I'm getting to grips with the basics of Sonar 8.5, but given that my last major dabbling in audio involved a Yamaha SY99 keyboard, an Emu Proteus FX synth module and a cheap Zoom reverb outboard, I'm rather lost with the bewildering choice of effects, synths, sounds and processes available in Sonar.

I'm looking for an experienced (doesn't have to be professional) Sonar user and musician who is prepared to give me some paid tuition, at their home/studio first (to see how it SHOULD all be set up) and then at mine to help me optimise my own setup.

If anybody's interested, and within, say, 20 or so miles of Bromley (S.E.London), let me know

Thanks

Daniel

at their home/studio first

You can probably get more useful responses if you specify where in the world that might be. Unless you are willing to commute to Australia or Finland.

Slartabartfast, I did specify within "20 or so miles of Bromley (S.E.London); that's fairly specific, I feel, so I'm not quite sure if there was any constructive use to your post at all....?

Daniel

I'm in London, but don't travel that far out..

I would simply first of all say get Scott's book (sonar power) and well the writing style is easy to follow.. do a bit each day and only progress when you sussed out what he is on about in the book.. trying to learn everything in one go is a task.

there are guides on here about setting up also AND in the manual .. have you been thru them?

http://www.cakewalk.com/Tips/Default.aspx

as for the reverb, unless amazing I'm sure others could easily match it software wise. IK are currently doing a deal on their CSR ones, and thats pretty good.

you need a decent sound card, which you haven't mentioned.. also that SY is really old? so you would need a midi-usb thing if you haven't already got one.

sedm0710,

I'm nowhere near London so that's out :)

The book that Fog mentioned is good. I bought it, and my opinion of the book (no offense to author) is that it might be a similar version to the help files already contained within Sonar (or files at the cakewalk site)

I found the help files in Sonar to be useful (if I search correctly, I can find most things)

Another free source of instruction is to search YouTube. I've always found something useful there.

-D

In addition to the good advice provided by Fog & DJSur, you should be aware of the “SONAR 8.5 Reference Guide.pdf” provided on the 8.5 DVD. It is a large file (24,891 KB) and is filled with detailed information not found in the Help or User’s Guide. If you haven’t already looked at this file, I highly recommend that you do.
 
I don’t know if there is a local user’s group near you, but it might be worthwhile looking for one.
 
Lastly, this forum is a great source of information for problems that arise as you are learning. The members of this group are very generous with their time in helping other Sonar users.
 
Best of luck.

Hi Daniel,

If you're interested in my SONAR 8 Power book, you can find more info at: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks

Thanks!
Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series. Get Sonar 8 Power - Today! Go to: http://www.garrigus.com/

Publisher of DigiFreq - free music technology newsletter. Win a free SoundTech Vocal Trainer Package, go to: http://www.digifreq.com/digifreq/

Publisher of NewTechReview - free consumer technology newsletter. Win a free i2i Stream Wireless Music Pack, go to: http://www.newtechreview.com/newtechreview/

Just a note FYI.
My daughter is a learning assistance school teacher, I have taught guitar etc for over 20 years.
Not everyone learns in the same way. Reading books does not work for everyone. I think the OP knows very well were to find a plethora of both free and useful reading material already. His request is valid. Sitting down with a good teacher just might be the best, and fastest way for this person to get where they want to be.
I hope you find someone. You should ask at your local music store. Put an add in a free advertiser, try other Music forums, This form is a great place to start but probably only slim chance of connecting with someone locally.  Not all Sonar users visit this site and the majority only come when they are in trouble looking for answers. Good luck.

There is a video you can buy. Just search the net for "SWA complete Sonar 8.5". It's pretty good and will get you going pretty well. I don't think the video is that expensive either.

sedm0710
I'm getting to grips with the basics of Sonar 8.5, but given that my last major dabbling in audio involved a Yamaha SY99 keyboard, an Emu Proteus FX synth module and a cheap Zoom reverb outboard, I'm rather lost with the bewildering choice of effects, synths, sounds and processes available in Sonar.

I'm looking for an experienced (doesn't have to be professional) Sonar user and musician who is prepared to give me some paid tuition, at their home/studio first (to see how it SHOULD all be set up) and then at mine to help me optimise my own setup.

If anybody's interested, and within, say, 20 or so miles of Bromley (S.E.London), let me know

Thanks

Daniel

I agree with the post by DJSur - the book, 'Sonar power, is a dull, unimaginative, sometimes almost word for word copy of the files from old Sonar, 'Help,' files.  I thought it was a cynical rip off, and threw it away.
 
Keith Woods, London