We're all familiar with the KISS (Keep it simple, sir!) principle.....
 
With this is mind, with all the goodies that now come with Sonar X3 Producer,
....is it possible to work on a project with just the stock softsynths and plug-ins in  Sonar X3 Producer, and make it sound really GREAT?
 
Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes, I think it is.
 
I do use third party products, but the bundled content is easily capable.
 
Alternatively, as I have repeatedly witnessed, a talented artist/engineer can make almost anything sound great.

The only third party plug I own is this one..
http://www.meldaproduction.com/plugins/product.php?id=MAutoAlign
I use it because I get so much bleed between microphones that it's an easy way to enhance my recordings.
 
I have bought full versions of Breverb and TH2 and the Overloud set of things last summer, but that was all through Cakewalk.
 
I primarily consider myself to be a 100% Cakewalk guy. I do use my external FX at times, routing through a real compressor or the FX in my RME UCX.
 
I should add that I'm not a pro. I make $0 year after year.
 
BTW, part of my thought process is that the hardware will work just the same on Linux. While I rarely make recordings using Linux, I am often booted to Linux (like now). Hardware (nice microphones, pre-amps, FX etc etc) is not computer specific. I never worry if my pre-amps will work after upgrading Windows.
 
I suppose I should mention that my Interface, the RME UCX, comes with great analyzers and FX. It should be counted like a batch of plugins imho.

My opinion, if you can't get GREAT sounding mixes straight with the bundled Sonar content, then it's not the content that'a holding you back....

I want to add that a lot of plugins help you learn mixing techniques that have helped create the music we know and love. The Vintage Channel is a god example. Having the Freq Analysis in the PC EQ is another.
 
The point is that plugins help you learn techniques that are standard. Good engineers can get required EQ adjustments using lots of different EQs because they are GOOD at using an EQ.
 
I have found it very helpful to watch the videos at Melda Productions and Fab Filter to see how the other plugins work. Knowing how they work helps me know what I'm looking for.
 
Little things like starting your mixes in mono are not intuitive but very helpful. Don't spread your tracks out in the stereo field until you have a good start on the EQ settings for every channel.

What I'd like to see in Sonar X4 next year in the softsynth department, is a 16-part multitimbral sample based softsynth that can replace the TTS-1.

Go, Vicsant! The only thing I miss in older versions of Sonar is VSampler! We need a first class sampler bundled in Cake products. I had no problem at all using a handful of FX plugs and my custom made library for VSampler. I did many projects for the producer with just Cake fx and plugs. The only reason I use Toontracks now is because we lost VSampler. It would also play Akai sample librarys as well. Cake, Are you listening?

gswitz
 
Little things like starting your mixes in mono are not intuitive but very helpful. Don't spread your tracks out in the stereo field until you have a good start on the EQ settings for every channel.

I start every mix in mono. Always have. If the first couple of passes don't sound good in mono I know there is a problem. This is a really important first step for me in that it makes me listen to the track relationships first. Once the basic mix is happening in mono I can feel confident that my overall mix strategy has legs.

Of course. Is it easier with some other plugs? Sure. And then some. But a good song/performance/arrangement/recording will sound great.

Sir?
 
The bundled synths and effects are more than adequate IMO.  Never hurts to have just...one...more...plugin...though...
 
tbh it's now been a few months since buying any plugin, although I have been buying guitars like they're an endangered species of late :-)