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15-Compressor Shootout: Lead Vocals

No question, there are a lot of compressor plugins out there, and they all have their unique layouts, quirks, and sonic qualities. In the video below, we line up 15 different compressors and demonstrate these differences.

Below the video, you’ll also find a helpful updated list of key features, a downloadable chart, and links to learn more about the compressors that do not come standard with SONAR Platinum. If you’re not familiar many compressor plugins, I recommend starting here.

It’s worth noting that this video demonstrates a limited scope of each compressor’s capabilities. Since the compressor is being used to level out a vocal performance, each one has been set up optimally for the application, usually with a low ratio and fairly fast attack and release wherever applicable.

Every possible measure was taken to keep the responses and output levels of each compressor as uniform as possible so that the shootout makes for a consistent apples-to-apples comparison. In the future, keep an eye out for more of these shootouts, as the same tools might have totally different effects on a snare drum, acoustic guitar, electric bass, or saxophone.

Continue reading “15-Compressor Shootout: Lead Vocals”

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Download the Sonitus FX suite for only $19.99

Sonitus FX Suite

The Sonitus FX suite is collection of 10 must-have FX for many of the most basic mixing needs. These classic FX plug-ins have been a staple in SONAR for many years and have received critical acclaim for their versatility and ease-of-use. Now you can use them in any VST-compatible Windows Vista/Windows 7 DAW (includes 32 and 64-bit versions). Best of all, you can download them today for only $19.99 (that’s almost $2.00 a plug-in). Continue reading “Download the Sonitus FX suite for only $19.99”

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Back for a limited time: The Softube Mix Bundle (VSTs and ProChannel Modules)

Softube Mix Bundle

Back by popular demand: Save 40% off the Softube Mix Bundle
This past February, we featured the Softube Mix Bundle at the Cakewalk Store for only $179 (40% off the regular price). Since that time, we have been asked by many users to bring it back. Through a special arrangement with Softube, we are happy to announce that this special is back for a limited-time. Through July 31st, you can save 40% off this special bundle that includes both VST and ProChannel versions.

The Softube Mix Bundle is a collection of five essential tools that give you full control over the key elements of building a mix—compression, equalization, and reverb. These plug-ins are the same great Softube plug-ins professional recording musicians rely on daily, so you can mix with confidence, knowing that the FET Compressor you put on your vocal track is the same one used on hit records around the globe. If you missed out last February, this is your opportunity to download this very special bundle at an unbeatable price!

Purchase the Softube Mix Bundle exclusively from the Cakewalk Store for only $179/£125/€149 – save 40% off the regular price of $299.

Highlights:

Download it today

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What's in SONAR X1 Producer anyway?

What's in SONAR X1 Producer?

With the First-class Upgrade promotion happening in June, it’s a good time to review the amazing value you get with SONAR X1 Producer. Whether you are upgrading or looking for a new digital audio workstation (DAW), SONAR X1 Producer gives you hundreds of dollars in exclusive features, instruments, and effects that only Cakewalk can offer musicians, producers, and engineers.

Let’s start with a quick video which goes through all the SONAR X1 Producer exclusives:

Now let’s take a look at some of the exclusive features in-depth to see what makes SONAR X1 Producer so special. Continue reading “What's in SONAR X1 Producer anyway?”

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Cakewalk's 11 big product releases of 2011

2011 was a big year for Cakewalk and featured some major product releases. Here’s a quick recap of some of the most popular product releases of 2011 with links to each, in case you missed it. We’d love to hear your feedback on which was your favorite by voting in our Facebook poll.

SONAR X1  Free Trial: For those of you that want to try it before you buy it, we released a free 30-day SONAR X1 Web trial. The SONAR X1 Web Trial is a fully functioning version of SONAR X1 that will work for up to 30 days if registered.

SONAR X1a update: The first free update to SONAR X1 includes fixes for Skylight, ProChannel and more.

SONAR X1b update: The second free update to SONAR includes control surface updates for the V-Studio 700, V-Studio, plus more fixes.

SONAR X1c update: The third free update includes is the current update as of today with all the updates and hotfixes included.

Music Creator 6: Music Creation just got even easier! Based on Cakewalk’s acclaimed professional studio software, Music Creator’s elegant design and drag and drop interface makes creating and sharing music fast, easy, and fun.

Z3TA+ 2.1: Nearly a decade after its initial release, Z3TA+ is back with a brand new version that builds on its already legendary status.  New filters, modulatable waveshapers, flexible effects, expressive control and a gorgeous new interface make Z3TA+ 2 one seriously powerful synth.

SONAR X1 Producer Expanded: SONAR X1 Producer Expanded takes SONAR X1 Producer even further with exciting new production tools and delivery options. ProChannel modularity, a new Softube Saturation Knob, MusicXML export, and SoundCloud are just a few of the new features.

PC4K S-Type Expander / Gate: When we introduced ProChannel modularity with SONAR X1 Producer Expanded, we also released a brand new ProChannel module. The PC4K S-Type Expander / Gate Module is expertly crafted by the Cakewalk DSP team and rounds out our legendary, vintage-style, ProChannel modeling.

PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor: The only thing left to complete the 4K modeling story was a channel compressor. In late 2011, we released the new PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor which provides full emulation of the classic, large-format, mixing consoles used by professional engineers to make hit records.

SONAR X1 Advanced Workshop with Craig Anderton: Craig Anderton and Cakewalk teamed up for the most unique SONAR tutorial ever created. SONAR X1 Advanced Workshop with Craig Anderton is a ground-breaking collection of advanced SONAR X1 techniques,and is also Cakewalk’s first official video tutorial.

SONAR X1 Advanced Workshop: The Next Level: Don’t call it a sequel. This is unlike any other video tutorial on the market today (even compared to his first, universally-acclaimed “Advanced Workshop” video) as Craig shows you amazing, one-of-a-kind techniques that truly take SONAR X1 to the next level.

Vote for your favorite product release in our Facebook Poll.

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The Fine Print III: Sidechaining in SONAR

The term ‘sidechaining’ refers to the manipulation of one signal by another where signal B (typically referred to a key input) effects signal A (primary input). Sidechaining is most often found in compressors, limiters and gates. Examples of sidechaining include ducking, voiceover, de-essing and pumping. For more information, check out this article on the Basics of Sidechaining.

Cakewalk’s CTO Noel Borthwick discusses the implementation of Sidechaining in SONAR is his latest Fine Print article. Since version 7, SONAR has supported side-chaining for both VST and DX plug-ins in all of its applications. This article describes how SONAR communicates with side-chain capable VST and DX plug-ins as well as how SONAR can be used as a guide to write a side-chain capable plug-in of your own.