Misha

John, I dont rent underwear, why would I rent software? Or get a "free one" that can be pulled down to my knees by invisible hand at any given time. No thanks. Killing Cakewalk showed me everything I needed to see. Removing wording fom FAQ of discontinuation last year was a double cross. When /if they are done playing games and go with the general flow, I will likely reconsider. As of now, I don't feel the happiness that some people experience, nor desire to to fall into the next trap. Perhaps its just me. I will miss some features of Cakewalk, but thankfully I have Gibson version and another Daw to keep me occupied.

Did Bandlab gave me an option to keep using Cakewalk by bandlab, if for any reason I dislike Sonar? Nope. That is exactly what makes me think they will do it again. Unless proper license is introduced and normal USER-IN-CONTROL of activation / transfer( to another computer) etc. Like 95% of other software I use. In any case, I am happy to still have 2017 Gibson version, so my 200+ projects that I worked on for 2 decades are relatively safe for a few years regardless of what happens to bandlab.

The only thing John, you forgot to mention that they can disable Sonar free and Sonar subscription as they wish, just as they will do with Cakewalk by bandlab. Issue #1 is not gone, and now there is proof they can pull the plug at any time they wish, which doesn't happen with other companies.

but from Wukie's post from my other thread/question that he decided to lock... It will still deactivate from time to time. If for example Band Lab decides to change "something" in the software, I doubt you will have a choice of sticking to a prior version, or ability to backup/preserve particular build. Likely it's a non-issue for many, but to me it is. Unless I am wrong... Maybe team can clarify.

Does free version of Sonar disables itself after a while and/or forces updates like CWBL, or its one time activate and done, with user in charge whether update or not to next patch? Thanks.

SirWilly, Thank you! Going with your suggestion, I found even simpler method. Click on a track, Edit>Select All, Hold Ctrl, rt click over FX > delete all. Same for busses. This is easier in my case, as I wanted all FX gone from all tracks to re-do mix from scratch.

I have a project that I want to remix completely from scratch, maybe even do a couple of variants. Currently I have dozens of FX on it. I was wondering if there is a way to delete all VSTs fx from tracks and busses in bulk? Thank you.

Sure, that's why ~1/2 DAWs have subscription models aside from perpetual. But that (subscription) mainly has to do with number of plugins and content that is available to users. Cloud and all that bologna. I sincerely doubt that good % of people are just renting core program. Recently Ashwin offered a straw of hope, mentioning that number of plugins are being worked on and maybe they will squeeze perpetual licenses when they have some new bells and whistles ready. Hopefully, instability of global markets will turn some gears in BL world to come up with licenses sooner than later, while people still have some money to spend. Hill62, I am very interested how your tone would change if lets say price goes up to something that you are not comfortable with or something will change in the program itself that will completely make it unacceptable to you, or company exchanges hands and shuts brand down. What happens to your projects, time and money you had invested in renting?

Wookiee mentions Adobe, but not the other.... 95% of similar software., where at least, as rightfully mentioned you are able to keep last version that you paid for. Adobe Audition is about 2% of global DAW users. Same goes for Cakewalk/Sonar. - about 2%. That's what internets say. A median, "optimistic" guestimate, both combined - 5% of all DAW users. Some of us still have hope, that BL will hear users that refuse to rent....

What is not definite is the activation that is being held hostage. You would think that after the release of new product they would be confident enough to finally stop tethered activations (and collecting data) and permanently unlock outgoing product.

Read reply by Ashwin. It seems they are in the process of forging some things. While I have almost no use for stock plugins, my hope is the new "toys" will finally trigger a process of perpetual licenses, which is given as possible reason by Ashwin. I guess we shall see where this is all going in the next few months.

I will be satisfied with any of three scenarios. A) One time purchase - plugins or no plugins, makes no difference to me. B) Subscribe for a year - get the last version of the last moth into subscription unlocked permanently, no new features or fixes unless you re-subscribe. Again plugins or no plugins -no difference. C) Subscribe to Sonar for a year, get a permanent Cakewalk by Bandlab unlock - the one that is not spying on you or deactivates. That at least will give guarantee and peace of mind to musicians, that their projects will not be held hostage by company policy changes or their own financial situation.

Ashwin, Thank you for clarifying this for me and other users. I will gladly subscribe and support development IF Cakewalk by Bandlab will be permanently unlocked... At least for subscribers of Sonar, so their work is safe from potential SHTF scenario.

The root problem of automatic things like Vocal rider or Trackspacer is that is taking away the creative part of mixing. Only you, as artist know which parts should be louder or softer. Same goes for automation of creative plugins, reverb, delay, flanger, etc. As a quick fix, they work wonders, but once you spend 2-3 hours with automation, you will likely see things differently.

I don't know why people are so fascinated with TTS1. It's reliable... understood. But as far as sounds, it reminds me of an Atari video game. I think the only "ok" GM sounds out of the box were from something like Tyros or Roland hardware units. As far as I know, only Halion/Sonic is the last GM / Program change capable professional plugin that has extensive library to "substitute" sounds after it maps everything correctly. And a very inexpensive VSTsynthfont, that is surprisingly being maintained often. Sure, it would be convenient to have soldered in MIDI player in DAW, but definitely not a deal breaker. I am wondering (again, if what Ashwin said is true) if bakers are open to discuss what is on horizon on plugin front. Since plugins are complimentary to any DAW, I think user input might help shape their plans in a more favorable direction. P.S. Funny, user Bass Guitar mentioned Breverb. That is the last stock plugin that I use occasionally, as it has certain character.