Yeah, I was a bit puzzled by the initial install, but once I got it all together and started playing with the preset effects, I realized that I'll be getting some good use out of this software. The effects weren't too bad, really. Now I have to figure out the strumming elements and whatever else there is to making this all sound realistic.

Here's a video about the new features: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlKFDakw4k4

Sorry I'm late to the party! I need to bookmark the Cakewalk forums so I remember to check it every day (especially considering I'm a dedicated Sonar user!). I shifted from using multiple NKI files to the built-in presets for a few reasons. First of all, it means that you don't have to reload the library every time you want to audition a different patch. It also means that you can take advantage of the control locking (that little lock icon to the left of the section dropdowns), which allows you to load presets while preserving certain parameters. For example, if you have all the mapping section customized and only want the tone section to be affected when you load presets. It also means that if the library gets updated, it won't make all your presets suddenly useless--they'll retain compatibility. Lastly, it makes it easy to share presets. So if I create a bunch of new ones, I can easily post them on the forums--they're much smaller than NKI files. The downside is that you can't use the arrow keys in Kontakt's GUI to flip through presets, you have to hit Evolution's "load" button every time.

I like the new scheme. I created a Favorites folder in the presets and every time I found a preset that I felt might be useful I copied it into the Favorites directory. Having one nki simplifies things; now I won't have to remember which instrument I used in a previous project. 

Over the past year, so many product updates have been a disappointment. Kontakt 5 added nothing of value, nor did Ozone 5. I won't even mention DAW 2.0. So this EEG update is a welcome addition indeed! And it didn't even cost anything. Woo hoo!

That's a great idea! You could even have folders for different genres, or at least "Lead", "Rhythm", "Clean", "Distorted", etc.

Just installed the update. All I have done so far is run through the presets, but so far I am impressed. Greg has certainly done a good job of coaxing some decent tones out of the built in effects!

Now for learning curve.

Awesome, glad you're enjoying it! Let me know if there are any topics you'd like me to address in tutorial videos. Right now there are a few videos addressing the strumming system: http://www.youtube.com/pl...ist=PL812A6C1F5E1A95C5

These videos are very helpful in explaining strumming. Thank you!

Could someone help me out a bit with the strumming thingy?  Even tho I watched the video I can't seem to find out how to find or load the strumming patterns into EEG.  Perhaps I didn't install it correctly.  When I'm able to even produce a "strumming patterns" button on screen...by clicking on "mappings" and then "strumming" I only go to the library of "tones"...not strumming patterns.  I'm sure I'm just not understanding the new interface at all but how and where in the heck IS the strumming pattern library and how do you load new patterns into the new GUI??  thanks.

Change the first tab to "Mapping", then change the second tab to "Strum Patterns" and click on the "Load Pattern" button to load strum patterns from the strumming patterns folder.

I think I was able to locate the strum library but that still didn't do me any good at all.

I had no problem with the old EEG and the "arpeggiator" thingy but I feel like a total dunce with the new upgrade.  I honestly can't figure it out at all.  I guess I'm going to need a step by step as to how to load, or create and use strumming patterns as I'm totally stymied.  What a dimbulb. 

I also use Torch and the acoustic guitar with Strum Maker all the time with no problems at all but I know there's either something simple I'm missing or I've installed something improperly.  I would just like to be able to load and trigger chord strumming with the different preset patterns and learn how to create my own now that there's no "arpeggieator" construct dialog.