would change to at this point is going to be like starting over anyway. Why not stick with something you are already familiar with. Good Luck!
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Beagle
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 19:51:51
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bmoncbus
Yeah - buying software from eBay would be a last resort. Is X1 going to be that jarring a move from Sonar 4? I love how easy everything is in 4, but the VST adapter is a pain. Anyone here recently made a jump like this and can recommend the best product for someone like me? Beagle - when you opened projects authored from earlier versions did your VST instruments and plugins load up fine?
Thanks!
I haven't had any problems with VSTs except on projects for older versions which I don't have loaded that version of sonar- for example, I have sonar 6, 8 & 8.5 on my new machine (and X1 of course), but I don't have SHS4, MC5 or sonar 4 on this machine. all projects opened for version 6 thru 8.5 the VSTs lined up fine, but the ones for the others were missing some VSTs.
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Cactus Music
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 22:31:39
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And that's a good point, You do not have to uninstall 4. Many people here seem to keep the older versions on hand. I'm thinking you might like the lighter version of X1. Look here at this page and compare features. Buy a stripped down version, and then upgrade if you find it missing something, That's what I'm going to do. I've never used 1/2 of what P7 does so X1 would be overkill for me. http://www.cakewalk.com/P...sic-Recording-Software
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Cactus Music
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/14 22:39:21
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Windows XP Media Center and Windows XP 64-bit are not officially supported. SONAR X1 Essential is a 32-bit application only but can run on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7. So The essential is only 32 bit but that solves one issue for me,, all my plug ins will work :) I would not use the features missing anyhow. But I will probably go with the studio version as the missing features in Producer I am not interested in. Here's one way you can jump in and it's free for 30 days... http://www.cakewalk.com/p...s/sonar/web-trial.aspx
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jm24
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Re:Upgrading from Sonar Prod 4 - what should I get?
2011/06/18 17:11:54
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Yes keep S4. Otherwise, you will use many short words (4-6 letters) about the situation and yourself, when you will need it and do not have it.
The VSC will not work. So for projects that have it installed delete. And SAVEAS to a new name for clarity.
Export all plugin presets for easy transport.
Install S4 on the new computer. It should work fine. May need compatibility settings.
S8.5 can be purchased from CW if you ask really loudly.
And from various resellers, including Ebay sellers. Get a new product, not used, because the CW managers haven't figured out resale will increase the userbase much quicker than the current policy of non-transferral.
I think the SX FUI is way stupid. But you may like it, try the demo.
J
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