Getting Started With Sonar

[Charles]

Sorry guys, and gals, I've been involved in trying to learn Cakewalk Sonar 8
Software, and I've not even scratched the surface. The bigest problem being the really bad manules that it came with. The instructions only go so far and leave you wondering why did I buy this thing in the first place. There is hardly anything, explaining the mixing process. I guess I need to find someone that has a simular setup (very basic) at this time, but I plan to expand later.
Thanks Charlie

[awaken1]

I know how you feel Charles..I opened up my manual and was like, WTH is this? Most info is in the help me files and even that is like jumping through hoops to decipher..
Luckly I had a little expierence with sonar back in 2002 and it's basically set up the same..Don't forget to go to the website and get the upgrades and patches if you haven't already..once you get the basics figured out it's pretty user friendly..don't forget to click on "save" now and then incase it crashes for what ever reason so you don't loose your mix..if they put all the info in the manual then they wouldn't have any need to sell us books and videos with the info we need on how to work it..I've only just scratched the surface my self.. not even sure it's worth it to upgrade to the PE version for another $200..

[michaelrb]

It's true there is very little in the manual that comes with sonar, but there is certainly enough to get started. The help files are the manual. Scott Garrigus has the best books regarding Sonar. There are free youtube videos as well. If you are having a particular issue, why don't you tell us in this forum, along with your current hardware, what the problem is?
This way we can help.

[BudmanRocks]

I use Sonar 8 all the time. Let me know what you need to do, i'll help you all i can...

[Metaltyme]

Originally Posted by Charles

Sorry guys, and gals, I've been involved in trying to learn Cakewalk Sonar 8
Software, and I've not even scratched the surface. The bigest problem being the really bad manules that it came with. The instructions only go so far and leave you wondering why did I buy this thing in the first place. There is hardly anything, explaining the mixing process. I guess I need to find someone that has a simular setup (very basic) at this time, but I plan to expand later.
Thanks Charlie

No need to apologize. We've all had to start somewhere.

I've been using Sonar for about 9 years now, and I love it. The manual that it came with is more of a 'features' guide than a 'how-to,' which doesn't really help much for those that are just getting started. But, like someone else said, the help menu within this application is where you'll find the specifics.

I'll also vouch for the value found in Scott Garrigus's books on Sonar. I have "Sonar 8 POWER!" and it's been quite the treasure whenever I've needed more than just instructional insight.

I've only just scratched the surface my self.. not even sure it's worth it to upgrade to the PE version for another $200..

Oh it's worth it. You get Dimension Pro, which is like $249 by itself, Guitar Rig 3 LE, several top-quality mastering tools, and THAT is really just to name a few of the many Producer-exclusive features you'd find. Of course, if you're a casual home recorder already at your maximum potential, then maybe "Producer" would be overkill. So, that depends on you.

Cheers

[awaken1]

"Oh it's worth it. You get Dimension Pro, which is like $249 by itself, Guitar Rig 3 LE, several top-quality mastering tools, and THAT is really just to name a few of the many Producer-exclusive features you'd find."

Thanks man.. I think I asked about that previously in another post, (maybe not) and don't recall getting a reply.. Hearing that almost sells it for me..I appriciate you mentioning that..

was wondering if there is much difference in sound quality between "perfect space" reverb on PE compaired to the verbs that come with the standard version..

Think I might be picking up Scotts book too.. thanks for the recomendation..

[TonyB]

I"ve been using Cakewalk/Sonar for 15 years and never found the manual useful.

As Metaltyme said...it's more of a features book and you'll be better off getting the POWER book!

Also, don't be afraid to smoke test (i.e., get your hands dirty and "turn knobs" and see what it does).

[Metaltyme]

Thanks man.. I think I asked about that previously in another post, (maybe not) and don't recall getting a reply.. Hearing that almost sells it for me..I appriciate you mentioning that..

No problem.

was wondering if there is much difference in sound quality between "perfect space" reverb on PE compaired to the verbs that come with the standard version..

Perfect Space kicks ass! It's a CPU hog, but it's worth it. This is an extremely high-quality convolution reverb plugin that has many different types of impulse response files you can choose from. And, you can even load in impulses/reverbs that you create yourself or get from other sources on the net.

I'm sure you know this, but I want to make sure you're aware that the Producer edition has all the plugins (including reverb) that are in the Studio version, but with SO MUCH MORE. If someone were to make me use the Studio edition, at this point, I'd feel crippled, because of all the extras offered in Producer.

Think I might be picking up Scotts book too.. thanks for the recomendation..

Sure thing. You won't be disappointed. It literally breaks it all down...whatever you want to know about.

[michaelrb]

Where are you Charles? You are the original post to this thread. What's up?

[awaken1]

Originally Posted by Metaltyme

No problem.



Perfect Space kicks ass! It's a CPU hog, but it's worth it. This is an extremely high-quality convolution reverb plugin that has many different types of impulse response files you can choose from. And, you can even load in impulses/reverbs that you create yourself or get from other sources on the net.

I'm sure you know this, but I want to make sure you're aware that the Producer edition has all the plugins (including reverb) that are in the Studio version, but with SO MUCH MORE. If someone were to make me use the Studio edition, at this point, I'd feel crippled, because of all the extras offered in Producer.



Sure thing. You won't be disappointed. It literally breaks it all down...whatever you want to know about.

Just ordered it off amazon..thanks man!