Returning user

[xeroksuk]

Hi

I'm a long-time Sonar user, I have an old-timey platinum licence. I've never installed the Bandlab version as the version I had covered my needs.

However, I'm moving onto a new PC and have a few questions.

1. will I be able to install my old version onto my new PC? I have a download of command center 1.1.3.1 and a download of sonar v22.5.0.43 which is older than the version i'm running (23.1.0)

2. will the new Cakewalk Sonar open my existing projects? I understand there may be issues with older plugins, I can worry about that later.

3. presuming the answer to both is yes, will i be able to have them both installed simultaneously?

4. Is there a list of changes in the last however many years? My current version is so much more stable than the earlier versions I've had. It would be nice if the remaining glitches and difficulties were sorted out lol.

cheers

[DeeringAmps]

1) Yes, install SPlat first!

2) Yes

3) Yes

4) Not sure a comprehensive list exists. Someone will chime in.

I’m currently upgrading one of my rigs and will install SPlat first and then Sonar…

Welcome home!

t

Edited 15 hours ago by DeeringAmps

[Wookiee]

@xeroksuk with reference to your point 4.

Ther has been a number of significant changes. This is not an exhaustive list but.

1. The GUI now uses vector graphics rather than BMP & PNG images. 

2. The audio engine has been significantly reworked to account for primary and efficient cores. 

3. It is possible to install a RISC native version of Sonar. The installer automatically identifies CPU type on installation. 

4. Several new features, Tempo lane, Articulation lane, Arrangement lane.

Are just a few things that are different from S-Plat. 

[Bass Guitar]

1. You can’t use that version of the Command Centre. 
Download the new version it I think is  1.1.8.1 

Its easy to find using Google. 
 

4. The list will be very detailed and possibly 50 pages long.
As a person who reverted to Platinum last spring  because I don’t like the membership deal I now qualify as an expert!! Ha ha. I hadn’t noticed how far Cakewalk had progressed because the improvements were gradually introduced over those 8 years. 
 

So I gave up on Splat because it was slowing me down. It’s like trying to drive a 1989 car. Hey. Where’s the backup screen? The GPS, what’s with this Cassette Player! 
 

Most importantly is the new Sonar runs faster and smoother and I can safely say that it is the most stable version ever. 

The only negative thing for me is the new graphics.  it uses very microscopic icons and the contrast makes it almost impossible to see details. It’s dark and gloomy. But they are just getting around to finally fixing this with the latest release will have a theme editor. ( I think? ) 
 

Edited 13 hours ago by Bass Guitar

[Bonzos Ghost]

The new Sonar is better in so many ways. Fast and snappy. Better handling of large projects...etc, etc.

Having  extensive colour scheme options is still in the works, but other than the "flat" look (which I'm used to, but not overly crazy about) it's a no brainer to update to the latest Sonar version. You can always start with the free version which gives you the vast majority of features you get with the paid version. 

I was quite happy for years using X3 on a good, dedicated Windows 7 machine, but after recently adding a new custom Win11 pc I ungraded everything. 

I had to use X3 the other day to access an old VSTi I no longer have on my new Sonar/Win11 machine. Feels kinda clunky now after using the new version, although I still like the looks of the old GUI better. 

[dougalex]

11 hours ago, Bass Guitar said:

The only negative thing for me is the new graphics.  it uses very microscopic icons and the contrast makes it almost impossible to see details. It’s dark and gloomy. But they are just getting around to finally fixing this with the latest release will have a theme editor. ( I think? ) 

@xeroksuk Base Guitar mentioned that he does not like the graphics (and many other users agree). But I wanted to chime to say: for me (a 70 year old with 2.00 readers), I am so pleased that when I use the the provided Dark Theme (on 4k 32" monitor), I just get right to work and focus on my production without even thinking about the graphics at all.
I did test out the new Theme Editor,  and I found I could slightly alter the Dark Theme in pleasing ways... but given I already like Dark Theme, I really never see myself spending any time tweaking colors in the future.

Edited 2 hours ago by dougalex

[AB99]

I have had people in my studio that use other DAWs. I give them a 27" monitor to see Sonar whole they play their instrument or sing. They all seemed impressed. I am glad they are doing the theme edit capabilities, but it is still a great prpfessional tool.

[Bass Guitar]

My guess is that if you have a  brand new monitor that it will be different than what I see. Very blurry and all the icons are microscopic and there is no contrast between them and the background. 
My monitors are possibly 10 years old. 
I have special prescription glasses for computer work. I also have a higher quality video card. But possibly if I stay with Sonar I might need to purchase a 4K monitor. I really don’t have any problems with any other software. 
 

An example is in the export dialogue that I can barely see the check marks for the selected tracks. And I click on them and they don’t change. I have to click on them again.