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If I read all this correctly, my subscription date runs from when I subscribe, so my 12 months starts when I want it to start. This is good, because I would like to wait this time to see what the actual new product looks like. I think that is worth foregoing the discount for subscribing early, as I might decide not to jump on the subscription train at all.
At least there is no dongle, iLock etc.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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At least there is no dongle, iLock etc. The above is exactly why I remained with Cakewalk for over 20 years. (I don't even know if the PACE virus is still implemented with any contemporary programs :)) As far as the 'subscription' thing....I'd guess it will be appropriate for some users and don't see it as some ugly paradigm change. But, I have been wrong in the past.  As I stated earlier I don't need to upgrade but I'd still prefer to pay up front and get it done with. Carry on....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 01/14/15 08:25 AM.
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I read ALL the FAQ about membership subscriptions
I get a really bad feeling (Obi): I think the new version will require periodic if not constant web reach back to mother ship. (read the FAQ "If I choose Monthly Membership payments, can I cancel before 12 Months?")
Yes, I can see CW's point: someone buys the monthly plan, they get the program, they install it, then they try to weasel out of finishing to pay - CW needs way to make program inop or recoup money. The say program will revert to Demo mode if not "paid up," but the implication is they will have frequent if not constant (or at least once every time you turn it on) web monitoring of the application by CW - That sent chills down my spine.
Notice their partners (XLN) ALREADY have a very similar mind set and set-up - updates and and installs require active web access but at least that's all (right now).
Even how the program can be rolled back implied need for web access to do that and then roll forward again
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Larry, if I read correctly, you are 'paid up' after 12 months. If you stop paying monthly after that, your program will keep working. The math seems to me to work out fairly similar to an outright purchase.
However - as the core program for all three levels (artist, pro, platinum) is the same, I think I will go for Artist for awhile. I don't need all the plugins and synths again. This plan should actually save me money, for a few years anyway.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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If I buy it - it will be out right (why pay 20% more for product? that's what two extra months costs)
But my point above was if you think about how CW handles those monthly folks who QUIT paying, read that one FAQ on same topic, CW "mothership" WILL revert the program to DEMO mode - how?. The clear implication is INTERNET connection every time monthly folks run the app (at least until "paid up").
But also if you want to roll back an update, read that FAQ about updates, it sure sounds like you need a connection WEB based to do that and then another one to roll it forward again . Like the updates sit on site but you don't really download it - THEY APPLY it.
Subtle difference for sure between you downloading it and then applying it (or re-apply, re-re-apply) and them doing it FOR you ()you never physically have the update) means a small ether-thread always back to CW may be needed for some users.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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But also if you want to roll back an update, read that FAQ about updates, it sure sounds like you need a connection WEB based to do that and then another one to roll it forward again . Like the updates sit on site but you don't really download it - THEY APPLY it.
Subtle difference for sure between you downloading it and then applying it (or re-apply, re-re-apply) and them doing it FOR you ()you never physically have the update) means a small ether-thread always back to CW may be needed for some users.
That occurred to me after I'd posted. Plus, what IF the Cake site has issues? Is one totally SOL to use the program....maybe I'm over thinking it but as I'd also commented if I wanted the program I'd pay all up front anyway. This new option would never be a choice for me. Back at it....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 01/14/15 03:17 PM.
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One thing that I noticed is that in order to carry over your Cakewalk store account to their new software management system, you have to create a NEW account being sure to use the email address that was used for your old Cakewalk Store account. If you do that, the system migrates all of your previous purchases to the new account. I was getting frustrated trying to sign in and found that my user name and password didn't work. Found the explanation in the FAQs.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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Larry, you may well be correct. I don't think the system they would use to, shall we say, 'unlock' the program after 12 months would have to be Internet-based after that one time. In other words, there could be something they write to your disk drive that the program refers to after that time. Who really knows?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Matt
Yep they have many ways to skin that cat - TBD I guess what they do.
As an example, my copy of SPSS will go inop this year, had it for about 15 years but since I didn't buy any follow on maintenance plans after first few years, it goes "time out" in April '15. I have other stats packages I use more often now anyway. But SPSS (older versions) and BMDP (another long since defunct package, which I had as well) were the gold standards for accuracy in statistical analysis back "in the day."
Funny thing my SPSS doesn't even run in Win 7, I have to use my XP boot drive, VM, or laptop XP anyway so no great loss, but it is like my '68 ES-335 been everywhere with me and I know all it's in and outs.
KeithS
About 3 weeks ago I had to convert over to the new account - it was based on a really old email, got it going but lots of stuff was absent (really old stuff, but it is the principle of this thing). They finally got 95% up on the account now. I've been with them since DOS days so had a lot of SW to get up there.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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I purchased the full version of Sonar X3 Producer last Friday.
On Monday, they announced new products.
I wrote them asking about getting the new version.
They wrote back:
"The bad news is that we cannot offer you a better price due to your timing of your SONAR X3 Producer purchase you made recently... unfortunately timing is not part of our pricing structure."
They continued (verbatim):
"should you decide to upgrade. Your price would be $149/yr or $14.90/mo. "
This last statement indicates that the software is "leased". I never have and never intend to pay money to lease a software product. Period. Maybe I interpreted incorrectly, but they are the exact words I received.
Buyer beware (!)
Am I only a little bit annoyed? Why would you think that?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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That "leasing" part seems to be en vogue with software providers in the moment. On this train there are already Adobe and Microsoft and quite a few others. They offer the software in the cloud -- no more download.
(I don't know if one still is able to work offline.)
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Trevor, I was annoyed with Sonar a few years ago. That's why I work in Reaper these days I have to say that Reaper is amazing software! I'd never go back to Sonar. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Thanks Noel
Reaper was definitely on my list, it was a toss-up actually, and much cheaper. Damn!
Cakewalk could really do better. Not saying Sonar is no good, but the marketing strategy leaves a lot to be desired. They knew the launch date of the new product. They knew that purchases made on Friday would be obsolete on Monday. They really should have a better way of handling this. Very poor in my view. I'll remember this Cakewalk lesson for a good while, believe me.
Best
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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In Cakewalks defense they made one huge mistake in calling it a subscription. It is not a subscription is a payment plan much like a car loan, mortgage or a charge card. After your 12 months you have your DAW then if you decide you want the newer options you buy again on time, much like buying a new car every year. If you default on your payments Sonar will not work. Again much like any payment plan in that if you default on it your house, car etc. will get repossessed.
Or you can play up front and get the same benefits for a year. Then the following year decide of you want the new options.
At least that is how I see it.
BTW I am on the fence about upgrading.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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In Cakewalks defense they made one huge mistake in calling it a subscription. It is not a subscription is a payment plan much like a car loan, mortgage or a charge card. After your 12 months you have your DAW then if you decide you want the newer options you buy again on time, much like buying a new car every year. If you default on your payments Sonar will not work. Again much like any payment plan in that if you default on it your house, car etc. will get repossessed.
Or you can play up front and get the same benefits for a year. Then the following year decide of you want the new options.
At least that is how I see it.
BTW I am on the fence about upgrading.
Just so I'm clear on this - I pay a subscription fee, and every time I fire up Sonar the program checks my payment status? Again I would ask - are these people NUTS?  Calewalk/Gibson is acting like this is 1999. There is a wide selection of DAWs now, some of which are FREE. Dis be some bad marketing mojo. 
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I don't think that the new Sonar is going online and checking your payment status each time you start the program. It reads to me that if you go on the 12 month payment plan that the program has built into it to revert to demo mode. It only has to check into the command center once per month to have its revert date pushed forward after confirmation of your monthly payment.
Quote from Cakewalk: SONAR will automatically activate each month using the new Cakewalk Command Center as scheduled payments are made. After 12 consecutive monthly payments, SONAR will be permanently activated and you’re under no obligation to continue being a member.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
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... then it is just as if you hire-purchase any other product. It is more expensive than paying all at once, but probably more affordable if you're on a tight budget.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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From SONAR X3 Producer, I will go with the Artist version (the lowest) because the core program is the same as Pro or Platinum. At this point, I have all the add-ons I need from past versions, and they will continue to work in the new SONAR. I have no interest in vocal synths or surround sound, so Artist should give me what I need. At some future point, when there are enough new add-ons, I will consider moving up to Pro or Platinum.
I will also just pay up front, which is still an option, instead of the new installment payment system.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Hi, Matt -
Let me know how you like it and if there are any major enhancements that make it worthwhile to upgrade. X3 does an awful lot, so this would seem to me to be more incremental, rather than major new features.
But inquiring minds want to know.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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John, I didn't buy yet. It's only available to a few early adopters, until next week anyway. But from what I've read, there aren't any major new features at this time except some sort of control center, and the vocal synth that requires the platinum edition.
From the screenshots, a user of SONAR X3 would have a hard time seeing a difference. I think all this is more about setting the groundwork for future enhancements.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
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Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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