I just downloaded the X2 Producer trial... is there seriously no sample content at all or am I just looking in the wrong place? I find all the folders, but clicking though gives me no cakewalk files I can do anything with? No sample projects? All I want to do is get a feel for the UI, but I've been messing with this thing for an hour and have not heard a single sound yet... What gives?

hmm... Not sure if the trial comes with working samples and whatnot.

Two questions...

Do you have all your audio stuff set up and what is it?

Did they include a manual with the trial download?

If sample files were included (which it would be silly if they didn't include at least something) then the manual will show you how to set up your gear and access the files. The tutorials in the manual are what you'll want to work through to get that stuff sorted out. If not just google "Sonar X2 Manual" and it should give you a link to a PDF version on this site. 

Cheers.

Welcome to the forum Cerberus.  I wish I knew what the trial came with but I don't. One thing you could try is loading a MIDI file from the net and load up the TTS-1 to try it out.

If you have further questions please ask. If this is your first time with a Sonar it will be a bit tough to get the hang of things but we are here to help. 

Right now I don't know how much you know so ask away. Beepster can be very helpful. 

Heh... I try but sometimes my derp impedes my good intentions. ;-)

unfortunately the loops that come with x2 aren't copy protected in any way so that would be like giving them away for free.  there are tons of free loops online though.  did it come with any soft synths??

Here is what is included:

What's Included in the Free Trial

Unlimited audio & MIDI tracks

Enhanced award-winning Skylight interface

Seamless usability & workflow

Modular ProChannel

BREVERB SONAR ProChannel module

QuadCurve EQ & Softube Saturation Knob modules

ProChannel Console Emulator

FX Chains plus FX Chains ProChannel Modules

Smart Tool and Smart Grid

Cakewalk Sound Center

VX-64 Vocal Channel Strip

PX-64 Percussion Channel Strip

Matrix performance view

Integrated per track arpeggiator

Automation & Take Lanes

Pristine 64-bit/384KHz audio engine

Native 32/64-bit application
Bob Bone 

I don't have any of my equipment set up yet, unfortunately, I'm just looking to get a feel for the UI at this point. Ableton, FL Studio, and the others I've downloaded all come with at least one of whatever the native project format file is, so you can start it right up and do something with it. Lined up MIDI with internal synths, a few cheapo loops, etc., all arranged into a song that you can play right through your speakers. You can play around with tracks and controls, and all the other good stuff. Not Sonar, it seems. I used to be a Cakewalk user a decade ago, so Sonar already has the lead for me in choosing software (and Ableton is just ugly, IMO), but this inability to even hear a sound without going pretty far down the learning curve is frustrating.

Hang on, there.

I think that the Cakewalk Sound Center - included in the trial - come with access to something like 150 sounds of some sort.

I just did a Google search for "Cakewalk Sound Center" and got this back: 


http://www.cakewalk.com/P.../Cakewalk-Sound-Center


Soooooooooooo, check it out and see if that can at least give you something to play around with,

I can tell you that I have LOVED Sonar since before it was Sonar - well over 20 years now, and I find it fits every one of my needs quite nicely.  I believe some of the recent XBox games were scored with Sonar, and possible the movie Battleship (I am by NO means sure - that's just what my head thinks is the case).

It is a really nice set of tools to record through master - I call that cohesive function, and the community for Sonar is FULL of helpful folks to help explain things to you while you are learning.

If you awns me a private message requesting additional access, I will respond with a cell number you can call if things get too wacky for typing,

Welcome to it all, we embrace your newness.

Bob Bone

Cerberus


I don't have any of my equipment set up yet, unfortunately, I'm just looking to get a feel for the UI at this point. Ableton, FL Studio, and the others I've downloaded all come with at least one of whatever the native project format file is, so you can start it right up and do something with it. Lined up MIDI with internal synths, a few cheapo loops, etc., all arranged into a song that you can play right through your speakers. You can play around with tracks and controls, and all the other good stuff. Not Sonar, it seems. I used to be a Cakewalk user a decade ago, so Sonar already has the lead for me in choosing software (and Ableton is just ugly, IMO), but this inability to even hear a sound without going pretty far down the learning curve is frustrating.

there used to be tutorial files included in older versions, if I try to install the trial here.. it says I can't as I already have the full one., otherwise I'd have a look.

there are loads of guides on here to get started , have you looked at them also.. and a silly amount of youtube videos

http://www.cakewalk.com/CakeTV/SONARU.aspx
http://www.cakewalk.com/CakeTV/

OK, this is crazy. I went back and looked at the ReadMe for the trial download, and found this statement:   "SONAR X2 documentation refers to several tutorial projects, however these projects are not included in SONAR X2 Producer Trial installer. They are available as a separate download. Some tutorial projects have been altered in order to remove plug-ins that are not included in the SONAR X2 Producer Trial." So the new question is, where the heck do I find that separate download?? I have to say, they certainly don't go out of their way to make things easy. This feels like a test... if I'm to dumb to figure this out, then, well...