When I tried to export a mix to mp3 I got the following error message...
 
"The MP3 encoder must be unlocked before use. Please visit http://cakewalk.com to upgrade a previous encoder, or to purchase a new encoder."
 
So I go to the Cakewalk store an find an activation for $9.99 or a download for $9.99.  So I'm thinking do I need the download and the activation? Then I see this...
 
"Purchase of this product is not required to convert your files to MP3. This software integrated encoder is intended to improve file export workflow."
 
So I don't need either right? Or, wrong?
 
It is hard to believe that Sonar Platinum does not come with an MP3 encoder!
 
This just seems like I'm being shafted into maybe buying an encoder I don't need. I know I can use another program to encode various formats. But what the "H"? Can't Cakewalk afford to provide me with a $9.99 piece of software? Sometimes things like this p*** me off about a product. 
 
 
 
 

You have to purchase the MP3 Encoder separately in the Cake store...

https://shop.cakewalk.com/1244/catalog/product.152236/language.en/currency.USD/?id=qLB31IoLUM

or, alternately, you can use an different encoder...someone here can chime in on that..

The Lame encoder is FREE and can be integrated into Sonar...

http://lame.sourceforge.net/download.php
 
there is an article somewhere on how to do it...

bits2tubes
 Can't Cakewalk afford to provide me with a $9.99 piece of software? 

Yes for an additional $9.99. If you are going to purchase the license make sure to get the correct product https://shop.cakewalk.com/1244/catalog/catalog.1307/category.60182/product.152233/. It is not required but it is the only way to activate the integrated mp3 encoder. The integrated encoder is based on LAME BTW. There are alternatives, add an external encoder to SONAR or export a wav then encode the mp3.

Here's a video on installing the Lame encoder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQH6M5isJBc

Lars is as always correct. There have been countless similar threads in the past on this but basically a company has to be licensed to use the encoder hence why it is a chargeable extra. However you can use the free lame encoder which will give you additional options in the export menu in Sonar for different mp3 export qualities. It will also work in audacity etc.

Hatstand
Lars is as always correct.

He just has trouble creating links to the CW store.

scook

Hatstand
Lars is as always correct.

He just has trouble creating links to the CW store.

True dat!  I keep forgetting to be "logged out"...

One of the sad things is that, today, most DAW's in this price range
have the MP3 included...one day Cake will figure that out...on the 
opposite side...you get far more for your money with Sonar IMO...
so $9.99 is not "robbery"...but it would be nice if they included it
ONLY in Platinum, which is their "premium" package...I think that
would be a little more "in line" with current trends...

This may change in 2018. The last mp3 patent expires at the end of this year.