As advertised in Keyboard magazine (2009)
 
CAKEWALK SONAR 8.5 PRODUCER
READY TO ROCK ON WINDOWS 7
BIG NEW FEATURES AudioSnap, Step
Sequencer, and Session Drummer all get major
upgrades. Matrix view allows live, nonlinear arranging
and remixing. Media browser puts all your production
files in one place. BitBridge XR runs 32-bit plug-ins
on a 64-bit OS.
WE THINK DAWs continuously leapfrog each
other in terms of features you can see, but the underthe-
hood stuff is what makes Sonar a powerhouse for music production on Windows.
$619 list/$499 street; upgrade from Sonar 8: $99 download, cakewalk.com
 
So what do you think?
 
ubuntu
 

Hmmm. Seems weird. A lot of new features not to go the full version upgrade. That's been their pattern in recent history. Are they getting ready to change the name away from "Sonar"? Will there be a new product at the NAMM show in January?

If this is confirmed, I'll be interested to find out the logic (no pun intended) behind it.

Cakewalk Forums - A Great Learning Resource For All Things Cakewalk!

I bet it's legit. Considering they were saying the upgrade to the "next version" is free, and people around here have been clamoring for them to slow the release cycle. 

I'm a bit surprised that they won't be doing Sonar 10 in 2010 though as that seems like a marketing department's dream come true...

Intel Core2Duo E6750, Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P, 2GB Ram, NVidia 8600GT, RME Fireface 800, UAD1, UAD2 Duo, Windows XP SP3, Sonar 7PE, Sonar 8SE

Still haven't seen a compelling reason to upgrade. Then again, 8.31 runs like a champ and does what I need it to - so why mess with that?. 

Geez, I must be getting old.

Sonar 8PE, Core i7 965, XP-Pro, 3GB 1600MHz, 1TB 15K SAS Array, HDSP-9652 (x2), UAD2-Quad, Focusrite OctoPre (x4), Euphonix MC Mix, Tascam US2400, Monette Ajna (x2)

ubuntu


As advertised in Keyboard magazine (2009)
 
CAKEWALK SONAR 8.5 PRODUCER
READY TO ROCK ON WINDOWS 7
BIG NEW FEATURES AudioSnap, Step
Sequencer, and Session Drummer all get major
upgrades. Matrix view allows live, nonlinear arranging
and remixing. Media browser puts all your production
files in one place. BitBridge XR runs 32-bit plug-ins
on a 64-bit OS.
WE THINK DAWs continuously leapfrog each
other in terms of features you can see, but the underthe-
hood stuff is what makes Sonar a powerhouse for music production on Windows.
$619 list/$499 street; upgrade from Sonar 8: $99 download, cakewalk.com
 
So what do you think?
 
ubuntu
 

I've known for a few months that there would be an 8.5 version - there was a hint on another forum, but that's all I had to go by, so no reason to say anything.

Given the improvements are being made in peripheral aspects of the program, I think it is the right decision not to call it 9.0, just for the sake of the historical nature of the annual releases.  This was a bad year economically.  And not just for the US, but Japan as well.

This is not to say that the improvements in 8.5 are not going to be appreciated.  On the contrary.

My gut tells me that 9.0 will include something major, like an overall change in the UI, notation improvements, and/or other improvements users have been clamoring for.  It will be ready when it's ready.

my 2 cents

Yeah I heard a while ago from a beta tester that this version was going to be 8.5. He also said 9.0 would be out "in the fall" and that both versions would have some big new features. I'm a s/w engineer and I see this all the time. The marketeers change version numbers for reasons only they understand, maybe they don't even know why.

My guess is a couple of major features just weren't going to be ready for this one so they knocked back the version number and are making it a cheap upgrade (plus the buy 8, get 8.5 free deal) -- but I'll also bet you both 8.5 and 9.0 slipped and we won't see 9.0 till winter.

Notecrusher


so they knocked back the version number and are making it a cheap upgrade
 
 
Notecrusher, I think they've created a marketing disaster! $99 for an upgrade from 8.31 to 8.5 is not cheap.
Psychologically it does not gel. Good luck Cakewalk, this will make an interesting case-study!

who knows --

sonar is a good product. Does what I need and then some.

It'll be fun to see where there going with this....9 or a new name after 8.5  - or whatever -- I have confidence it will be good.

I also would have to think the state of the economy would have to do SOMETHING with their upgrade and marketing strategies. The economy has effected everyone. But who knows.

Sonar 8PE
AMD Phenom 9500 quad core 2.20ghz
Lacie 250 GB HD
My Sound Click Page
Email: mooch4056@gmail.com

I knew it was gonna be 8.5 and not 9.  I'm glad Cakewalk decided to expand their product cycle if only a few more months.  But either way, whatever they name it, doesn't matter to me.  I just want the new improvements they've announced so far with Bitbridge 2.0 being the most anticipated one for me.  Right now, I'm very proud to be a Cakewalker! :-)

Keep up the good work Bakers!

If Sonar 8.5 can take advantage of Windows 7 kernel improvements for performance, that will be great.
 

cdickey


If Sonar 8.5 can take advantage of Windows 7 kernel improvements for performance, that will be great.
 

 
Cakewalk has a very tight relationship with M$ so the possibility is high that they have worked this out already.

Jose7822

cdickey


If Sonar 8.5 can take advantage of Windows 7 kernel improvements for performance, that will be great.
 

 
Cakewalk has a very tight relationship with M$ so the possibility is high that they have worked this out already.

In fact, cake will never admit this, but I think they've told MS a thing or two over the years about how to fix/augment certain aspects of their OSes...

looks like brandon did slip up in one of the threads mentioning the new features in 8.5. For me 8 is pretty reliable and not having to install another version of sonar to get the new features and updates is pretty cool with me.

I have Sonar 7 Producer. Wonder how much I'd have to pony up...

Elson R. Trinidad (El SONAR Trinidad) :) | Los Angeles, CA, USA
http://www.elsongs.com | http://www.e-trinity.org

Elson


I have Sonar 7 Producer. Wonder how much I'd have to pony up...

Me also. I'm figuring around $180 - the "normal" upgrade price.

But this 8.5 thing seems really weird. They usually do a x.1 upgrade at NAMM, which is pretty cool considering it's free. But for the past 3 or 4 years it's been a full version upgrade each fall. With all of these new features, why wouldn't it be Sonar 9. Well, so far we haven't heard anything "official" from Brandon, Seth, Willie, Kate or anyone else from the Baker crew. So as far as I'm concerned it's still hearsay.

Cakewalk Forums - A Great Learning Resource For All Things Cakewalk!

ubuntu


As advertised in Keyboard magazine (2009)
 
CAKEWALK SONAR 8.5 PRODUCER
READY TO ROCK ON WINDOWS 7
BIG NEW FEATURES AudioSnap, Step
Sequencer, and Session Drummer all get major
upgrades. Matrix view allows live, nonlinear arranging
and remixing. Media browser puts all your production
files in one place. BitBridge XR runs 32-bit plug-ins
on a 64-bit OS.
WE THINK DAWs continuously leapfrog each
other in terms of features you can see, but the underthe-
hood stuff is what makes Sonar a powerhouse for music production on Windows.
$619 list/$499 street; upgrade from Sonar 8: $99 download, cakewalk.com
 
So what do you think?
 
ubuntu
 

thing seems really weird. They usually do a x.1 upgrade at NAMM, which is pretty cool considering it's free. But for the past 3 or 4 years it's been a full version upgrade each fall. With all of these new features, why wouldn't it be Sonar 9. Well, so far we haven't heard anything "official" from Brandon, Seth, Willie, Kate or anyone else from the Baker crew. So as far as I'm concerned it's still hearsay.

ubuntu is there any chance of scanning in the ad?

Edit: I read the thing wrong this isn't even Sonar 9!! Cakewalk have never charged for incremental Updates, smells like financial problems. This is a PR disaster and no wonder people in the Industry dont take Sonar Seriously. 
Quite Frankly, if this is the Best Sonar 8.5 Can do, i.e. rehash old features (that should have worked properly the first time), I'm Underwhelmed big time. This doesn't compete with Logic 8, Cubase 5 or Samplitude 10, I think it's a joke. I just hope and pray they are saving the real features for the Final release (Scoring, Decent GUI, VST Stability etc) My Clients are jumping ship already, this will be the straw that breaks the Camels back. Damn pity Cakewalk used to be a great product, now it's just another Product.  I'm also suprised Roland didn't crack the Corporate whip and get some Decent Value features into this product instead of using it as a platform to boost their Hardware Sales. If Roland Had put in a Virtual JV-1080/2080/JP8000 etc then it might have been worth the upgrade price. Hell even 8 had Dimension Pro thrown in as that was light on new features as well.

The next version of SONAR Producer will offer non-linear arranging of audio & MIDI with a new cell-based view Wow
The next version of SONAR Producer will allow you to run 32-bit plug-ins in 64-bit OSes, now accessing up to 128GB RAM Wow
The next version of SONAR will now let you work with REX loops natively in the track & other views (x86 version only) Wow
The next version of SONAR Producer will make it easier to create drum tracks with a new instrument  Wow
The next version of SONAR will make your drum tracks sound totally pro with kits from Steven Slate & Ocean Way The next version of SONAR will make creating submixes even easier with an updated Insert Send Assistant  Wow
The next version of SONAR will help you create even better step sequenced tracks with the best capabilites of any DAW Wow
The next version of SONAR's probability feature will keep your step sequenced patterns sounding fresh  Wow
The next version of SONAR will allow you to swap audio & MIDI devices without restarting SONAR Wow 
The next version of SONAR will run more efficiently on your PC when recording audio & looping (A bit overdue for a DAW dont you think Guys??)
The next version of SONAR Producer will give you superior tones for drum & percussion with a new 7-stage processor  Wow
The next version of SONAR will let you access all your loops, grooves & MIDI patterns with a new multi-format browser  Wow
The next version of SONAR will offer improved compatibility with your VST plug-ins  Wow (Isn't this about time VST were supposedly Native 4 Gen ago??)
The next version of SONAR will include a Bit Decimator, Tempo Delay, Mod Filter and High Frequency Exciter Wow
The next version of SONAR will improve audio time shifting with a transient tool, proportional stretching, & easier UI (About time) 
The next version of SONAR will sound better when time shifting vocals, reeds, brass instruments & multitrack drums  Wow
The next version of SONAR's Proportional Stretching can provide gradual timing adjustments across several transients Wow
The next version of SONAR will allow you to arpeggiate your MIDI notes or automation in new ways (Why not just get the existing right??)
The next version of SONAR will make it easier to edit and arrange with grid lines either behind or in front of clips Wow
The next version of SONAR will enhance compatibility w/ 32-bit plug-ins in x64 w/ built-in support for open VST loaders Wow 
The next version of SONAR will allow you to solo from fx plug-ins making it easier to hear the effect Wow

All the above are Non events if you ask me, It's scraping the bottom of the barrel to call them features to justify the Upgrade Price. 

Windows 7 Professional  64 bit - Intel Q-9550 2.83 CPU, 8Gb DDR800, Gigabyte EP35-DS3R, Echo LAYLA 3G, Yamaha HS-80M Monitors, UAD-1 Ultra Pack

I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it!

Good news:
99$ for an upgrade, I can actually afford that

Potentially bad news:
Breaking the upgrade cycle in halves making us pay twice... Once for an x.5 upgrade and then again for the new number.

Misc:
I love to work with Sonar, I love the features, workflow and I, yes I really do, think it has a great GUI. Still, while most other DAW's lack in comparison to Sonar (yes my very subjective opinion), there are some features Sonar lack that others do have and I think if Cakewalk could bridge those gaps Sonar would eat the other DAW's out there for breakfast. With this in mind as much as I think some of the coming 8.5 features are great and some just seem to be leftovers from abandoned projects [5... ] where some are a very welcome addition and some seem like they would at least need some updating at first since they are, probably sound, and definitely look - old, a glance at the competition and what they offer that Sonar don't could be a good idea. C'mon Cake, keep gettiong the best DAW even - in lack of a better word - 'bester'.

My Soundclick
Jattao (produced by me)
S8PE, X48T-DQ6 MB, Q9450, 4GB DDR3, 3x500GB, PCR-M1, PadKontrol, Konnekt 24D, Mackie HR624, Sontronics Helios, MT87s M, LM 32

Weird, so that might mean Sonar 9 would have some major improvements.. probably. In any case, I don't care what it's called, it's worth buying for me.

Legion


Good news:
99$ for an upgrade, I can actually afford that

Potentially bad news:
Breaking the upgrade cycle in halves making us pay twice... Once for an x.5 upgrade and then again for the new number.

The bad news happened when it was announced it would cost £X amount for some people and £0 for others. It went past 'potential' at this point. I had to call in Health & Safety due to the smell. They agreed that it stinks.

it has to mean something, that the free "upgrade" to Sonar 8 offer is available for customers who purchase the Sonar 8 until the March 31st 2010. maybe the next version of sonar will come in 2010. and it will be completely different from 8.5...

A rose by any other name will still smell as sweet.

Best
John

The ad in Keyboard is the same type of thing that happened last year before anything was supposed to be officially announced. Remember how Cake said here on the forum "can't say about this or that feature, etc." and the ad for the new version of Sonar showed in one of the mags and Cake then said the ad wasn't supposed to be out and that it was wrong ? Here we go again, folks!

It's like I mentioned in another thread here some time back: I firmly believe Cake has all the features for the new version it wants already coded and is just playing their little games. As to the pricing - I know the economy is in the toilet and so on, but for Cake to cut the price from $149.95 all of a sudden to $99.95 for this upgrade shows that either the profit margin was huge to begin with or the number of 'new' features is being cut down (although THAT seems unlikely given either the new stuff or reworked stuff). Not sure, just sayin'.

Jack N2MPU
Proud NRA Life Member and supporter of the 2nd. Amendment
God, guns and rock & roll!
Modeling the NYC/NYNH&H in HO and CP Rail/D&H in N
Too many music toys to list

It's nice to see the flag displayed properly in the left to right alignment!!!

Thanks Jack.

Chord Gadget
drum maps

I've been very pleased with Sonar 8.3.1.  It is definitely the best version yet.  I'm considering the $99 upgrade simply because of Windows 7.  I have Windows 7 pre-ordered and plan on putting it on my music PC (as a dual boot).  I may hold off initially purchasing the 8.5 upgrade until I hear folks having better success with 32-bit plugins (like Melodyne) with the updated BitBridge stuff they are listing as a feature.

Moving completely to 64-bit Sonar would be the biggest reason I would upgrade to 8.5.  If 32-bit plugs still don't work better in Sonar 64-bit, I'll probably just wait until March (or so) and see if a new version of Sonar comes out with "must-have" features.

Just my 2 cents.

Our SoundClick page

ASUS P6T Deluxe V2, Intel i7 920 core, 8gig RAM CORSAIR DOMINATOR, Lynx AES16, GeForce 8500 GT, UAD-1, UAD-2, Intel X25 160gig SSD Drive, Dual Boot - Win7 64-bit and Vista 64

Desperate Dan


Quite Frankly, if this is the Best Sonar 9 Can do, i.e. rehash old features (that should have worked better the first time), I'm Underwhelmed big time. This doesn't compete with Logic, Cubase or Samplitude, I think it's a joke. I just hope and pray they are saving the real features for the Final release (Scoring, Decent GUI, VST Stability etc) My Clients are jumping ship already, this will be the straw that breaks the Camels back. Damn pity. The next version of SONAR Producer will offer non-linear arranging of audio & MIDI with a new cell-based view The next version of SONAR Producer will allow you to run 32-bit plug-ins in 64-bit OSes, now accessing up to 128GB RAM The next version of SONAR will now let you work with REX loops natively in the track & other views (x86 version only) The next version of SONAR Producer will make it easier to create drum tracks with a new instrument The next version of SONAR will make your drum tracks sound totally pro with kits from Steven Slate & Ocean Way The next version of SONAR will make creating submixes even easier with an updated Insert Send Assistant The next version of SONAR will help you create even better step sequenced tracks with the best capabilites of any DAW The next version of SONAR's probability feature will keep your step sequenced patterns sounding fresh The next version of SONAR will allow you to swap audio & MIDI devices without restarting SONAR The next version of SONAR will run more efficiently on your PC when recording audio & looping The next version of SONAR Producer will give you superior tones for drum & percussion with a new 7-stage processor The next version of SONAR will let you access all your loops, grooves & MIDI patterns with a new multi-format browser The next version of SONAR will offer improved compatibility with your VST plug-ins The next version of SONAR will include a Bit Decimator, Tempo Delay, Mod Filter and High Frequency Exciter The next version of SONAR will improve audio time shifting with a transient tool, proportional stretching, & easier UI The next version of SONAR will sound better when time shifting vocals, reeds, brass instruments & multitrack drums The next version of SONAR's Proportional Stretching can provide gradual timing adjustments across several transients The next version of SONAR will allow you to arpeggiate your MIDI notes or automation in new ways The next version of SONAR will make it easier to edit and arrange with grid lines either behind or in front of clips The next version of SONAR will enhance compatibility w/ 32-bit plug-ins in x64 w/ built-in support for open VST loaders The next version of SONAR will allow you to solo from fx plug-ins making it easier to hear the effect

 
 
 
 
 
 

Are your Record / Movie / TV-company looking at your studio screen when you work?  
I though the songs / work counts not the DAW you use?
 
I do agree on all your points on "needed improvements" though on SONAR. I just doesn't get the statement?  
 
Regards
Freddie

64bit it really matters! Now Logic 9.1 is Native 64bit too!

*** Did you know....Helpful thread about SONAR!***
http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?&m=1830605&mpage=1

Quite Frankly, if this is the Best Sonar 9 Can do, i.e. rehash old features (that should have worked better the first time), I'm Underwhelmed big time. This doesn't compete with Logic, Cubase or Samplitude, I think it's a joke. I just hope and pray they are saving the real features for the Final release (Scoring, Decent GUI, VST Stability etc) My Clients are jumping ship already, this will be the straw that breaks the Camels back. Damn pity. The next version of SONAR Producer will offer non-linear arranging of audio & MIDI with a new cell-based view The next version of SONAR Producer will allow you to run 32-bit plug-ins in 64-bit OSes, now accessing up to 128GB RAM The next version of SONAR will now let you work with REX loops natively in the track & other views (x86 version only) The next version of SONAR Producer will make it easier to create drum tracks with a new instrument The next version of SONAR will make your drum tracks sound totally pro with kits from Steven Slate & Ocean Way The next version of SONAR will make creating submixes even easier with an updated Insert Send Assistant The next version of SONAR will help you create even better step sequenced tracks with the best capabilites of any DAW The next version of SONAR's probability feature will keep your step sequenced patterns sounding fresh The next version of SONAR will allow you to swap audio & MIDI devices without restarting SONAR The next version of SONAR will run more efficiently on your PC when recording audio & looping The next version of SONAR Producer will give you superior tones for drum & percussion with a new 7-stage processor The next version of SONAR will let you access all your loops, grooves & MIDI patterns with a new multi-format browser The next version of SONAR will offer improved compatibility with your VST plug-ins The next version of SONAR will include a Bit Decimator, Tempo Delay, Mod Filter and High Frequency Exciter The next version of SONAR will improve audio time shifting with a transient tool, proportional stretching, & easier UI The next version of SONAR will sound better when time shifting vocals, reeds, brass instruments & multitrack drums The next version of SONAR's Proportional Stretching can provide gradual timing adjustments across several transients The next version of SONAR will allow you to arpeggiate your MIDI notes or automation in new ways The next version of SONAR will make it easier to edit and arrange with grid lines either behind or in front of clips The next version of SONAR will enhance compatibility w/ 32-bit plug-ins in x64 w/ built-in support for open VST loaders The next version of SONAR will allow you to solo from fx plug-ins making it easier to hear the effect

I'm not sure what you're trying to say.  You need to use more words, and a bigger font.

Another Day In L.A.

jackn2mpu

  As to the pricing - I know the economy is in the toilet and so on, but for Cake to cut the price from $149.95 all of a sudden to $99.95 for this upgrade shows that either the profit margin was huge to begin with or the number of 'new' features is being cut down (although THAT seems unlikely given either the new stuff or reworked stuff). Not sure, just sayin'.

Just so I'm sure I understand...

Are you complaining that we made the upgrade less expensive? In my world, when the price for things I use goes down, I usually welcome it.

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

BrandonRyan.net (under re-construction)

Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk
]

jackn2mpu

As to the pricing - I know the economy is in the toilet and so on, but for Cake to cut the price from $149.95 all of a sudden to $99.95 for this upgrade shows that either the profit margin was huge to begin with or the number of 'new' features is being cut down (although THAT seems unlikely given either the new stuff or reworked stuff). Not sure, just sayin'.

Just so I'm sure I understand...

Are you complaining that we made the upgrade less expensive? In my world, when the price for things I use goes down, I usually welcome it.

Far from it. If you re-read what I wrote, you'd see I was putting forth the proposition that either Cake made a huge profit with the old pricing structure and decided to do the right thing and come down in price (I ain't against capitalism by any means) or some possible features were left out. I'm all for paying less for something (it's genetic due to ethnic background)!

Jack N2MPU
Proud NRA Life Member and supporter of the 2nd. Amendment
God, guns and rock & roll!
Modeling the NYC/NYNH&H in HO and CP Rail/D&H in N
Too many music toys to list

Brandon,
 Many of us grew up learning that a cheap tool is a cheap tool. My dad used Snap Ons and was proud to have saved a bit extra to buy a tool that can be handed down to his grandchildren.

 Very few products, in the history of the world, have been improved while the price was being driven down. It's not hard to understand that... because we live with it every day.

For example; Cheap food is cheap... it's not good food... that's why there's E. coli in the beef ;-)
For example; Today's better built cheap cars cost 20 times what they cost when I was a child.

 In my world, quality is worth paying for.

 If Cakewalk want's to turn into a "discounter" and a "price point product" provider then Cakewalk will simply perpetuate SONAR's reputation as a musicians production tool rather than a fully realized DAW.

 best regards,
mike
 

Chord Gadget
drum maps