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TODAY ONLY! -- Positive Grid is celebrating the International Day of Peace by offering musicians everywhere a complimentary download of BIAS FX 2 Standard software. This amp-and-effects processor turns any computer or mobile device into a fully customizable guitar and bass rig for recording tone exploration. Download the Standard version (Mac/PC) at no cost by using code FREEYOURMUSIC during checkout. https://www.positivegrid.com/products/bias-fx-2

[UPDATE 19-Oct-2023: Cakewalk 2023.09 Update 1 (build 29.09.0.075) now available] We're pleased to announce the 2023.09 release! This release is primarily a maintenance release and includes over 60 bug fixes for user reported issues. Please note: Version 2023.09 will likely be the last update to Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB). CbB will eventually be discontinued as future development and support will transition to the upcoming Cakewalk Sonar release. All Cakewalk products require activation. Changes to the activation server require that all earlier versions of Cakewalk by BandLab must be updated to version 2023.09 in order to activate successfully. If you wish to continue to use CbB, you must update to the 2023.09 version. Earlier versions will cease to activate in the future. BandLab Assistant is no longer used for installing or activating CbB or other Cakewalk products. You must use in-app activation as described below. You can continue to use BandLab Assistant, but not for Cakewalk products. In order to activate CbB, you must sign in to your BandLab account by choosing Help > Sign In to BandLab. When the sign-in web page opens, enter your BandLab credentials to sign in from there. If activation was successful, you will receive a "Cakewalk is fully activated" confirmation message. Note: Opening a web browser to independently sign in to BandLab will not activate Cakewalk. Version 2023.09 currently does not support offline activation, so your computer must be online to activate it. Offline activation will be available soon. In order to automatically keep your activation status up to date, Cakewalk will renew your activation status whenever a new version of the application is installed and run for the first time, and when you sign in to BandLab from within Cakewalk. If you have never signed in to BandLab from within Cakewalk, you will be prompted once to sign in. Thanks, The Bakers To download and install the 2023.09 update, select Help > Check for Updates from within the app. Note: Because earlier versions of Cakewalk can no longer be activated, there is no rollback installer available for the 2023.09 release. Update Oct 19 2023: 2023.09 Update 1 (build 29.09.0.075) Bug fixes: Splitting a clip using "s" shortcut with automatic crossfades enabled only partially selects the chosen side [Regression] Hidden buses are unhidden on project load Buses are not hidden properly in UI in Track view 2023.09 Highlights Bug fixes Stability: User reported crash enabling MIDI sync in project Crash right-clicking assignable controls in Console view [Regression] Crash when copy/insert arranger section Drag and drop of audio from track with patch point crashes ACTController crashes when comments have more than 512 characters. Cakewalk/ACTController crashes on start up when ctrlsurface.dat is corrupt Crash bouncing step sequencer clip Fixed Help Module UIAutomation crash Crash when exporting to MP3 when the target file is not writable User Reported crash when running task export Export Audio dialog: Changing selection causes Windows sound if clip or track inspector is open Unexpected gain increase when exporting mono clips with Source Category Clips Adding a task doesn't resize the queue panel Inspectors: Toggling Send On/Off in Inspector fails to dirty project [Regression] Right inspector strip disappears when choosing HW output Automation: Automation track not assigned when "Ask This Every Time" is unchecked Convert MIDI Controllers to Envelopes does not handle some shapes Arranger: Overwrite isn't always enabled when moving section Unexpected results when copying an Arranger section selection with overwrite on to itself Ripple All delete with absolute time Arranger track not working as expected Unexpected results when move an Arranger section selection with shift existing clips Excessive section paint calls in Arranger causing slow UI performance Selection lost after multiple section move Multiple Arranger section selection not shown in drag image Incorrect Arranger track ripple delete with non-contiguous clip selection When previewing an arrangement, the arrangement inspector pane does not scroll Inconsistent Arranger copy behavior with lanes on/off Corrupted clips when drag/copy Arranger section during playback Plugins: VSTScan not properly removing compatibility entries when rescanning a plugin that has been updated Persist compatibility updates for VST UI: [Regression] Renaming of Bus/Aux Tracks/Patch points not reflected in Control Surfaces Cursor change fails when moved from Console bus pane Inaccurate drop indicator when dragging multiple clips Subfolder comp tracks scrolling incorrectly in certain circumstances Misc.: Allow expanding of collapsed docked windows by double clicking Help URL in crash notification displays invalid legacy subdomain Virtual MIDI input changes unexpectedly after synth delete Apply Trimming to MIDI clips does not trim note durations Inconsistent AutoXFade with split clips Ripple Edit Delete does not auto xfade Tracks sourced from aux track L/R/S always show a stereo record meter when armed Snap offset unexpectedly set when stretching cropped stretched clips Import as mono tracks fails to work when importing video Control Surface items not opening correctly with multiple surfaces enabled Glitches in playback when changing active track during playback Insert of user track template goes to hardware inputs instead of assigned virtual ports in track template Position lock inconsistently locks data Paste Special/Slide and Move not working as expected White Noise when exporting to MP3 External FX ports not persisted in track templates [Regression] Synth Rack or Help Module docked by itself fails to collapse as expected Aux Tracks do not retain routing correctly with Patch Points when inserted as track template Race condition updating meters when loading ProChannel preset Hitting ENTER on Tempo track value should commit tempo and exit edit box Typing "\" becomes "+\" in preferences with Finnish keyboard Empty track folders are moved to the end of the project on project reload [Regression] Hidden tracks are unhidden on project open [Regression] Strips/tracks hidden when loading user project [Regression] Control surfaces aren't being updated when Send Destination changes Missing tempo entries/envelope nodes in user project External FX ports not loaded when loading FXChain containing external insert Note selection lost on Piano Roll view note drag undo/redo Update CWAF tool for v29 builds Latest release notes are here. See prior release notes. Check out all new features released to date.

"Lifetime upgrades" doesn't mean your lifetime. Never mind that the company who offered that ceased to exist in 2017.

What's New in Tape MK2? Enhanced Emulation: We've pushed the boundaries to capture the essence of real magnetic tape. Feel the subtle nuances and warmth that only analog tape can provide. Iconic Models: TapeMK2 includes five legendary tape recorders, each with its unique sonic character. Choose your favorite to sculpt your sound. Variable Speeds: Control the tape's response with two speed options for each deck. Fine-tune your saturation to perfection. Bias Control: Achieve the perfect balance of warmth and color with our continuous bias control. Analog Hiss: Add optional analog hiss to recreate the vintage vibe that makes tape so special. Recording EQ: Shape your recordings with the pre-emphasis filter, just like the classics. Auto Gain: Simplify your workflow with seven target levels for consistent audio quality. Group Function: Copy settings seamlessly between instances and streamline your production process. Seamless Interface: Our vector user interface adapts to your system's light or dark mode for a comfortable viewing experience. Optimized for Modern Systems: Tape MK2 is Apple Silicon native and compatible with macOS (10.13 and later) and Windows (Windows 10 and later). It operates in 64-bit on both Mac and Windows systems. Multiple Plugin Formats: Whether you use Audio Units, VST, VST3, or AAX, TapeMK2 is there to enhance your music. Upgrade to TapeMK2 for Just 1,99€ We value your support, which is why we're offering owners of the original Tape a special upgrade price of just 1,99€ to experience all the incredible features of Tape MK2. Get TapeMK2 for Only 19,99€ For new users, Tape MK2 is available at the affordable price of 19,99€, the same price as the original version. It's our way of making high-quality audio production accessible to everyone. Don't Miss Out - Elevate Your Sound Today Whether you're a seasoned producer or just beginning your musical journey, Tape MK2 is your ticket to achieving that coveted analog warmth in your recordings. Upgrade your sound, explore vintage tones, and create music that resonates with emotion. https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-tape-mk2/

The way I back up sound library files (don't have to back up application/plugin installers, those are always available) is to install them all on an external drive and map that in our VIs, then back that up so if anything happens it's a quick cutover. I do copy that over to my main studio machine's samples drive too for better performance but the external drive "floater" is great for laptop/multiple installs and the second external HD is a great backup for those that don't want to upload/download to and from the cloud when they need a backup implemented very quickly. But also, as I said above I'm still poking the bear about the sounds download expiration regularly regardless

Bandlab assistant hasn't been used by Cakewalk for login for more than a year and a half. It will no longer work for activating Cakewalk. All sign in must be done within the app from the help menu.

Hi all - please use this topic to post feedback specific to the 2023.09 release. Release-specific feedback is valuable to us, and consolidating it in a single topic is extremely helpful. We request that discussion in this thread be restricted to issues directly concerning this release, to make it easier for us to assist users. For other topics, kindly use the feature request section or create new posts. Off topic messages will be deleted. Thanks in advance! 2023.09 Release Notes

This version is the same as the last pre-prelease version apparently

If you run the Cakewalk download tool (not BandLab Assistant) it will download the full installer version for a fresh system

All of the old auth systems for SONAR should still be valid. Just make sure you grab the updated version of command center for legacy content

Worked for me. I had Bias FX Pro, so this gives me the V2 version, Bias FX 2 but in Standard instead of Pro. Will be interesting to see what the differences are.

And on that note, I'll rest.

Or a new beginning.....

I don't want to spam this forum with off-topic posts, so I will make a single topic about noteworthy game deals and post them here. I will update this post with the details of each new deal and bump the topic to give it some attention. Updates will probably be pretty rare, but let me know if you want me to stop. The Talos Principle Price: 2.89 € (90% off) | 5.36 € for Gold Edition (91% off) Deal Expires: October 10, 2023 Store page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/257510/The_Talos_Principle/ https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/3042/The_Talos_Principle_Gold_Edition/ Notes: This has been an Epic Games freebie in the past so you may already have it, but if not this is a historical low. I really like the early parts of this game, but at some point it became a frustrating test of motor skills for me so I gave up on it. Still, definitely worth 3 bucks. The Gold Edition includes bonus content and two DLCs. Marvel's Avengers - The Definitive Edition Price: 3.99 € (90% off) Deal expires: September 30, 2023 Store page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/997070/Marvels_Avengers__The_Definitive_Edition/ Notes: People seem to think this is an okay game for the sale price. The game is on sale because official support for it is ending at the end of this month and the game will no longer be available for purchase. See details here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/997070/view/3667674106374610648

After all the purchasing over the years .. many via this DEALS section ... I decided to deep dive into my plugins folders and start being tough and getting rid of paid/free plugins that I am still not using. I want to get my plugins down to what I would use regularly. Doing same with DAWs .. I have a few, so I am just going to have Cakewalk and reaper installed, everything else goes. I find I am overwhelmed with plugins TBH and that its a positive step to cull as much as possible .. less is more and most likely more productive also, less temptation to go off side roads etc. Thats the plan anyway. Anyone else at any point conclude this / try EDIT - one other honourable exception .. I may keep REASON INTRO 11 on board ONLY to have it in "plugin Mode" ( I have the reason plugin ) inside CW/Reaper to have access to its unique inhouse plugs now and then

Upgrade from Analog Lab Intro Check your email or Arturia account

I'm kind of tired of hearing about the whole lifetime update thing. It's common sense that it know longer applies. I think bandlab did everyone a huge favor for letting everyone have it for free for as long as they did. Personally I'm grateful and excited to see Sonar back! I hope they expand and update some of the prochannel tools. I always thought that it was a feature that set Sonar apart. I honestly can't think of anything that I need. It's already a full featured DAW that hold's it own with anything out there.

That was a deal with a company that no longer exists.

Superior Quality Guitar Cab Sim Export Unlimited .wav IRs MIKKO2 FULL Includes 38 Guitar Cabs Mix Up To 9 Cabs Visually EQ Balance Your Tone https://ml-sound-lab.com/mikko2 Get Unlimited IRs: https://ml-sound-lab.com/mikko2

Polaris has been updated to v1.9 featuring CLAP plugin format, AAX Native Silicon and the latest version of our framework. No Polaris yet? Get it for €29/$29 until October 15th. https://www.audiority.com/shop/polaris/

BTW, I received the e-mail from Rob Papen today, and now it seems that sale is live everywhere, so it doesn't seem to have been a mistake, but some sellers began the sale early than expected.

Best mag in da biz!

Just tried it. Worked. Cool. One more Amp Sim to try.

Do I have too many plugins now? 😄 The last few weeks there has been almost no interesting deal for me! Either I have the plugins already (like this one above) or it is still too expensive, or it is of a developer on my black list (cos I don't like his eco-system)! Regrettably the black list is growing (installation & authorizations get worse)! But as always YMMV.

David Bowie - Eight Line Poem

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@PavlovsCat For the record, I'm not looking for a "convincing guitar" sound out of this but something to quickly get an interesting part down. As @Fleer pointed out, it's got a synthy feel to it which is OK. I remember first playing with the CM version and how quickly I was able to put down a part I liked on the song I was working on. So really, it's about different flavors and workflow. If I want a convincing guitar part, I've got a couple of the plugins you mentioned and could put the time into learning them. Or I could try and muddle it out myself. Or better yet, phone a friend!

Out of Line The Forest Quartet Free Now - Sep 28 at 04:00 PM https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/

Interesting... Maybe it's a flavour of The Orchestra/Elysion but with world instruments?

Wish this system and TECH was built into TONEX. It is the most impressive IR system on the market but also costs far too much for an IR loader even though it is fully stocked. The Free version is capable and generous though (but also a rather massive download that reminds me of IKM - download the whole thing for the 1 plugin you are getting)

Shift + drag also works horizontally as well to constrain the drag from moving to a different track.

https://www.soundonsound.com/magazine

Purchased. It’ll be a nice upgrade from BIAS FX 2 LE.

wow.. what a smooth reverb.. no artifacts, just great even in the economy mode.. I can't hear much difference between this and the Hi-Res Mode) a quite little CPU footprint

Many thx and if you have ipad version upgrade for 2 standart is 5 eur

Motorhead - White Line Fever

Should be free for lifetime buyers. Lifetime is lifetime.

Yes I have been a Loopcloud evangelist. I really like the concept and its integration into DAWs like cakewalk. I have been paying annual sub for it last few years, many of those years getting a reduced sub offer. However this year I got no email reminder my sub was up and it got renewed. I have sent a cancel sub / refund request. they are usually good with this stuff. No doubt they will offer a reduced sub BUT this time I wont be renewing at any price. Especially in the last year I have just not been using it at all and for the next year I cannot justify paying any amount for it for this reason. So another cull victim, but makes sense. Another reason is cost of living here in Ireland - generally getting very expensive here. I am noting even via biz that people have less disposable and are cutting things out and choosing what to spend on and what not to spend on. As an aside it is getting rather eye watering when you look at your DDs every month, the number of subs for various things going out across your software, TV, motor cars, comms etc really does add up to a large amount these days. Psychologically all relatively "small" amounts - but the €15 here, €30 there, €50 etc etc all does add up

Audio Deluxe exclusive https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/meldaproduction-mdynamicslimiter

Nice, I had LE.

Back on topic: Underworld - Dirty Epic

Faith No More - Epic:

The end is near...

Already got it today for Xbox.

Well, maybe you should get upstairs more often, you’d have found the answer to your rhetoric question/statement a long time ago……….. 😜 But to answer your real question, yes, it does to my tired eyes.If you’re looking to get something 4k I would advise you to wait until Cakewalk Sonar appears with its scalable thingies. From what my limited brain cells understand, it will be better. J

And that, my friends, is a superb example of how to respectfully disagree with someone in a forum or IRL . Nothing but respect for you, @TheSteven.

I suspected the pricing was a glitch (either that or they were allocated a limited number to sell at that price) and that all of these sales will sooner than later evaporate. Some of the voicings/patches are crap but I like a couple (like the steel string acoustic strumming) enough that I thought it was worth picking up and so I grabbed a copy after seeing Walter's post. @PavlovsCat raises some good points though I strongly disagree with at least couple of his choices. But as they say YMMV, what works for me may not work as well for you.

Dissenting opinion from a long time virtual guitar user. I thought some of the demos sounded kind of okay and others sounded pretty bad. The recordings of guitar sounded badly recorded -- or the effects made it sound that way -- and some of the strumming sounded very unauthentic, even though it claimed to use recordings of a real guitar some of the strumming sounded very poor and clunky. I would suggest that if anyone is looking for sampled strumming, NI's Session Guitarist line is a far better choice and goes on sake for around $50 USD during NI'S major sales. If you're willing to put in the time, you can do any kind of strum you want with Orange Tree Samples Evolution libraries (disclosure: I've consulted to them and had a good deal of input on the initial Evolution line). Even though I'm not crazy about their design, UJAM's series is also far superior to this as is a strummer from Wavesfactory (I can't recall the name, but it may be strum) or Pettinhouse libraries. When I listened to some of the demos, the recording quality of the guitar reminded me of the first version of Music Lab's RealGuitar, which significantly improved the sample quality since then (this was two decades ago) and would also be a far superior alternative to this plugin, IMO. Anyhow, there are a good deal of superior alternatives to this. Not necessarily at the $17 USD price point, but candidly, I don't think what I've heard would make that worth it either. It's better to spend more to get something that actually sounds good.

You could also argue people who sell each version of an outright purchase "hide behind" the next version coming out and development stopping on a previous version too. That argument is flawed because development can't be stalled on a single release or you'll never get any new development to compete against other software in the same product space, and there's no way to possibly know if every bug is fixed. The Bakers are very transparent compared to a lot of companies where they'll mention that a bug discovered was something that existed in SONAR X3 and carried on unnoticed until now. Should they then go back 14 years and fix that bug in X3, which they no longer sell or pull income from? Will they stay in business if they keep having to do that? There is a VAST amount of quality control that goes into any software this complex. Internal testing, automated testing, beta testing and even public Early Access testing. The idea that every bug can be caught even with literally thousands of eyes on it is still not realistic. @heath row is also correct too, quite a lot of EULAs mention licenses can be revoked. Nobody ever reads them of course. The FUD loop cycle is starting again, with the same replies reiterating what's already been said multiple times in this thread, and then the same concerns brought up again. I think we're done here. I do want to thank everyone for being mostly civil despite the heated topic, and I think it's fair everyone has concerns and opinions - it's all valid, but ultimately nothing can be answered for now, and the speculation is fairly pointless. Going to lock this one. Cheers, all.

That's the problem right there. Those guitar USB cables are unusable garbage. The only possible thing they might be good for is strangling a chicken for the dinner table. Maybe.