Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE

[Jack Hanson]

Does anyone have any experience using Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE? Would this be a good software choice for a beginner?

[Jack Stoner]

I use Sonar. The current version is Sonar X3, what I have (Sonar X3 Producer). X1 is an old version, but depending on what you want to do it could be a starter recording DAW. There are updates to the basic X1, that fixes a lot of things, I don't know if X1 updates are still available.

[Jack Hanson]

Thanks, Jack, for your reply. I am considering the purchase of an inexpensive audio interface to make very basic recordings on my PC. I am looking at SONAR X1 because it is supplied with the Roland Duo-Capture, which is available for about forty bucks. I have a laptop, and I have microphones. Only wish to record one instrument at a time, and to be able to mix the tracks into a finished product that sounds somewhat decent. Not looking to produce audiophile quality material. Just basically desire something entry level that will be easy to learn and use. Don't need a lot of bells and whistles. The easier, the better. My roommate has a more advanced system, but it's not mine to diddle around with.

[Richard Shaw]

Hi Jack
I suggest you have a look at Mixcraft.

http://acoustica.com/mixcraft/

Its an excellent programme which will suit all your requirements, its very easy to use, and it won't break the bank. There are also some very good tutorials on Youtube. I have used both Sonar and Cubase but prefer Mixcraft.

[Jack Stoner]

The Roland will probably do the job. I use a "big brother" Roland Octa-Capture.

For the price with Sonar X1 LE its probably a good deal.

[Jack Hanson]

Richard, thanks for the reply. I am definitely going to check out Mixcraft.

Jack, thanks again. The low price of the Roland unit is its initial attraction to me, especially when the software is included.

[Rick Schacter]

I was using Sonar X1 for a while before upgrading to Sonar X2 and now I use Presonus Studio One.
If you just want to record a few audio and possibly some midi tracks, Sonar X1 will do the job just fine.

Maybe you could also give Reaper a try.
I don't have a lot of experience using it, but there are lots of people who use it and speak very favorably about it.

Lots of bang for buck, and doesn't zap a lot of cpu power. You can try it out for free for 60 days and buy it if you like it.

You probably don't need to buy the commercial license if you like it, so it will only cost you $60.
That's a pretty hard deal to beat, IMO.

http://www.reaper.fm/

Rick

[Jack Stoner]

$40 for the Roland and Sonar X1 LE. No contest.

[Rick Schacter]

$40 for the Roland and Sonar X1 LE. No contest.

I don't completely disagree with this, but there are some things that might not make this deal so sweet.

Is this a used copy of Sonar X1 and will Cakewalk honor the license agreement?

Does Cakewalk still offer support for X1?
With Gibson purchasing Cakewalk and the new release of X3, how long will X1 be supported?
Tech. support is a nice thing to have if you run into any trouble.

Will he be able to take the upgrade path with this copy of X1 if he decides to do so at a later date?

If the answer is yes to all of these questions, then I agree, $40 for this package is a fantastic deal.

Rick

[Jack Stoner]

I assume he is talking about a new unit/software. Whether he will get any Cakewalk tech support is probably questionable, but there is the Sonar forum when he can get most any question answered.

Sonar X3 (basic) is #49.00 for upgrade from any other version of Sonar.

Thus for the initial $40 (approx) and another $49, he could get the current version.

I see similar DAW software offerings with many other recording interface units, that are older or "LE" versions. I saw one MAudio interface unit that came with either a Version 6 or 7 LE version of Pro Tools. That is older than the Sonar X1LE with this unit.

[Jack Hanson]

Rick and Jack, thanks so much for your concern and advice. It's sincerely appreciated.

The Roland Duo-Capture in question is available from a reputable online seller in Wisconsin, and is advertised as brand-new, unused, unopened, and undamaged in its original packaging. It’s said to include the Duo-Capture, Owner’s Manual, Driver CD-ROM, Cakewalk SONAR LE DVD-ROM for Windows, and a USB cable. The price is $39.00 with free shipping.

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Don’t see how I could possibly go wrong for $39.00.

All I am looking to do with this unit is to lay down a few instrument tracks, either acoustic or electric or both, and some vocal tracks. No MIDI. Possibly some percussion, either mic'd or electronic. Just for my own enjoyment, and perhaps to share with close friends and family. No professional or commercial aspirations whatsoever.

[Rick Schacter]

That sounds like a super good deal.
If I were just starting out, I'd jump on it.

Have fun with your new studio!

Rick

[Jack Hanson]

Thanks, Rick. I just ordered the Roland unit. Seems like for an entry level audio interface that includes basic software, I can hardly go wrong. If I can actually figure this thing out and can come up with something somewhat listenable, I will be more than satisfied.

[Rick Schacter]

Another thing that's cool about this is that you'll be able to upgrade to their Producer version of Sonar if you decide that you'd like to get into recording even more.

You will also be able to take advantage of Presonus crossgrade discount for the purchase of their software if you should decide to try them out.

I use both.

Congrats to you on scoring a really good deal!

Rick