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Agree, but step B is only necessary if you have any MIDI output device selected in Preferences, not just a hardware interface, which in that case MIDI output will default to that selected MIDI device rather than automatically inserting TTS-1. Just adding comment for clarification.

Session Drummer 3 has been available in Sonar since Sonar 8.5 Producer. That's when it replaced Session Drummer 2. Doesn't appear to be much info on the net about X3 Studio, so have no idea about the bundle for that version.

Yes, I just think it's a good opportunity to spread the Cakewalk possibility to the schools as a goodwill gesture. It should work out in the long run, as the user base would increase with enhanced market share. That would be good for all current Cakewalk users, whether they realize that or not. Cakewalk is already free, why not make it more attractive to outsiders? Bottom line: more Cakewalk users and it's popularity should equal a better chance of longevity for Cakewalk. And obviously BandLab is using the free Cakewalk as a marketing value add to it's large music business portfolio, and not directly as a profit center.

I think that the main point of the OP is about musical education in schools. If you are going to be involved in a formal music education, that will include formal music theory and notation. Why not market Cakewalk to this community? Debating about the pros and cons of notation in this context is silly, and off-topic. A legitimate discussion about Cakewalk's role in music education is needed now that it's a free tool that educators could use for teaching music. And one that students could acquire at no cost. Is Cakewalk currently at a level that meets these needs? Is updating it really needed? Is it a good use of resources to update the staff view? Those are more relevant questions. Just my 2 cents.

So have you already selected your 3 freebies and just trying to decide on the 4th?

I see what you did there...

Definitely laughed at that! ???

This is the method I typically start with to work with any existing MIDI file. ^^^ Having the Cakewalk TTS-1 synth being automatically configured for the song with General MIDI instruments for each track is a real winner. This is truly a strong point for Cakewalk if you are into MIDI files. A huge time saver! Then you can start off right away adding new instrument plug-ins for better sounding tracks! I'm not aware of any other DAW that does it this well, especially at this price point (free). For example, Studio One can do it, but it inserts a separate instance of their Presence sampler for each sound, where TTS-1 is 16 part mult-timbral, and does it all within a single instance. I think Cubase can do it with the bundled HALion Sonic sampler. Maybe give it a try if you are already a Cubase user.

It is best to first "open" the MIDI file, rather than "import" it. When you open it, the tempo settings are preserved.

I have Miro CE because I got a great deal on it a while back. Figured I would find some use for it. It sounds good enough to me, but I'm not a classic orchestral composer. Thought it might add some flavor to a pop tune or something. The program is basically the old ST3 interface with a facelift/new skin, so the library is still in ST3 format. The good news is that the sound library can be used directly in ST4, just like ST3 can.

Don't use replace synth for this. Add additional synth instances as needed, then point the respective MIDI tracks to them. Here in this example I have shown two MIDI tracks routed to separate instruments. I cut the example down to two MIDI tracks + two instrument tracks to keep it simple. There are other ways to do this, but this example should get you started. The virtual instruments I used each have multi-capability, but I omitted that in this example so it should represent any instrument. I only loaded one sound in each of these instruments. You use the pull-down menu for the MIDI track output to select from the currently inserted instruments.

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I have heard that Reaper does have it. Article here: https://www.reaper.fm/sdk/reascript/reascript.php The DAW Feature Chart shows 8 DAWs, including Reaper, that have scripting capability, and the author gives Reaper the highest score in this category, with Bitwig and Mixbus tied for 2nd place: https://www.admiralbumblebee.com/DAW-Chart.html Cakewalk/Sonar not mentioned. Maybe because the feature is deprecated? The author defines scripting as:

Hopefully that is something that IK will add to MixBox in the near future! Macros are a powerful feature in the rack context!

The OP wants to build a computer. I assume that probably means a desktop. But yes, any modern CPU and motherboard should work. I imagine that you should be able to build a respectable desktop PC with a $500 budget.

And multi-band and parallel splits is something that MixBox cannot do (yet). I get the idea that IK initially kept it simple, expecting you to leverage you DAW features for complex signal routing.

Plus you can turn plugins into multiband > Turn any plugin into multiband with multiband split racks, i.e. any plugin can become multiband in the StudioRack:

Hey Larry, thanks for reminding me about that one. I hadn't looked at that since v9. It's now at v11 and is very cool! Plus thanx to your dealz, I now own enough Waves plugs to create a full rack, LOL! ?

@DeeringAmpsSyntronik isn't really a synth. It just sounds like one. Lots of great synth samples of classic synthesizers, if you want to use them in your arrangements. But if you are more into guitar music, and the Syntronik demo doesn't inspire you, then you probably have answered your own question. Personally I find a lot of inspiration from classic progressive rock with a heavy use of synthesizers. Never played guitar, though. But the first time I heard Bach played though a Moog, I was sold! I really think the Hammond sounds great! I am not an organist, but I'm sure I will find a use for those classic Hammond sounds. Plus it is modeled, rather than sampled, so it has a modest footprint and the presets load quickly. Also I could see the MODO Bass quickly become my go-to bass instrument, simply because I can quickly select from a range of bass models, such as a P-Bass, Jazz Bass, Rick, etc. and start playing. They sound really good as far as basses go without any tweaking. I'm undecided about MODO Drums. I'm not a drummer, or a drum geek, so infinite possibilities of tweaking my kit looks like it could become a waste of time. I do like how you can quickly select different room spaces. But so far XLN Audio Addictive Drums is my main kit.

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@KonskooSo I understand your basic requirements are: 1. One instrument, a VSTi piano, to be recorded in the box. Project files to be stored on secondary SSD drive. Good plan. 2. Two SSD drives, [C/D] Good plan. 3. Standard RAM (not overclocked). Good plan. For using VSTi you should probably install 16GB minimum. Next: CPU: This PCPartPicker site has a system builder that lets you select the CPU you want, and then guides you through selecting only compatible motherboard, RAM, etc. You can come up with a rough budget this way. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ Since you will be recording a VSTi, will advise that you should use a reasonably fast CPU, at least a modern one in the 4.0GHz and up range. If you will be using VST plugins for mixing and/or mastering your tracks after recording, a few extra cores won't hurt. For the DAW studio, there are several more things you should consider seriously as well. If you already have these, well then never mind... Audio Interface: Audio interface? Why do I need that if I am recording in the box and I already have on-board audio? Well specifically if you are going to be playing a virtual piano, you will want a very low latency between the time you play a MIDI note on your controller and the time the VSTi plays the sound. A professional audio interface will come with ASIO drivers supplied by the manufacturer. Any respectable USB audio interface with ASIO drivers should be sufficient, as you really won't be needing any external audio inputs or pre-amps for your VSTi. But the audio driver quality is very important. Your budget will dictate what you want to spend on this. There are popular choices from FocusRite, PreSonus, Behringer, etc. in the $99-$120 price range (not recommendations, just examples). MIDI keyboard controller: For piano, probably an 88 key USB controller is most suitable. Studio monitors: You want to correctly hear your piano playing, as well as the recorded audio while editing/mixing. You can edit/mix with headphones, but starting with real monitors should make the job easier. And studio monitors will provide better frequency accuracy. Graphics card: Not really necessary for a DAW if your CPU has onboard HD graphics. You can put this money to good use for a better audio interface!

I agree. Being able to use the Syntronik rack as a standalone FX processor is something I always wished was possible. Plus you get over 600 presets including single processor and whole-chain presets.

Interesting... For those that do not already own all of the IK effects, this offers 70 processors for $149 (crossgrade), while something like T-Racks 5 Max only has 38 processors for $299 (crossgrade). I have over $50 in JamPoints in my account, of which I can only apply towards 30% of a purchase, so for me $44. that brings it down to $106. For those that already own some gear, there is this extra $50 bonus coupon:

For MIDI users, I would think this is a "must have" feature in a modern DAW. The MIDI chord detection would be instant and not ambiguous, and any MIDI tracks in the arrangement that are following changes in the chord track should follow error-free. And the chord markers should be useful for anyone adding audio tracks with an instrument and wants a visual for the upcoming chord changes.

Not seeing that here if I insert both instruments as simple instrument tracks, each has their own distinct piano roll. The notes from the drum track do not trigger the bass. I have to copy the MIDI over to the bass track to achieve that.