I started with Sonar X3 in June of 2014 after losing my patience with Magix/Samplitude.  It took some time for the learning curve but I'm finally to the point where I feel comfortable with it and the last several projects were (almost) effortless.
 
 I kept my eyes on the forums here. Indeed, I learned most of what I know from my fine co users who frequented this forum.  If I had a problem, I'd post a question and most of time I would get a workable answer within an hour.  I'm so grateful to all the co users who gave me the answers needed in a very timely manner.  You guys are the greatest!  I also observed on the forum many Sonar users who were champing at the bit to get the latest newest version of Sonar (Platinum), and while I was tempted to at least upgrade to X3 Studios new counterpart, Professional, I still hesitated and decided to stay with what I had.   I knew how it worked and I was getting comfortable with it and didn't feel as if I needed to go further.  Now I'm really glad I stayed with X3 because it seems everybody's biggest fear is losing access to their DAW if Cakewalk's authentication servers were taken down.  This is a legitimate concern, but because I stayed with X3e I can have the confidence that if my system crashed and I had to reload everything I could get my DAW back to where it is now as X3 does not require authorization. I took the precaution to DL all of the install files (I have the disc, but if my next PC doesn't have a optical drive I can still install this way)  I'm not gloating.  I really feel bad for you guys that spent $500.00 plus for Platinum or upgraded on the strength of the "Lifetime" promise and/or the subscription plan.  You're getting a crappy deal and something should be able to be done for you, and I hope ultimately there is.  My plans are to keep using X3e as I have been. If I need to replace my PC at some point, I'll try to reinstall X3 on it but if it won't fly I'll try Reaper.  Those are my plans.  Best of luck to all you guys.  I really hope this works out for everybody.
 
John B

Sticking w/Sonar as well!
 
(Not much more to add that hasn't already been said / haven't demoed any other DAWs neither.)

Sonar X3e was a very good version and I'm gald I still have it and my trusty serial numbers... That is my plan B if they never release the activation codes for Splat. X3e is a better chioce for me than these other DAW's so why waist money on second best!  People seem to think Mix Craft is cool,, ya  because it's just like Sonar X3e!! 

Cactus Music
Sonar X3e was a very good version and I'm gald I still have it and my trusty serial numbers... That is my plan B if they never release the activation codes for Splat. X3e is a better chioce for me than these other DAW's so why waist money on second best!  People seem to think Mix Craft is cool,, ya  because it's just like Sonar X3e!! 

That is exactly why I made sure I grabbed absolutely everything in My Products, including the older Sonar versions I upgraded from. I want lots of possible options to keep Sonar alive, regardless of what comes down from Cakewalk / Gibson over the next while. 

I will be staying with sonar. Sonar has always been years ahead of the curve. I will use it the way it is for years to come, unless there is a serious incompatiblity issue with something that I have to use. I have used other DAWS and became quickly frustrated with how the workflow was, lack of options, lack of ability to do what I was used to doing. I remember when sonar was the only daw that had a 64 bit audio engine in a 32 bit operating system. I always threw that in the face of a protools fanboy and they just would have nothing to say. actually some people would have something like "protools has --- and ---" Oh cool, im glad you finally got that, cuz sonar had that 4 years ago! lol
 
I will not be using a less capable DAW at this moment. I think eveyone is emotional and they dont really make sense with their choice in switching DAWS right NOW. Like why? what for? you really want less? Sonar is a complete well rounded masterpiece of software that doesnt really need updating anyway. I honestly havent updated mine in 8 months! It still records and does way more than presonus studio one, protools, cubase, etc. PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER that the latest and greatest updates isnt whats making your music. YOU ARE. So just because Sonar wont have anymore updates doesnt mean the software is going to handicap your creativity! If your music is sucking that bad, then you need to just simply make better music!
 
I also just dont see Sonars software just doing nothing. Something is going to happen. Sonar has a huge fanbase and proven software that should be the industry standard. Someone is going to buy it, or they are going to reopen the department under another name... something... Its crazy to think that they had all of that income on subscriptions and they decided to just the door on making money? I think a bankruptcy is in the near future for Gibson and they want to keep Sonar... thats my uneducated assumption based on no research btw. But it is the only immediate thought that makes sense. They need to rebrand sonar and reintroduce it to build hype and get these new comers to try it. Native INstruments should buy it!! They need something like Sonar, badly!!  anyways im just rambling... bye!!!

could be a driver issue, virus, something else besides sonar etc.    do a quick install on a spare hard drive. new operating system, and just sonar. and see if you still have the same issue. if not then you know something else is to blame besides the version sonar you are using!!!
 

Mike Real
could be a driver issue, virus, something else besides sonar etc.    do a quick install on a spare hard drive. new operating system, and just sonar. and see if you still have the same issue. if not then you know something else is to blame besides the version sonar you are using!!!
 

You on the right thread?

Bristol_Jonesey

Mike Real
could be a driver issue, virus, something else besides sonar etc.    do a quick install on a spare hard drive. new operating system, and just sonar. and see if you still have the same issue. if not then you know something else is to blame besides the version sonar you are using!!!
 

You on the right thread?

yes

I will be using Cakewalk Sonar software for as long as I am able and recording music.  I know I have given kudos to Reaper, but Reaper is just too Generic for me to use and has so many distractions of things that I will never use. 
 
I am happy with Sonar and my Cakewalk software, I don't see myself ever using anything else to record with, unless god forbid I end up without any choice in the matter, something like my PC fails and I can't reinstall even from Image considering the hardware on a new PC/Hard drive is different and wont allow it to work. 

We shall see what happens. I'm not going to jump ship, a lot of these employee's for cakewalk over the years put their hard work into this software, for me it is working perfectly now. I can't see the point in moving to another DAW right now considering it's working great for me because moving to another daw might possibly invite NEW PROBLEMS and LESS OPTIONS. I plan on using Cakewalk Sonar until I no longer have the option to do so. Hopefully something changes and there is a rebirth of Cakewalk Sonar, we shall see.... 
 
 
Happy Holidays everyone!