AB9

I do not mind the subscription or plan idea at all. I have asked some questions for clarification - such as - does bandlab membership include Sonar - with no extra fee? Just want to know. I do think it is time for Bandlab to start clarifying pricing, whatever it is. There are often critiques on this forum and almost always they are made to make sure the product and presentation of the product improves. Imho, no one should abandon Cakewalk or Sonar. It is a great, deep, reliable program and for me, it is especially important because I can open files from decades ago in various iterations of Cakewalk/Sonar. And good luck finding a DAW with as helpful people as the Bakers with this forum, etc.

So, for clarity, if one buys the Bandlab membership subsciption, does that person have to pay an additional price for Sonar later? Or will the Sonar price be included in that membership for the foreseeable future? The bandlab membership price, if it includes Sonar without an additional Sonar price later, is fair. One doesn't need to use the other bandlab membership services.

Makes sense. And I am not complaining. The Bakers are super fantastic. And Sonar and CbB are fabulous. I just want to clarify that after the three days, use of Sonar and being able to save it - is about membership - whether paid monthly or annually. That is why the Website states about how to gain access to Backstage Pass and then provides a link to "Get Membership": "How to gain access to Backstage Pass If you’re currently a BandLab Member, you’ll be able to access these experimental features now. We’ll catch you backstage! Get Membership"'

This is from their website at https://blog.bandlab.com/introduction-to-backstage-pass/ "How to gain access to Backstage Pass If you’re currently a BandLab Member, you’ll be able to access these experimental features now. We’ll catch you backstage! Get Membership"' Why doesn't it say: "Get Backstage Pass" It seems like backstage pass (after 3 days) is membership.

I hear you. Universal Audio gives a 14 day demo on a plugin. Imagine how much more time is needed to check out an entire DAW!

Thank you all. I can see where there is a 3 day demo so to speak. Perhaps that is what is meant by Backstage pass. Other than the 3 day demo, the only other thing is a subscription - either by month or by year. So, if I am correct, there is no pass beyond 3 days without bandlab membership.

So, what is the exact link for buying a backstage pass, if somehow this is different from membership? I can find membership. Thanks!

It is a "cakewalk" to use it. The overall name makes sense. It is relatively simple and easy to get great results in recording. I first got into it because it was Windows based and had (and has) great midi implementation. It is still much easier for me to wrap my mind around it, than Cubase for example. That fact that it is a "cakewalk" does not mean that it is not deep. It is deep, and allows for many layers of knowledge for its use. But that does not mean it is complicated to use. It is easy make a great product. And it comes with a super forum and staff people that are very attentive, kind, knowledgeable and approachable! That is worth a lot! My 2 cents.

99% of dentists recommend Windows 10.

Are there any issues at all about having Sonar and CWB on the C drive? Any reduction of performance of either noted?

Is this new Sonar still in the beta phase? I assume when it is out of beta there will be a major announcement, etc.

I hear you. Frankly, I like Windows 10 better than Windows 11. Windows 11 messed with the explorer menu and I thought Windows 10 was better. Sometimes it seems like MS just makes changes for the purpose of making changes, rather than fixing problems. But if these changes are going to come down the pike, and if eventually Windows 10 is not going to be serviced anymore by MS, we do not need to know what is being planned. And of course, what if DAWs and other audio related software starts gearing towards 12? Will that matter to earlier version people?

It seems there are some inklings that Windows 12 might be out this summer. Are there any indications of how this might affect audio, video, and DAWs?

Great! This is along the lines of my post above. But now these events can be livestreamed as well as in person. And with the new Sonar coming out, a Sonar Tour would be really cool, help promote the product, and help create a critical mass of users, so that it is sustaintable for Cakewalk and for use. Perhaps Cakewalk can make a deal with Guitar Center, to use their stores at various locations, And Guitar Center could have a promotion for it.

Pathfinder - you are welcome. You might also check gearspace.com for more discussions on the Lewitt pure tube, the CM-5, etc. Examples: https://gearspace.com/gear/stellar-professional-microphones/cm-5 https://gearspace.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1406062-lewitt-releases-pure-tube.html Wishing you great success!

Interesting point on the Stellar. I do find the 47 and 67 quite different from the 87. The only 87 I would suggest is the Stam 87 T (Tube) which is quite different. But I think his best option is to go to a recording studio with many mics, rent mics, or purchase with a credit card several mics with a dealer that has a great return policy. And as I said, it may be the SM7. Thanks for your thoughts on your chain with the SM7b. I suspect that the SM7 Michael Jackson used is a bit different from the new model available today. But I suspect there are good used ones out there of the same version Michael Jackson used.

Based on your artists mentioned, I do not see it being a C12 type mic. Likely more of a 47 or 67 as compared to a 12. I really like the Stam 87t (tube 87 which is not normal) better than any other 87 I have tried. It has an amazing bottom and sweet high end. For 47s, I love the Heisermans but I suspect it is over your budget. Beesneez in Australia make a great 67 that is on the affordable side - in the U.S. - Wind Over The Earth - in Colorado. But Duncan gave a lot of good advice - including that you will never know for sure until you get it in your studio. Might be a good idea to go to a seller that takes returns easily, like Sweetwater, not the best prices but great service. Put several on a credit card. Compare and keep the winner. Another thought is if there is a studio near where you live that you can visit and check out some mics. For all I know, a mic like an SM7, used by Michael Jackson on Thriller, may thrill you! It is not all about price. The only reason I mentioned the Chandler which is not a tube mic, is that it sounds a lot like one and is strangely affordable compared to most chandler products. For live, I am using a Lewitt MTP 550 DM Dynamic Vocal Microphone and I love it. I even like it better than the more expensive Neumann KMS 105s I have for my voice and my wife's voice. I never tried this Lewitt in the studio. I think it is more of a live mic, but heck, who knows. This is a very individual thing, which is why great studios have many, many mics. Michael Jackson chose or was given a lesser expensive mic on what I think is the world's largest selling album (or close to it), and I am sure they could have afforded a much more expensive one. Enjoy!

Sounds like it would have to be mostly online. I suggested in person and livestreamed - presumably with the livestream captured for those that could not make it in the particular time frame. Anyway, just a thought! Cheers!

Not exactly. You asked what people thought of the mic. I had heard clips of it and clips of the Chandler. It is difficult, if not inappropriate, to review a mic without comparing it to others. I have had other Lewitt mics and they were great. As to the pure tube, only by hearing clips from others. I believe people here are trying to be very helpful.

Understood. But when you write on a forum, there are others who are interested as well. And it so happens that the Lewitt and the Chandler have been compared. You are free to ignore the posts about other mics that might be considered. Wishing you the best in your endeavors.

I had this idea today. Maybe it is good or so-so. What if Cakewalk had an in person (and livestreamed) convention somewhere. We could meet in person for a couple of days with training sessions on aspects of Sonar. And it would be livestreamed. There would be some sort of charge of course. It would be a way for people to get together as well as learn the various ways that people use the software. Maybe call it CAMM - (Cakewalk and Music Makers ) Just a thought.

I will toss this out there for consideration - as a relatively inexpensive high end mic. I have heard some great samples of it. (If my memory is correct, it was compared with the subject Lewitt. ) https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TGMicTypeL--chandler-limited-tg-microphone-type-l-large-diaphragm-condenser

Even if the Bakers thought it would be out by now and it isn't, this likely means that they are being careful that the product is really ready for release, and it is fair that the popup indicates that it is not far off from now. So, I would rather they be a little patient on the release and feel good about it, rather than have it come out and too many people criticize it. If it comes out in April or May, no one is going to say - Oh it is great but I am not happy because it did not come out earlier. But if it is half-baked (pun intended), there will be a lot of criticism. We waited this long and we have had the advantage of a free product, so I think we should give them some slack here.

40% is based on predictions about winter and the spring. If Punxsutawney Phil is correct about Sonar - that will be a 100% success rate. And both Sonar and Phil can relate to things underground so there is a deep connection here. I rest my case. Carry on. P.S. I think many need a little "lightening up" these days.

It is Groundhog Day! And we have the most exacting way of indicating when Sonar is going to be available for all - it is going to be in early Spring! Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today. This is good news. If for some reason this is wrong, then we should file a class action against PunxsutawneyPhil! Registered agent is in Pennsylvania.