I'm (once again) using y'all as a focus group...when a new version of Sonar comes out, it's always a big problem to figure out what to cover first in my Sonar columns for Sound on Sound. Should I do the console emulation...no wait...the guitar sim! But there's also the automation, that's cool, and the workflow changes...

So if you could have me write about any new X2 feature in depth, which one(s) would it be?

Workflow changes... Auto Zoom, Track auto zoom, Track layers, Smart tool.... get my vote.

rcrees


Workflow changes... Auto Zoom, Track auto zoom, Track layers, Smart tool.... get my vote.

+1

Given that the guitar sim can be purchased off the shelf for any DAW, I would stick to what makes Sonar X2 unique. 

I agree with rcrees, but I would also go with the Pro Channel, including the bundled console emulation and the special PC version of Rverb. Also, the way that you can now set up FX chains in the PC is pretty damn cool with the customised knobs which can be assigned to any combination of regular plug-ins to make a custom super-effect.

I know a few people have bagged the PC, from the point of view that dedicated PC FX are tied to Sonar. But Cakewalk's PC interface is just so damn user friendly. Throwing a gate on a track or doing dynamic processing has never been more natural or convenient.

+1 For FX Chains in PC.

I can always count on this forum to come through! Thanks!! Keep the suggestions coming, and hopefully there will be a consensus.

That would really be a tough one as there is so much New/Good stuff in X2. No matter what you choose to write about it will be Great article regardless.

Sorry I wasn't much help...

Kind regards,
Rick

Workflow changes and PC effects chains sound cool to me!

Rocky

If the console emulation really is "that good," I think it merits a detailed explanation of how to get the best out of it.

My very limited experimenting suggests it is subtle indeed and I would like to understand the theoretical differences in the models.

Not sure I "get it" at this point. 

There are so many processing options, what's the big deal with this one?

 I really believe that what really needs coverage and exposure is the ABYSSIMAL state of the Staff View. This is a supposed to be a cornerstone to a serious DAW but it has been left to rot for more than a dozen upgrades. Look at this Cubase video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqDK2Rhpb3g) that features a few apsects of their Notation offering and TRY not to feel embarrassed and/or envious...

Maybe if this gets "outside" big league coverage, it would light a fire under their buttocks, maybe add a good dose of well deserved embarrassment. Always hard to read the marketing blurbs that want us to believe that they offer a PRO solution. They don't! Professional musicians read, use, write, edit, arrange with NOTATION.

PS might be a risk to add this to your column as it would probably put you in their bad books...

Cakewalk refusal to even comment the myriads of posts on the Forum, calls to support, ect... only adds to the injury. At the very minimum being exposed on SOS might have CW offer the forum an official comment on future plans or tell us square that they will never address it.