opinions needed - stick with Cantabile or migrate to Splat Playlist?

Well, I have Cantabile, and another similar program called Forte, from Brainspawn.  I also have been a Sonar user since the dinosaur days.
 
I use Cantabile/Forte for live performance situations, where I can stack layers of VST synths into really easy to call up presets, and either program REALLY fits the bill for live performance.
 
IF you are talking about continuing to use Cantabile or some other VST host wrapper rack emulator for LIVE performance, then I would vote for that, rather than for trying to get Sonar to serve up presets in any kind of timely manner for live performing.  
 
Sonar EXCELS at being recording software.  Cantabile/Forte EXCEL at being live performance VST hosting software.
 
In my opinion, Sonar has way too much overhead to effectively act as a VST host for live performance - it takes too much time to switch presets using Sonar, as it is just not built to do the kinds of things programs like Cantabile or Forte do in support of live performance.
 
So, perhaps you can elaborate on what you DO do, using Cantabile, and what you want Sonar to be able to do?
 
I'll try to help, as I have over 10 years of live performance using both Forte and Cantabile, and somewhere around 30 years of Cakewalk software use.
 
Bob Bone
 

Thanks Bob.
 
Essentially I have created backing tracks to go along with my live keys/vocals/ bass playing. Mostly just drums and some guitars. I also want to use vocal efx with the mic. I hear what you are syaing about the jobs both do, but I do like the way Sonar lays out the tracks, and it alos makes it far easier to "edit on the fly" or to drop tracks out if I add a drummer or guitarist (live). Other folks have extolled the virtues of the Playlist as a live tool, and these comments got me thinking that perhaps it would be easier to run it all from one app. As it is now I need to bounce down tracks to wav, convert those to MP3, then export them t o the laptop, then setup multiple players in Cantabile, with the required VSTi's and efx and so on and so forth haha!...if I use Sonar it is a once only setup cost. Set the CWP and then its good to go.
 
Stilll your thoughts are good and I will definitely take them onboard.
 
Cheers
 
Dennis

Yes VSTHost http://www.hermannseib.com/english/vsthost.htm

robert_e_bone
Well, I have Cantabile, and another similar program called Forte, from Brainspawn.  I also have been a Sonar user since the dinosaur days.
 
I use Cantabile/Forte for live performance situations, where I can stack layers of VST synths into really easy to call up presets, and either program REALLY fits the bill for live performance.
 
IF you are talking about continuing to use Cantabile or some other VST host wrapper rack emulator for LIVE performance, then I would vote for that, rather than for trying to get Sonar to serve up presets in any kind of timely manner for live performing.  
 
Sonar EXCELS at being recording software.  Cantabile/Forte EXCEL at being live performance VST hosting software.
 
In my opinion, Sonar has way too much overhead to effectively act as a VST host for live performance - it takes too much time to switch presets using Sonar, as it is just not built to do the kinds of things programs like Cantabile or Forte do in support of live performance.
 
So, perhaps you can elaborate on what you DO do, using Cantabile, and what you want Sonar to be able to do?
 
I'll try to help, as I have over 10 years of live performance using both Forte and Cantabile, and somewhere around 30 years of Cakewalk software use.
 
Bob Bone
 

Hi Bob - curious about Forte versus Cantabile. Can you recommend one over the other? Why both? I am also using SPlat with a live DAW but would like to try something more robust live.

I have a free version of Cantabile, so that was how I ended up with that.  I mostly use Forte - I paid for it, and am quite happy with it.  Cantabile works well too, and I believe they have a more robust version you can buy.
 
I recommend both - I usually end up using Forte, but I do believe either one would do the job.
 
They both have similar concepts, of allowing someone to load up a virtual synth rack, with VST plugins from whoever, and lets you create as many snapshots as you want, where each snapshot can include any combination of VST synths each playing whatever preset you wish, and any module that is muted gets its memory footprint swapped out, thus conserving resources very well.  Additionally, you can do things like decide whether or not an instance of Kontakt reloads samples or not, so if you have an instance of Kontakt with a gorgeous piano sound, you can tell Forte NOT to reload the samples on a preset change, and that makes switching presets instantaneous, because the piano samples are kept loaded up.  That feature is HUGELY helpful, and together with the infinite set of presets you can build, with incredibly rich layers and zones and all of that, you get an awesome set of choices that are just about impossible to achieve using any other method I am aware of.
 
Sonar is FABULOUS for doing what it is designed to do - but live performance VST preset management is a bit cumbersome in Sonar, as there is way too much overhead and time lost when switching sounds, in my opinion.
 
Bob Bone