SONAR X1 First Impressions

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (hillsc)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:49:18 GMT

Check this out:

http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2153317

A very happy story about X1 performance on my laptop.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (chrisharbin)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:39:07 GMT

Lol!

Glad you are up and running!

I'm in the midst of the groove3 tutorials, and after about 4 in I'm impressed so far. Being a visual guy they are helping me to understand how powerful it's going to be!

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (hillsc)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 01:16:24 GMT

48 hours later, at last!

http://www.lockshire.net/...tudio-screenshot-1.png

First impression: it opened up my last opened 8.5 project just fine. And it's purdy too. I'm looking forward to a bit more in-depth analysis tomorrow. It's already after midnight and as thrilled as I am to have it installed, my eyes just won't stay open much longer.

So, did someone already win that coffee mug? :)

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (HumbleNoise)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:24:31 GMT

Thanks A1 - Yeah I've seen the video but I'm probably stuck in my head somewhere and need some time to get it figured out. Right now I'm switching tools constantly - so I've got a lot learn.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (A1MixMan)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:33:53 GMT

Not sure if this will help, but have you watched this?

http://cakewalk.com/CakeTV/video.aspx/axHd4sntdJg.ytb?t=Tools-and-Editing

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (HumbleNoise)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 23:20:04 GMT

Back to first impressions.

Mostly I love it, coming from someone who really doesn't get deeply into Sonar.

It just seems so much more accessible. Can't explain it but I can actually get around to the different views pretty easily. Really fun to explore.

The one thing that's not feeling that great is the tool set. I seem to be changing between 'Smart' and 'Select' a LOT to do things that seems like could be one with simply the select tool. Like extending a groove clip requires the smart tool and can't be moved with the 'select' tool. Or at least I can't get it figured out yet.

I've got a few more specific issues I'll post in another thread but again, first impression? A huge thumbs up. Nice work you guys.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (downsouthstudio)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:13:26 GMT

I record mainly live audio too.....using midi mainly for click track.

I would really like a version of Sonar 8.5.3 with the Pro Channel.
Maybe Cake could create a Pro Channel add on.

Im wondering how big the download would be without all the virtual instr and midi data.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (RogerS)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:07:08 GMT

Hi Susan,

He knows full well where the manual is. He's already pushing his point in other threads, and he's been directly answered by the Cakewalk folks.

Now we're just feeding the troll.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Susan G)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:04:08 GMT

Hi Fess-

SONAR also includes complete documentation in an HTML-based online Help system.

Can you point me to this? Maybe I can print it off. None of my music systems are connected to the internet, so I could use one of my other computers if I can get the manual online. I'm ccol with that if I can print it off. Is there a link to the HTML?

I don't have X1, but with previous versions it's been in the SONAR program folder. Look for something like a "SONAR.CHM" file -- that's a compiled HTML help file. It's only "online" in the sense that you can bring it up within the program, but you can also double-click and "run" it to view it separately, no need to be on the internet.

-Susan

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Brandon Ryan [Roland])

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:03:11 GMT

Fess

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Keep it up.

I've answered the question about the pdf manual over and over and in various threads. The manual exists in CHM format and is the full manual. Cries of "there is no manual" are incorrect and repeated questions about the same thing that has been answered over and over are just..well...pick whatever word you want.

And there IS a pdf manual for all new features. It's there. In your account/

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

I'll tell you this, if no pdf format manual is actually stopping you from using SONAR X1, then I seriously don't have any advice for you.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

*Yawwwwwwwwwn*

I'll take that as a yes.

Can I please get at least an eta on a pdf reference manual-like Producer 8.5 has? The help manual is not the same as a printable, full pdf manual. And the manual you're talking about?
This is what it says under About This Manual:

This manual provides basic information about how to install and set up SONAR and make initial
settings and system setup. It also provides tutorials to help you get started.

I skimmed through it. It's very very basic. I know X1 is deeper than that. This a far cry from 8.5 pro wouldn't you say?

SONAR also includes complete documentation in an HTML-based online Help system.

Can you point me to this? Maybe I can print it off.

None of my music systems are connected to the internet, so I could use one of my other computers if I can get the manual online. I'm ccol with that if I can print it off. Is there a link to the HTML?

Hit F1. It's all there. F1 has always accessed the complete built-in help in SONAR. And it's bigger than what came with 8.5. It's in the SONAR folder as well. C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\SONAR X1. In there is a 30mb complete help file. You could even right-clickon the SONAR icon and select open file location and it's right there for you. And you don't have to be connected to the internet to read it.

Perhaps the fact that you have not accessed this file has something to do with your discontent. Also, is there some particular topic you are looking for help with. Perhaps someone can help you or forward you the text, etc.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Fess)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:55:29 GMT

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Keep it up.

I've answered the question about the pdf manual over and over and in various threads. The manual exists in CHM format and is the full manual. Cries of "there is no manual" are incorrect and repeated questions about the same thing that has been answered over and over are just..well...pick whatever word you want.

And there IS a pdf manual for all new features. It's there. In your account/

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

I'll tell you this, if no pdf format manual is actually stopping you from using SONAR X1, then I seriously don't have any advice for you.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

*Yawwwwwwwwwn*

I'll take that as a yes.

Can I please get at least an eta on a pdf reference manual-like Producer 8.5 has? The help manual is not the same as a printable, full pdf manual. And the manual you're talking about?
This is what it says under About This Manual:

This manual provides basic information about how to install and set up SONAR and make initial
settings and system setup. It also provides tutorials to help you get started.

I skimmed through it. It's very very basic. I know X1 is deeper than that. This a far cry from 8.5 pro wouldn't you say?

SONAR also includes complete documentation in an HTML-based online Help system.

Can you point me to this? Maybe I can print it off.

None of my music systems are connected to the internet, so I could use one of my other computers if I can get the manual online. I'm ccol with that if I can print it off. Is there a link to the HTML?

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Guitarpima)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:53:54 GMT

So far I like what I'm seeing. I like the eq in the pro channel. The compressor seems like it's not doing anything though I've only spent little time on it. Still going over things while trying to finish a project.

When will we ever get smooth scrolling wav, staff, prv views? As one who reads the staff from my midi file as I play it, it would make life SOOOOOOOOOO! much easier.

I notice the staff view has problems that seem like an easy fix. Sometimes it is notated wrong. Say you have a c# but it's written Db. A one click enharmic option would be cool!

So far so good though!

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (A1MixMan)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:40:49 GMT

Fess,

I see you registered here right around the time X1 was announced. Are you here just to stir up sh*t? Maybe you're from another forum for another DAW and want to just be pain. I hope that's not true as how pitiful would that be?

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Brandon Ryan [Roland])

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:34:11 GMT

Fess

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Keep it up.

I've answered the question about the pdf manual over and over and in various threads. The manual exists in CHM format and is the full manual. Cries of "there is no manual" are incorrect and repeated questions about the same thing that has been answered over and over are just..well...pick whatever word you want.

And there IS a pdf manual for all new features. It's there. In your account/

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

I'll tell you this, if no pdf format manual is actually stopping you from using SONAR X1, then I seriously don't have any advice for you.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

*Yawwwwwwwwwn*

I'll take that as a yes.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Fess)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:30:44 GMT

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

Fess

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Keep it up.

I've answered the question about the pdf manual over and over and in various threads. The manual exists in CHM format and is the full manual. Cries of "there is no manual" are incorrect and repeated questions about the same thing that has been answered over and over are just..well...pick whatever word you want.

And there IS a pdf manual for all new features. It's there. In your account/

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

I'll tell you this, if no pdf format manual is actually stopping you from using SONAR X1, then I seriously don't have any advice for you.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

*Yawwwwwwwwwn*

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (bitman)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:05:35 GMT

I record only audio here too. Other musicians on real instruments.

I still will have good old 8.5 which has served us all well and X1 was free to me anyway.

I still have not installed it. Circumstances have not permitted the time.
But I do have the files on DVDs.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (mikespitzer)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:33:38 GMT

I have not upgraded.

But I sat for a few hours with a friend who did upgrade his system.

First impression .....

I think X1 is a glimpse of the future for people who CREATE music inside their DAW systems.
This definately appears to be where Cakewalk and SONAR is heading in terms of marketplace.

This new version of SONAR seems to be making the DAW more and more of a MUSIC CREATION software and less of a MUSIC RECORDING software.

I think this is still the biggest distinction (even more now) between PRO TOOLS and SONAR.

I get the impression that SONAR's community of users keeps adding more and more people who never use any real instruments of any kind, but usual MIDI, samples, loops and virtual instruments to CREATE music totally INSIDE the DAW.

Even though SONAR can of course handler audio ..... I feel more and more people RECORDING MUSIC from outside the DAW still tend to gravitate towards PRO TOOLS or older SONAR versions.

Obviously both systems can handle either type of project ........... but somehow all the changes in X1 looks to be almost totally dedicated to the people creating music inside their DAW with tons of loops, MIDI, samples, etc...

I respect Cakewalk for what they have accomplished here (based on what I saw today)

Even if for me personally, SONAR 8.0 is more user friendly and productive for the type of work I personally do. (real bands and musicians - audio only).

My only MINOR gripe is nit picky only .......... ugghhhh .... I hate that default pale gray and aqua blue color scheme that looks just like Presonus Studio One.

My first action if/when I upgrade in the future (after a year or two to iron out the glitches) will be to change those awful color schemes.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (dmbaer)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:09:07 GMT

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

Absolutely, Brandon. I was guilty of a few intemporate comments on this issue, and I apologize. While I can only speak for myself, I suspect others reacted the same due to a combination of frustration at actually getting our hands on X1 (2 minute web page refreshes tends to do that) and disappointment in finding all that effort did not produce a manual. But if a manual is forthcoming, then we can adjust our expectations accordingly. The videos I've watched of the new X1 UI features has got me very excited, and I'm extremely pleased with much of what I've seen so far. Clearly others are also passionate ... and that's ultimately a good thing.

Peace. " />

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Brandon Ryan [Roland])

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:37:20 GMT

Fess

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Keep it up.

I've answered the question about the pdf manual over and over and in various threads. The manual exists in CHM format and is the full manual. Cries of "there is no manual" are incorrect and repeated questions about the same thing that has been answered over and over are just..well...pick whatever word you want.

And there IS a pdf manual for all new features. It's there. In your account/

A pdf version of the full CHM is being prepared to my understanding.

I'll tell you this, if no pdf format manual is actually stopping you from using SONAR X1, then I seriously don't have any advice for you.

Now can we put this to bed and get on to the actual software.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Fess)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:20:22 GMT

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

nickclube

After a day of working with X1, I'm far from convinced that it's an improvement on 8.5.3, it's just a slightly different workspace. It still takes ages to load and close projects and is still crashing now and then in Windows 7 64 bit.
Pro Channel is a great idea but early usage seems to suggest that you can't simultaneously use Sonitus or third party plugins in the effects bin of channels where you want to use Pro Channel.

A day is too short a time to give a fair assesment and I hope the product grows on me, but I don't yet feel the same instant excitement or "Wow, how did I ever live without this?" factor I have with earlier seminal Cakewalk and Sonar releases.

And where on earth is the pdf manual?!

I'm runnign under Win7 64-bit and working with large projects at times. They don't load any slower than 8.5 and are in fact very quick. None of us have seen this so I'd suggest looking into this deeper. There must be some factor that's making this happen but I sincerely doubt it's X1 inherently. Have you compared the same project loading time with 8.5?

Regarding the ProChannel, you absolutely can use any plugins you want in the FX bins in addition to the ProChannel. The ProChannel doesn't hinder your usage of plugins in FX bins in any way.

What are you seeing that is stopping you from using plugins in FX bins? Maybe we can help.

You can help by answering his question about the pdf manual.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (chrisharbin)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:00:50 GMT

Prostoolz

Lol!

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (LJB)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:26:46 GMT

t still takes ages to load and close projects .....

nickclube

Not to go THERE again, but have you ever seen how long Prostoolz HD takes to load a song? Several weeks, or perhaps even longer.. :O)

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (Brandon Ryan [Roland])

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:17:29 GMT

nickclube

After a day of working with X1, I'm far from convinced that it's an improvement on 8.5.3, it's just a slightly different workspace. It still takes ages to load and close projects and is still crashing now and then in Windows 7 64 bit.
Pro Channel is a great idea but early usage seems to suggest that you can't simultaneously use Sonitus or third party plugins in the effects bin of channels where you want to use Pro Channel.

A day is too short a time to give a fair assesment and I hope the product grows on me, but I don't yet feel the same instant excitement or "Wow, how did I ever live without this?" factor I have with earlier seminal Cakewalk and Sonar releases.

And where on earth is the pdf manual?!

I'm runnign under Win7 64-bit and working with large projects at times. They don't load any slower than 8.5 and are in fact very quick. None of us have seen this so I'd suggest looking into this deeper. There must be some factor that's making this happen but I sincerely doubt it's X1 inherently. Have you compared the same project loading time with 8.5?

Regarding the ProChannel, you absolutely can use any plugins you want in the FX bins in addition to the ProChannel. The ProChannel doesn't hinder your usage of plugins in FX bins in any way.

What are you seeing that is stopping you from using plugins in FX bins? Maybe we can help.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (nickclube)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:04:54 GMT

After a day of working with X1, I'm far from convinced that it's an improvement on 8.5.3, it's just a slightly different workspace. It still takes ages to load and close projects and is still crashing now and then in Windows 7 64 bit.
Pro Channel is a great idea but early usage seems to suggest that you can't simultaneously use Sonitus or third party plugins in the effects bin of channels where you want to use Pro Channel.

A day is too short a time to give a fair assesment and I hope the product grows on me, but I don't yet feel the same instant excitement or "Wow, how did I ever live without this?" factor I have with earlier seminal Cakewalk and Sonar releases.

And where on earth is the pdf manual?!

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (chrisharbin)

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:21:40 GMT

hillsc

I'm not getting that coffee mug, am I?

LOL! Though I'm sorry you are having to wait that long " />

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (hillsc)

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:13:37 GMT

I'm not getting that coffee mug, am I?

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (daveny5)

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:01:08 GMT

If your experience is anything like mine, you'll go "WTF?!?!" for 30 minutes, then start to settle in, and then start thinking that the new interface makes a lot more sense. Now when I go back to 8.5, I get disoriented...

Well, I'm far from that revelation. Its going to take me quite awhile to adjust to this new GUI. Maybe when I have some time to mess with it on the weekend. I'm just a hobbyist and have a very full time job. This is going to be quite a learning curve, one I think I'll welcome, but for now I'm a bit daunted.

The good news is I loaded and played a few old projects and they worked without any problems.

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (hillsc)

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:59:46 GMT

Order placed, serial numbers received, just waiting for that download link to appear!

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (hillsc)

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:35:29 GMT

My free "order" has almost been placed!

I'm getting oh so close to that download.

I hope. :)

Re:SONAR X1 First Impressions (alexisrael)

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:05:56 GMT

"Unexpected stuff: I see Studio Instruments has been included and something called Cakewalk Sound Center"

Congratulations! Cakewalk Sound Center is a Music Creator belonging, so, I appreciate making me smiling/laughing, as the major Cakewalk product gets updated with an entry level software synth.

P.S. I enjoyed Cakewalk Sound Center for long, but for a month or so prefer to substitute it with another instance of Dimension PRO