Beepster


@Mystic... I wish I had the patience and wherewithal for that kind of stuff but I think I need to just watch that PC module pack and see what happens with it price wise. I prefer to just snag stuff in big chunks instead of doing it piece by piece... but I guess maybe I should build a proper list (or ask Cake for one as I mentioned earlier) so I can keep an eye on stuff. I don't find shopping as thrilling or pleasurable as most of society seems to these days and it tends to be a liability on occasion (like when I missed the Peart SD3 pack for $20... GAH!). I just want what I need and move on to using it. Frankly the last year of purchasing hardware/software has been quite draining and I want it to end. Okay... I'll stop whining now.

well, part of my rationale is that already i have enough stuff that i have yet to master, so buying more stuff right now wont help, better to pace it out when its a good deal..
none of this (mastering wot i got) is helped by picking up komplete 8 for $199 ...so i sit looking at 12dvds for install....sigh... it may be months before i actually start making music...rats.
 
the bakers do put on enticing sales...

Being a long time Cakewlk user (since 2000) this whole expanded prochannel thing seems totally confusing and limited. People complain about ProTools charging for this add on, that add on etc. How is this any different? Like needing expanded or what ever just to get what seems like basic functions like scrolling and presets or whatever. Can you use these plugins in the effects bin in any order with your other non cake plugs? Seems like cakewalk would want to focus is development on making these extras instead of focusing on core development. Like yeah, we are adding this sweet core feature but only if you buy expanded v2 etc.

It surprised me nobody mentioned FXchains and the expanded browser. For me especially FXchains is a big time saver. The added browser functionality does not hurt either. For me the SoundCloud and MusicXML addons where less interesting, but nevertheless nice to have. So - I think the expansion is certainly worth the price..

I really like expanded..   Seems the workflow tweaks are radical.  I agree with the sentiments, "its odd I have to pay for workflow tweaks," but yeah whatever, you also have to pay to check your baggage on an airplane..

Its just the way things are going right now, it certainly isn't an idea that is coming from, "Cakewalk," and nobody else...

As far as the extra Pro-Channel modules go..  I haven't bought them yet.  They are, "on the wishlist."  I'm judging Expanded without the extra Pro-Channel Gear, and I definitely see a major difference in workflow, and eq, and stability...  fer what its worth.  Happy I bought it..

Peace

JClosed


It surprised me nobody mentioned FXchains and the expanded browser. For me especially FXchains is a big time saver. The added browser functionality does not hurt either. For me the SoundCloud and MusicXML addons where less interesting, but nevertheless nice to have. So - I think the expansion is certainly worth the price..

This too - I had forgotten about this being an expanded feature. But you're right. I really enjoy saving my fx chains to recall for future tracks -  and also playing around with the many offerings that comes from the guys at the bakery. Some of those are very nice.

I bought Expanded when it came out in Sept/Oct,for $49.95,but then I got all the other modules as deals[concrete limiter for $10] and the PC2A for $49.95.

I reckon one of the great things is "Replace Synth",and use it all the time for the different drum synths,and also stacking them.

I have to admit I'm more into my Waves Kramer Tape's Tubes,and Maserati bundle lately,as they have a very cool deal where,if you buy a former $400 bundle[now $199]they also give you a $200 voucher,which allowed me to get the Tony Maserati bundle for $99,and then you get another $200 voucher,it's a very good marketing scheme,as Ive ended up,with stuff that 6 months ago,would have been nearly $1500,for $390,plus the new licensing arrangement is really much easier,and slicker than I would have ever thought.

However,I notice the Soft Tube bundle is on sale again from $299 DOWN to $179,but an iLock stick in Australia,is $60 or $70,just for a licence dongle!,in the US the iLock is much cheaper,so I'm NOT going there...bummer.

As far as Expanded,it's"definitely worth it"with the price's,being what they've been,considering all the added functionality you get.

What bummed me out recently,was upgrading Guitar Rig,from 5"Player" to 5"Pro",for $99,and then 3 weeks later,I could have done the same for $40!.....Oh well,this happens all the time,as I'm sure the current deals with X1 are less than Iv'e paid!

I too jumped on the $10 upgrade to Expanded which was not long after I had purchased X1...so I felt like I got a great deal indeed.  And then the $20 sale for the PC2A came along and I snatched that up too.

I had a client that thought he was gonna have to redo a vocal track after listening to a rough mix of his song.  He came in the day after I bought the PC2A leveler and said...."what the heck did you do to my vocal?  It sounds great now...! "  All I did was add the PC2A leveler and it smoothed out his vocal track to where he was completely satisfied with it.  That one incident made it well worth the $20.

I prefer Expanded over Extravagant.

That TSAR-1R reverb unit for the Pro Channel I bought last week on E-Bay for $59.99 is now listed for $99.99, I guess I bought at the right time !!

Yes I bought it as a single plug as I only wanted the reverb only. I've got plenty of other EQ's and compressors already. Buying extra plug-ins would be redundant for me as I woud probably never use them. Really now, how many compressors do I have to have ??

Let's see... hmmm

Sonar X1 Producer   = $400
Expanded Upgrade  = $  10 only get an upgraded PC eq and Softube Saturation knob
Sonar PC Modules    = $179 You get 4 PC modules
Softube PC Modules = $179 You get 5 PC modules and the full blown vst's

Sonar X1 Total Cost = $768

Wow, we're starting to cost as much as ProTools.  But I still say we are better!

I never did...then again...we is just fanbois I guess.....