All user reviews for the Cakewalk Sonar X1 Producer

no problem, you just note that the Producer version is a bit "heavy"
Otherwise, I use it in compatibility with Echo Gina 3G card and I admit to not respect the rglages prconiss cakewalk by echo and audio for better stabilitbr /> The grip is quite clear, we must say that this app is really intuitive

ADQUATION / PERFORMANCE

reviewed upwards (in ram) for the occasion, I turned up with sonar 3 l and what I was correct.
with better software must follow has, it's pretty normal

NOTICE GLOBAL

a year of use bientt!
Sonar 3 used for 5, 6 years old ??? I know more
Better than Cubase or ProTools for my taste the best known and rpandus
It is mostly incredibly pleasant and efficient than version 3 that I know well.
I'm not talking just before the other narratives, even though I know a little cubase I do not like.
It is all terribly simple and ergonomic case not to mention his performance - there is no picture!
the most is that it is not overpriced and pretty dowry vst to departure (v producer)
Repeat this choice? without hsiter one second

Bought online, so it must be a beautiful and good connection to download 15GB.

So hard to download, easy to install, difficult to configure because the tool is very rich. But I'm not complaining, if I had to choose the studio version.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

cf. my profile for the PC config.
This works fine, except sometimes a few crashes which I do not know if I should attribute to the soft or the audio card.
Most importantly, BitBridge (plug allowing in theory use 32-bit VST) software crashes when exporting. Hence, a requirement to bounce audio tracks VST concerned then delete the VST before export, and then, if you want to rework must import the VST, the reassign, recall the settings ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use Sonar since 2004, this version since 2011.
Previously I used only MIDI sequencer (bigboss, Cubase 2.5). Since then I have not mishandled Digital Performer (Mac only while Sonar is PC only).

Value / pretty unbeatable prices. I chose this because at the time it was 200 euros cheaper than its competitors.
Note the upgrade policy Cakewalk: possessor of version 3 (X1 corresponding to the 10), I paid 200 euros instead of 450.
I would do this choice for the same reasons (price), and because we have better things to do in life that compare full of this kind of software to choose his favorite.

Cakewalk's Sonar X1 is their latest version of their popular DAW for the PC platform. I am reviewing the Producer version, which includes extra features, such as more built-in plugins, effects, and instruments. These include ProChannel, Session Drummer 3, Dimension Pro, Mastering Effects, Channel Strip Effects, TruePianos, and Producer Effects. The DAW, overall, features many of the things you would expect from a DAW. Unfortunately, it is not designed to work on Mac systems, which is a major letdown. There is a way to run SONAR on a Mac machine using a modified boot, but it is not supported and it is likely buggy, with many loose ends.



SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've been using SONAR for several years, and each incremental version gets better, without sacrificing any compatibility or drastic changes to the graphic interface, so upgrading is never a hassle. Cakewalk regularly puts out updates to their software as well, as it is definitely still dominant and current (at least in the PC world). It can use both DirectX plugins as well as VST, and the VST plugin loader is very quick and automatic. DirectX plugins was a format that Cakewalk pushed for many years, but they have decided to go away from it, as the newer versions of their instruments, Rapture and Dimension Pro, no longer fully support the platform. Nonetheless, the software is still compatible with DirectX. It cannot load RTAS, as that is reserved for Avid's Pro Tools.

SONAR X1 fully supports multi-core and 64-bit Windows operating systems, as it is one of the few DAW's that run in 64-bits and can use 64-bit plugins. This is essential if you are working with larger samples, particularly with heavyweight samplers that uses hundreds of megabytes of samples per instrument.



OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I would recommend Cakewalk's Sonar X1 (Producer Edition) to any home or professional studio that works exclusively in the PC operating systems. This may be a rarity in many higher end studios, which like to work in Mac's, but it is a great DAW nonetheless.

Install OK
Compatibility: more or less
In fact, the cakewalk site says to adjust a setting like that if I use a 3G card echo gina (which is confirmed by echo audio) but I do just the opposite if the latency is set automatically
So I can not play on the buffer size (and the limit by increasing the latency) if my project is too heavy for my Bécanne.
Otherwise, just stick to me
Some crash it must be said but nothing chronic ...

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

My config is a bit aging
say that X1 is more resource-hungry than I was using Sonar 3 for 6, 7 years?? I know more ...
So, I speak too much on the subject.
Just that it runs well when one is equipped with enough

OVERALL OPINION

Block with one year, am always thrilled

I'm tempted by Cubase which I never liked the look and use. 've Tested it in Protools lite version
In the end stayed with Sonar and do not regret it

I love the menus simple, intuitive and configured to be available in two clicks max
It is visually flawless
Performance in export wave or MP3
The Multi Dock is friendly and the Pro channel performance
In addition Producer version, there is a bundle so that takes the road

Cheaper than its competitors (just over € 400 at its output) is in my opinion the best
Not well established in Europe as less known, it is nonetheless good

If it again?
even at 100 € more I rush is saying ...

I use sonar from the beginning but really serves me regularly since the last version X1 (X1c now) ... so on this last, I have so far found only minor problems of compatibility with some plug-ins .. but nothing too serious or that prevents me to use the plug-ins in question.
I do not use intrusion provided so installation was fast enough ... it installs like any other app, the menu is clear enough in my opinion .. no particular problem. If this is the first DAW that is installed in his life is not to be different!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I7 laptop / 8GB RAM / win7x64 / edirol (cakewalk / roland) by USB
No problems at all, very stable, with a latency of 6 ms correct, bridge x32/x64 also works well and has never been a problem (even if I try to minimize the use of plug- ins 32bit)
From this side, jai not complain!
Using Omnisphere, trillian in multipatch, I got to 56 MIDI tracks at the same time without the audio engine does not suffer (or 7 instances omniphere / Trilian who read each 8 MIDI tracks at the same time, it depends of course also capabilities of the PC). Beyond it starts to jerk a little, but still usable for a few extra tracks. The only one who has made a point of view was better Reaper.
Speaking of Reaper, I would like sonar scans the plug-ins a little faster, as the latter (Reaper scans just the new plug-ins add ... is it really necessary to re-scan EVERYTHING all the time Sonar just does detect some new plug-ins? I do not think!) .. but it's still accessory in my opinion, I do not install new plug-ins every day! and also if he could save the information in the file rather than the DAW in the register of windows ca would not hurt.
The PRO Channel available to Sonar and available for each track is really well created (a compressor (2 types), EQ 1 (3 type) and saturation "analog" (type 2)). Very light on resources and very good quality, it simplifies life and you get used to very quickly!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since it came out (and I'm going to x64)
I used Cubase before but Sonar's audio engine is much better in my opinion for the 64-bit (because developing on this platform, not as a 32bit Cubase is the origin).
It took me re-learn some shortcuts and ways of working (not always very logical in my opinion but good overall it was very quick and easy to move from one to another).
The GUI of the previous version was ugly on the one hand and also very disorganized and confused. This new version is a big plus of this view. Many of the GUI windows are configurable and modular aspect is a very good (you can save configs 9 provisions that can be recalled with the keys 1-9). I still prefer the management / editing MIDI in Cubase (can be used to it too)
If you are new to the world of DAW, I think this version is quite easy to take in hand (and the package with all the virtual instruments is nice if you have nothing else, it allows already make a lot of stuff, some being very good). For advanced users, there are only a few adjustments to make! (There are some oddities here and there, but everything works out quickly throwing a look at the panel config / options)
So there is clearly a before and after X1 in sonar ... and it makes all the difference! It's been almost 20 years I am of computer music and over the years and followed jai tries (and still am) a number of DAW (Cubase, Sonar, Samplitude, Acid, Fruity Loops, Live, Reaper, Studio 1, Protools) and in the end I would say that X1 is a DAW with whom he was friendly enough and fast to work. He knows to be forgotten when everything is set correctly -> So the first thing to do, a little tour in the preferences!

Trouble free installation. One particular point to know about windows 7 should start Sonar in administrator mode if not certain VST not working

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

CORE 2 DUO E8400 PC 4GB RAM 500 MB of disk.
Sound Card TASCAM US 1641.
Surface Contol Behringer BCF 2000

Good performance and good stability,

OVERALL OPINION

Since its release a year ago.

The new interface allows X1 to work faster, thanks to shortcuts and layout of windows on the screen fully configurable.

I have always worked with Cakewalk Sonar at the beginning and then.
Very good price / quality ratio. Version Producer provides a set of VST and VSTi than enough to work.

I definitely do it again this choice.

The installation is done it without problems?
no worries

Have you encountered any incompatibilities?
not that I remember

The general configuration is easy?
I find it very ergonomic

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
yes but could be clearer on some points, although we have not really need

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

What is the configuration of your computer?
Laptop, intel Quadcore 2.4Ghz, 4G DDR2 667 RAM, Windows 7 32-bit full
HDD: 1x500G 2x160G 7200T + (2'5) internal
1x1T 1x650G + + eSATA External 2x500G 7200T (3'5)
Sound card M-Audio FW410

The software works there correctly on this configuration?
Yes

This hardware + software is stable?
yes

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
for 1 year

What is so special that you love the most, least?
I do not see

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Cubase, followed by Cakewalk Sonar before, and Sonar 4 until X1c
It is much more ergonomic than Cubase and more intuitive to me
I have not tried other programs

How would you rate the quality / price?
Very good

With experience, you do again this choice?
Without hesitation