The EM Poll

Cakewalk's Many Updates

Jan 30, 2007 6:13 PM

           

This year, Cakewalk's NAMM presence revolved around its flagship DAW, Sonar, as well as a bunch of related updates.

First up is the free Sonar 6.2 update. Available as a free download for Sonar 6 Producer Edition and Studio edition users, the update includes native Windows Vista support, MIDI-input quantize, a Bit Meter VST plug-in, a track view time display, field-recorder support, and Active Controller Technology enhancements. Furthermore, you can now make views and plug-in screens transparent and therefore immune to mouse and keyboard functions.

Cakewalk's Sonar Power Studio is also receiving a makeover in the form of added Sonar 6.2 features. In addition to Windows Vista support, the update offers Active Controller Technology, Synth Rack instrument manager, Analyst spectrum analyzer, various automation enhancements, and much more. The update will be available in April 2007, but users who purchase Sonar Power Studio after February 1, 2007, will receive the update at no cost.

Sonar LE is also getting in on the Sonar 6.2 feature action. The OEM DAW product is now compatible with Windows Vista and boasts integrated VST support, Synth Rack, field-recorder support, a redesigned Console View, and more. The Sonar LE update will be available in February 2007.

Continuing the trend of Windows Vista support and the core Sonar 6.2 feature set are updates to Sonar Home Studio 6 ($139) and Sonar Home Studio 6 XL ($209). Aside from the Sonar 6.2 enhancements, both applications feature a new interface and mixing console, ten new effects, freeze capability, native VST support, DropZone sampler, and Cakewalk Publisher (for streaming music on the Web). Both updates will ship in February 2007.

Last but certainly not left out of the update party, Project5 has been updated to version 2.5. This free update features support for (you guessed it) Windows Vista, control surfaces, and multiple audio I/O. Other additions include integrated VST effects, pre- and postsend effects, input quantize, and automation improvements.

For more on Cakewalk's many updates, visit Cakewalk online.