SONAR X2 Feature Peek: R-MIX SONAR (Video)

I will never forget witnessing a demonstration of R-MIX software for the first time.  Fast-forward a bit, and I will also never forget being in a meeting where I discovered that R-MIX was going to be incorporated into SONAR X2 Producer. Music production light-bulbs started going off in my head imagining what I was going to be able to do with multiple instances of R-MIX inside SONAR (see video below.)

What is R-MIX? 

Technically speaking it is an audio manipulation plugin that is powered by Roland’s newly developed V-Remastering technology in conjunction with VariPhrase — lets you see the components of a stereo mix as color-coded clouds of energy and harmonic matter as the track plays.  Speaking as a musician, the only way I can describe it is by calling it “visual sound,” and it is truly impressive as well as creative.

SONAR X2 Feature Peek: ProChannel FX Chains

Like many of you, we’re all fired up about SONAR X2. And we’re pretty sure you’d like to know more about what makes it so delicious. So, take a closer look at the newly refined, ever smarter, SONAR X2.

What’s an FX Chain?

FX Chains are an answer to a long standing feature request; to have FX bin presets, or a way to recall an FX bin on an existing track in SONAR. In SONAR X1 Producer we introduced FX Chains, which are essentially an FX bin, or group of FX, saved as a preset.

In SONAR X1 Producer Expanded we upped the ante and upgraded the feature to version 2.0 which added assignable controls and a custom user interface to FX Chains. Later on in the free X1d update we added a Mod Matrix to FX Chains allowing up to four parameters to be mapped to a single control on an FX Chain, which I wrote about in an earlier blog post.

In X2 we’re including FX Chains in SONAR X2 Essential and Studio, as well as Producer. But In SONAR X2 Producer we’ve taken FX Chains one step further having added them to the Producer exclusive feature, the ProChannel.

Continue reading “SONAR X2 Feature Peek: ProChannel FX Chains”

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

SONAR X2 Sneak Peek: Upgrade Pricing

It’s been nearly 2 years since we launched SONAR X1 and the long anticipated SONAR X2 is almost here.  If you are a Cakewalk user who is wondering what your price will be for this monster upgrade, have a look at the tables below. We also have a special offer for early adopters, which we will let you know about once we start taking orders.

Please note: All Euro and GBP pricing are VAT inclusive.

SONAR X2 Producer Upgrades: USD Euro € GBP £
From SONAR X1 Producer Expanded or Production Suite $99 € 99 £79
From SONAR X1 Producer $119 € 119 £99
From SONAR 1-2 XL or any SONAR Producer $199 € 199 £159
From SONAR 1-2 or any SONAR Studio $299 € 299 £239
For any other registered Cakewalk customer $399 € 399 £319

 

SONAR X2 Studio Upgrades: USD Euro € GBP £
From any version of SONAR (except LE) $99 € 99 £79
For any other registered Cakewalk customer $149 € 149 £119

 

SONAR X2 Essential Upgrades: USD Euro € GBP £
From SONAR Home Studio or any SONAR (except LE) $59 € 59 £49
For any other registered Cakewalk customer $79 € 79 £65

Continue reading “SONAR X2 Sneak Peek: Upgrade Pricing”

SONAR X2 Feature Peek: Smart Grid

What’s a snap grid?

One of the most useful features of a DAW is the snap grid. When enabled, a snap grid locks all movement to a defined value. The value can be absolute (e.g. seconds) or musical (e.g. quarter notes) and some programs optionally show grid lines that reflect at least some portion of the grid.

The whole thing makes moving a clip by a beat or a MIDI event by a 64th note much much easier than trying to “eyeball it”. Snap grids are vitally important to almost every DAW user. In most cases, a user relies on the snap grid regularly throughout every session. 

But not all snap grids are created equal. Some only offer the most basic snap options and functionality. Some don’t display their state or give the user easy access to the settings. And many are pretty dumb when it comes to anticipating what the user needs from moment to moment.

Considering the importance and near constant use of a snap grid in music production, we thought this was an area where SONAR could increase its level of intelligence and truly shine. Let SONAR think about snap so you don’t have to. Continue reading “SONAR X2 Feature Peek: Smart Grid”

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

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.

Big Z3TA+ 2 News: Now on Mac OS X, Save 50% of sound packs, and new video tutorial

Z3TA+ 2 for Mac

A decade in the making: Z3TA+ 2 now available for Mac – only $99/£69/€79

For 10 years, Z3TA+ 2 has only been available for Windows…until now. We are pleased to announce that Z3TA+ 2 is now available for Mac OS X 10.6.8 and higher in VST3 and Audio units format. This is huge news for Mac owners who have been asking for Z3TA+ to come over the Mac platform. Z3TA+ 2 for Mac includes all the ground-breaking features of the Windows version plus all the updates and improvements in Z3TA+ 2.1.

Z3TA+ 2 features 1000 new sounds from top sound designers including:

  • Nico Herz, Big Tone Studio
  • Frank Genus, Pro Sounds
  • Francesco Silvestri, FI Sound
  • Chad Beckwith, FI Sound/Patch Arena
  • Bryan Lee, Xenos Soundworks
  • Ben Cantil, Encanti Productions
  • Tim Swartz, Digital Sound Factory
  • Kieran Swarbrick, Dance MIDI Samples
  • Listen to over 50 sound examples

The new sounds alone are worth the price of Z3TA+ 2 but you also get much more:

  • A completely redesigned user interface
  • Quicker access to needed controls
  • More parameters and controls
  • 1,093 classic Z3TA+ patches
  • All new patch browser
  • New filter types
  • New waveshapers
  • New modulation destinations
  • Revamped FX section with drag and drop
  • New Performance Module
  • All updates and improvements from Z3TA+ 2.1
  • And more!

Download it today

 

Z3TA+ 2 Expansion Pack

Limited-time offer: Save 50% off additional sounds for Z3TA+ 2

In honor of the Z3TA+ 2 for Mac announcement, we are slashing prices on all Z3TA+ 2 Expansion Packs. This is a great time to stock up on more sounds from leading sound designers like Xenos Soundworks, Digital Sound Factory, Loopmasters, and more. Choose from 13 individual expansion packs that span many different genres of music. Offer ends August 31st, 2012.

Download today and save 50% off the regular price

 

Z3TA+ 2 Explained

New Z3TA+ 2 Explained video tutorial now available for only $19.95/£14.95/€19.95

To help you learn all there is to know about Z3TA+ 2, we are also offering a brand new video tutorial from Groove 3. Whether you are familiar with Z3TA+ 2 or a first-time customer, no other video offers you a comprehensive look at the amazing Z3TA+ 2 waveshaping synthesizer.

Z3TA+ 2 Explained Highlights:

  • 24 tutorials / Over 2 hours of total runtime
  • Perfect for beginners or more advanced synth users
  • Written by DAW master instructor Doug Zangar
  • Simple to use video control interface for Mac & PC.

Add it to your Z3TA+ 2 order today

 

Watch Cori Yarckin compete on The CW's new tv series, THE NEXT

Cori Yarckin

SONAR artist Cori Yarckin will be appearing on a new television show next Thursday, August 16 on The CW at 9/8c called THE NEXT. In the series premiere, Cori will be competing with 3 other Orlando based artists. In every city the show visits, each contestant will be paired up with a celebrity mentor, who not only grooms them for the biggest performance of their career, but also, moves in with them for three days to completely immerse themselves into the contestants daily lives, and have a little fun while they are at it. One winner will be chosen in each city to move on to the semi-finals where the winning contestant will get the ultimate prize for any artist, a recording contract with Atlantic Records.

Learn more

Buy SONAR X1, get SONAR X2 for free

SONAR X2 - coming this fall

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. Continue reading “Buy SONAR X1, get SONAR X2 for free”