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4 features of SONAR X2 that make the musician’s life easier (New Videos)

With all the powerful features of SONAR X2, it’s almost impossible for someone to know every single angle of the program.  Even some of the simpler features have some not-so-obvious aspects that can make the musician’s life easier and more musically inventive.  This is why we have created detailed videos for SONAR users to delve into without needing a manual.

This week we have posted four great new videos that are sure to give you some new insight on X2 features and workflow:

The QuadCurve EQ has now proven itself in the industry to be one of the most musical AND surgical instruments around.  With four different modes, it’s easy to carve out and sculpt perfect and professional mixes with ease.

[My favorite QuadCurve feature: The slope – cutting off low frequencies dead-off is essential for getting great vocals to really pop out of the mix without sitting too far in front. You can also greatly clean up your low-end by getting rid of competing frequencies utilizing the slope on guitars, bass and kick drum.] Continue reading “4 features of SONAR X2 that make the musician’s life easier (New Videos)”

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There's always more to learn about SONAR with new videos from Cakewalk

SONAR X2 is hands-down the most powerful and comprehensive DAW we have ever made. With each new version of SONAR we aim to simplify workflow and make music production more efficient.  Each upgrade also comes with brand new tools and enhancements that compliment SONAR’s core technology.  SONAR X2 is no exception. See what’s new in SONAR X2.

Your creative possibilities are endless with a professional level solution like SONAR X2.  But for new users, and even some seasoned SONAR pros, all this power can make your brain hurt a little.  Users often ask us questions like “what does R-MIX SONAR do?” “how does the Console Emulator effect my mix?” and “why is TH2 Producer better than the guitar amp sim that I already have?”  We hear you loud and clear and want to make sure you know how to take full advantage of the tools SONAR X2 has to offer. As a result, Cakewalk is more committed than ever to providing SONAR users with the best learning resources available. Check out the 3 learning resources below with SONAR knowledge for every skill level Continue reading “There's always more to learn about SONAR with new videos from Cakewalk”

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Craig Anderton shows you how to use the new Console Emulator in SONAR X2 Producer

Console Emulator

The ProChannel Console Emulator is one of the new features available exclusively in SONAR X2 Producer. Over the past year, the use of console emulation has become very popular with producers and engineers. A Console Emulator plug-in emulates some important analog console characteristics. While these effects are subtle, they’re noticeable; and now thanks to the Console Emulator, they’re controllable as well.

Industry expert Craig Anderton gives you an in-depth look at understanding and applying the Console Emulator into your mix. For even more tips from Craig Anderton, you can also check out his monthly SONAR X2 column in Sound on Sound magazine.

 

 
Try it out for yourself: The Console Emulator is available in the SONAR X2 Producer trial so once you watch the video, you can try out some of the techniques on your mixes.

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Take control of your tempo with SONAR's Audiosnap, Available in X2 Producer and studio

SONAR X2’s AudioSnap engine and tempo analysis features give you unprecedented non-destructive rhythmic and tempo control over your audio. Employing sophisticated transient detection technology, the AudioSnap engine automatically analyzes all recorded and imported audio files for rhythmic content to determine where the beats are in the music.  Continue reading “Take control of your tempo with SONAR's Audiosnap, Available in X2 Producer and studio”

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Video: SONAR X2 – Transitioning From SONAR X1 (and earlier)

Like many of you, we’re all fired up about the release of SONAR X2. And we’re pretty sure you’d like to know more about the core features, behaviours, and other day-to-day workflow operations that we’ve changed in X2 from X1 and older versions of SONAR.

Below is a layout of those changes as well as a down and dirty, off the cuff, low production value video which demonstrates these changes in depth which is available for immediate viewing on YouTube (and also right from the player below).

Continue reading “Video: SONAR X2 – Transitioning From SONAR X1 (and earlier)”

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CakeTV Live: SONAR X2 Webinar

Last week was our fourth installment of CakeTV Live, which we broadcast bi-monthly, live, from Center Staging in Burbank, CA. In this latest episode we showed over 450 live viewers the new features of SONAR X2. In case you missed it, the webinar is now available for viewing on CakeTV (or right from this web page, below).

During the webcast we did our best to cover all of X2’s new features like Smart Grid, ProChannel FX Chains, and R-MIX SONAR. However, there were a few new features that we didn’t have time to demo that we think are worth mentioning.

Continue reading “CakeTV Live: SONAR X2 Webinar”

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FREE SONAR X2 Webinar – September 5th

Webinar

FREE SONAR X2 Webinar – September 5th (2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific)
Please join Brandon Ryan and Seth Perlstein of Cakewalk for the fourth installment of CakeTV Live, Cakewalk’s entirely live, bi-monthly webcast. This installment will take a close look at the new features and enhancements in SONAR X2 while focusing on recording, mixing and production of guitars, keyboards, and more. See how X2 will effect your workflow and get a head start on understanding all the new capabilities.

CakeTV Live is just that – entirely live. Ask questions in real-time and join in the chat with hundreds of other viewers from around the globe as Brandon and Seth discuss and demonstrate valuable tips and techniques.

Watch previous CakeTV Live webcasts:
Episode 1: SONAR X1 Music Production
Episode 2: SONAR X1 Music Production “Aike”
Episode 3: Larger than life drums in SONAR X1

What's new in SONAR X2 Producer

New features in SONAR X2 Producer include:

  • New enhancements and improvements
  • Improved low latency audio engine
  • Take lanes
  • Automation lanes and modes
  • Advanced Arpeggiator
  • Improved Smart Tool
  • Smart Grid
  • Improved Clips View
  • Improved Matrix View
  • BREVERB SONAR (VST and ProChannel versions)
  • R-MIX SONAR
  • Overloud TH2 Producer Amp Simulator
  • Modular ProChannel
  • ProChannel Console Emulator
  • ProChannel FX Chains
  • ProChannel Softube Saturation Knob
  • ProChannel QuadCurve EQ
  • Improved LP-64 mastering plugins
  • SoundCloud integration
  • MusicXML export
  • Windows® 8 support (patch coming later this year)
  • And much more

Visit the official SONAR X2 Preview page for more information

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Using Key Bindings in SONAR X1 – Free Map of SONAR X1 Key Bindings

SONAR X1 ProducerOur friends at Roland Australia are big fans of SONAR X1.  They asked us to share the post below on how to improve your workflow by knowing your Key Bindings.

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Using Key Bindings can totally transform how you interact with your SONAR X1. There are hundreds of commands that can literally be placed at your fingertips that can help you navigate or perform a number of editing routines in your SONAR X1 session. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to explore this very powerful feature. To help you on your way, we have put together a PDF Doc that maps out all the default Key Bindings. Use the rows and columns as co-ordinates to identify the QWERTY key / modifier combination for the Key Binding.

Download this map of the default SONAR X1 Key Bindings

Not only will it help you to memorize the default settings, you can also use the spreadsheet to plan out and record your own custom Key Binding commands.  If you identify the commands you wish to use in the Keyboard Shortcut list in SONAR X1’s Preferences, then you can add their descriptions to the vacant cells. If you do make changes, make sure you save a copy of your Key Bindings with a new name by using the EXPORT Button on Key bindings Window.

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SONAR X2 Sneak Preview

Seamless. Genius.
From getting great tone to releasing a final mix, today’s musicians must master every element of the music production process. SONAR X2 Producer is there every step of the way, and the revolutionary Skylight interface lets you move seamlessly among the elements, instantly going from recording to editing to mixing and back again. Dial up the perfect synth sound with Rapture or a searing guitar tone with TH2 Producer. Record it, tighten it, chop it, and drop it in the Matrix for realtime triggering. Shape it with the ProChannel. Warm it with the Console Emulator. And do it all with a single Smart Tool. It’s genius.

Get a sneak preview of SONAR X2 Producer

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Improve your SONAR X1 chops – Save 50% off all SONAR X1 video tutorials

SONAR X1 videos

Save 50% off all SONAR X1 video tutorials
Now is the perfect time to improve your SONAR X1 chops. Through August 31st, you can download any SONAR X1 video tutorial and save 50% off the regular price. The Cakewalk Store features the very best learning resources for users of all skill levels. Don’t miss out on this special offer!

SONAR X1 Advanced Workshop with Craig Anderton
Our best selling SONAR video of all time! If you don’t have it yet, this is one not to miss.

SONAR X1 Advanced Workshop: The Next Level with Craig Anderton
Craig Anderton does not disappoint with his second installment. The Next Level includes 30 never-before-seen video tutorials that will blow away even the most veteran SONAR user.

SONAR X1 Explained by Groove 3
The first and most comprehensive (A-Z) SONAR X1 video tutorial available. A great way to get comfortable with the workflow improvements of the new Skylight interface.

SONAR X1 Tips & Tricks by Groove 3
More great tips and shortcuts for intermediate and advanced SONAR X1 users from DAW master Eli Krantzberg.

Mixing with SONAR X1 by Groove 3
The latest SONAR X1 video from Groove 3 walking you through the entire mixing process in real time. You’ll see the mix unfold, from beginning to end, with no stones unturned.