Cakewalk has announced the global availability of a new SONAR product lineup as well as a new model for buying and owning software.
There are no more SONAR “version numbers”—the software at the time of purchase is always the latest version, due to Cakewalk’s Membership model which is included for 12 months upon purchase.
As a result, now updates that include a mix of new program features, original content, tutorials, new presets, and more roll out approximately once a month to members.
Additionally, now members have the option to choose either the traditional upfront payment, or make convenient monthly payments. Unlike “subscription” models, after 12 months anything acquired during the Membership is fully authorized and never expires, regardless of whether Membership is renewed or not.
New users receive 12 months of Membership free, while for current SONAR users, Membership renewal—which is priced similarly to a traditional lower priced product upgrade—new updates every month instead of yearly (and sometimes overwhelming) updates.
The three new versions of SONAR are more clearly differentiated to focus on specific recording needs. All three offer the same high-tech core features—touch control, unlimited tracks/FX/sends/buses, VST3/VST2/DirectX compatibility, video track, support for high-resolution audio via DSD compatibility and sample rates to 384 kHz, enhanced MIDI editing, mix recall for switching quickly among different mix options, advanced publishing options, “one-stop solution” effects chains, amp simulations, advanced comping, and more—while the Skylight User Interface contributes inspiring and efficient workflow.
SONAR Artist ($99), adds to the sophisticated core feature set with 19 bundled effects and 11 virtual instruments that focus on music creation and songwriting.
SONAR Professional ($199) folds in the analog-style, expandable ProChannel console strip that allows creating/customizing virtual console architectures, as well as Melodyne Essential pitch correction with ARA integration, and Addictive Drums 2 Solo Edition 00 50 effects and 18 virtual instruments in total, including the vintage sound of Blue Tubes effects, convolution reverb, and the surgical precision of linear phase EQ and dynamics.
SONAR Platinum ($499) provides a comprehensive array of tools, plug-in effects, and instruments to offer exceptional flexibility to those who need to handle any kind of recording or mixing production. It is outfitted with advanced tools like console and tape emulation, VocalSync for tightening vocals or matching dialog to picture, 21 virtual instruments, 57 effects for mixing and mastering (from vintage to cutting-edge), convolution reverb, step sequencer, and improved audio quantization/stretching.
All three SONAR versions run on Windows 7/8, and will be available globally in late January 2015 through music and sound retailers as well as the Cakewalk Store (here).
Each SONAR version can be purchased up front or with a monthly payment option. Registered Cakewalk customers can download their SONAR upgrades directly from the Cakewalk Store or select music retailers. Go to www.cakewalk.com for complete version details and localized pricing/availability options from distribution partners.
