Cakewalk SONAR X1 Studio Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Pearse Scudder
from Dayton, Ohio
July 17, 2012Music Background:
DJ, Band Leader, Gear Nut, Electronic Music Producer, Student Audio Engineer

SONAR X1 Studio: Definately on the List of the DAW Greats

I actually purchased this software for a family member who was looking to start his late personal recording experience, after 30+ years of being a luthier and avid guitar collector. I wanted to steer away from the "big brothers" of DAW's like Pro Tools, Logic, etc. so my attention shifted to SONAR. Initially the product had all the tools needed for basic song recording and audio mastering, as well as various VI's and plug-ins. The software installed smoothly and worked great with a Fast Track Pro interface and MPK25 controller. When it came to the actual on-screen layout, it was very confusing and out of order. I only had 3 days to get it up and running so I did not have enough time to experiment and learn about the workflow of the program, but from 3 straight nights of stale coffee, it was hard to get used to. The software contained more than enough tools (and a great mixer and EQ suite) for professional recording and great sounding songs, but if it is going to be your primary DAW, I would look to higher programs. The virtual instruments sounded great and recorded well, but instrument tracks such as a guitar through the interface had a time delay that was an internal error with SONAR and not the interface or internal sound card. So overall, if you have some time on your hands to learn and mess around with this program, it might be one to fit your needs. If you are looking to more of a speedy and down to earth DAW, I would definitely look to Pro Tools or even Studio One (SONAR'S alleged twin) by PreSonus, depending on your budget.