i dig the way sonar looks.

i don't want to see things change too drastically between versions since i don't want to learn a new layout everytime!

however i would like to see access to more colors and the colors menu could be configured in a way that makes it more easy to create customized color schemes

things i want:

access to the color of send levels (in the knobs on the console view), buttons in track and console view too.

make it easy to change groups of controls or gui elements into a color of my choosing (ie, i like my projects to look clean and monochrome so i've spent an hour or so going through all of the clip color controls and making them all the same color! takes way too long as it is).

skinnable interface would be very cool, as long as it doesn't interfere with usability.

Easy On The Eyes

Perpetual newb that I am, I'm still adjusting to the Sonar 5 interface. It seems that just about the time I adjust to a major version of Sonar, a new one comes out.

Fortunately, the past few times the new changes tended to be pretty much what I wanted -- enhancements that overcame previous limitations.

I am quite happy with the current Sonar 5 interface. It really is easy on the eyes and packs a hell of a lot of power into a small space. Geez, just the velocity editing scheme in the piano roll view alone is worth the upgrade price to me (I'm in love!).

For Sonar 6, I'm hoping to see more enhancements that refine what Sonar 5 has achieved. As before, I think it's best that these enhancements build on what has already been established, rather than grind the gears with a paradigm shift.

Ideally, Sonar 6 will give us even more flexibility that we now have in Sonar 5 -- which is considerable -- and allow us to further tweak all the little details that can either make or break an otherwise solid interface.

I like 3D widgets, and think they can, like color, help communicate with the user in an efficient manner. However, there's much to be said about the “flat/3D” model which offers a less sexy but nonetheless economical approach to software controls, and Sonar 5 exemplifies the power of this scheme brilliantly.

I'm not sure what all the hullabaloo is about 3D in Sonar, since most of the buttons do use a 3D appearance model. It's just not overdone, and I for one am glad it isn't. When I'm staring at an interface for hours on end, I don't want it to dazzle, squirm around or jump out at me.

I just want it to work, and work consistently.

In the case of Sonar widgets, I say use the right tool for the job, and I think the Cakewalk software engineers have been making excellent choices so far. I see no reason to expect that to change going forward.

The Sonar approach to music continues to evolve, and the interface should evolve along with it.

My Vote: Change is good, but make it empirical, logically driven by new features, keep it easy on the eyes and don't overwhelm us with radical departures from the already mature Sonar interface model.

If I want sex, I won't look to a piece of software for it.

That you don't mind working on a cheap looking utility table? Are you one of those people who feels he doesn't deserve something better than what he already has? Do you always settle for less?

I don't settle for less. I want the right tool for the job. Table? I have a board of thick wood 3 meters long supported by two industrial tressles. On this I spread my work sheets, song sketches and computers. It is cheap, utilitarian, stable and offers a good overview over current projects.

Just like Sonar.

@Helmut:

JazzSinger, I think you’re getting too personal

I agree, I was out of line. Apologies.

The looks of the interface (GUI) contributes to my creativity. This may be different for other people.

I have also owned several pieces of wood with strings on them. The interface on these instruments is primitive and has barely changed in over 100 years. If I blame my lack of creativity on this, you will surely tell me there are many musicians with more talent than I have that don't.

There are several DAWs out there, each addressing different niches in the market. Everyone will have their preference and should get the one they feel comfortable with.

Remember, the wow effect of a new interface wears off with time. What then? Yet another facelift? I still maintain those looking for eye candy are looking in the wrong place.

I just wanted to copy and paste a few earlier responses that I think correlate as if one was the answer to the other and they originally didn't fall in this order...

Some people don’t seem to understand the difference between 3D looks and 3D effects. 3D effects will have an effect on your CPU, 3D looks won’t. Sonar can have a 3D look by just embellishing /editing the already existing graphics. This would give a more pleasing appearance and is just what the other DAW programmers are doing.

Considering 3D effects always results in less space available for data, and we've been losing space in the Track View for data since SONAR 1 with the new fields present (just compare how much space is used for the left hand track pane between the different versions), I want to see as little 3D as possible. A 3D GUI does not inherently make an efficient workspace, and I'd argue it does the opposite

I completely agree with this second part. I love when things look good and functional and sometimes even when they have more than a nefcessary amount of eye candy, like T-Racks, for example. But for tools like that, I also don't really care about screen realestate, where in Sonar I really do. I have two 19" monitors and I like to keep tracks on right, plugins, softsynths, and occasionally the console on the left, along with other sometimes running programs when needed. Even with this layout, I already sometimes feel pretty cramped if I have any tracks open more than "minimized". I'm fine with it, but 3d-looking objects/icons/etc, while not processor intensive, have to, by nature, take up more screen space or sacrifice the size of the meaningful part of the object.

If there is a way to make it prettier without making it less space-efficient, I'm for it...sometimes looks can inspire - though I think it's walking a fine line if you need on screen graphics to inspire your music making - we all should be able to be inspired by simply sitting down with our instrument and playing/singing/writing/whatever.

I would (like many here) rather that Cakewalk spent their time making the interface and engine WORK better.

as long as it crashes as little as possible and looks like cakewalk/sonar i'm happy.

ORIGINAL: OldGeezer

The color-schemes could really use a few additions with bright excitement-inducing colors that scream rock and heavy metal. I've got a bright-green/reddish-pink watermelon look

Sounds more like glam rock to me.

UnderTow

ORIGINAL: OldGeezer

Not really, but so what? I liked a few Def Leppard tunes.

Oh nothing. I was just being silly.

UnderTow

ORIGINAL: kstevege




MAKE SONAR LOOK RICHER, MORE 3D: -------- 42
KEEP SONAR THE WAY IT IS: ------------------- 39
UNDECIDED/DON'T CARE: ----------------------- 10

I have been glancing at your votes from time to time and having the feeling they don't really reflect what people are saying so I checked carefully since the last vote count. Your count has gone up by 3 votes in favour of more 3D while NO ONE has said they wanted more 3D. Only mentions of better clour schemes, more colour configurability, more functionality (but not looks) etc.

Sorry but your vote counts do not reflect actual votes.

UnderTow

Edited bad quote

ORIGINAL: UnderTow



Your count has gone up by 3 votes in favour of more 3D while NO ONE has said they wanted more 3D. Only mentions of better clour schemes, more colour configurability, more functionality (but not looks) etc.

UnderTow

Edited bad quote

I fixed the header. Sorry about that.

I liked the Sonar GUI better then the previous versions IE pro Audio 9 from Cakewalk.
The wide grid was a pain to scroll over.

Any way, wouldn't a fancy GUI compromise the audio engine?

I'd vote down any change that would make SONAR look "busier" than it already does. I'd like to be able to define my own Toolbars and keyboard macros, and of course to at least have all menu & button commands bindable.

-Susan

Dennis, hey check out this thread http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.asp?m=214334

OK, I admit it, it's a slow day at work today. So here's my tally.

All names appear once (I hope!).
Some opinions were difficult to categorize. If you disagree with my interpretation, I'll change it.
Skins requests were sometimes for change, sometimes to protect the status quo. The intention decided my interpretation of the vote. Some were without leaning for or against. I took those as functionality requests.

The first post per name was registered. I didn't read subsequent ones (not THAT slow a day. Still want to have lunch!).
In some cases, suggestions in fact already exist. I took what I thought each member felt.

Vote against
------------
Tog
Phrauge
Boogie
UnderTow
Richard Brian
inmazevo
ohhey
Mod Bod
tarsier
darc
S.L.I.P.
stratcat33511
Quasar
Elson
LoopJunkie
AndyW
SteveJL
Vskills
Shazbot
G7Sharp9
jamsession39
Frink
Rothchild
diamondjim
WFTurner
tombuur
Poco
.
LLyons
kb420
JazzSinger
Paul Russell
Del
dantarbill
kp
eric_peterson
daveyjones
stickman393
Chris in Indy
darc
= 40

Comments tending against
------------------------
Rednroll
Rev. Jem
ed_mcg
...wicked
dreamkeeper
mrthingy
MrTom
Dave Horch
midiman7942
Vskills
bermuda
MickiG
polarbear
jweldinger
noguru
Zane
= 16

Functionality suggestions
----------------------------
stratton
...tóbal
jlgrimes
jmarkham
tomek
Blades
ooblecaboodle
stevec
glazfolk
505Alive
Susan G
xackley
originalkoala
BruceEnnis
Elson
= 15

Comments tending for
--------------------
Jake68
Bill OConnell
mark4man - (For change, but in fact tending to S2's clarity)
MysticMizer
cyberzip
SilkTone
rm5700@optonline.net
saturdaysaint
markmcg
MusicLuva
Majic
Ludvig
OldGeezer
missword
= 14

Vote for
--------
dali lama
epytryga
ustudio
black mariah
JohnS
harmony gardens
helmut
Poni
Petteri Karjalainen
Hans Van Even
Scott Lee
bigcohoona
ustudio
= 13

Specifically skins:
------------------
for: 5
against: 3
only if with standard screen option (ie. "leave as is" capability): 6

Double post deleted.

UnderTow

The console needs to be reworked GUI wise.