Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
I started a new thread so everyone can see it.

https://cakewalk.bandlab.com/

Bob


Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Well, very good! Thanks Bob.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,837
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,837
Glad that Cakewalk will be given a new lease on life; however, it is still very uncertain what that means for existing Gibson Cakewalk customers. It appears they did not buy the "business" (which to me means the customer base), just the intellectual property (with which they can now do as they please). So don't know what that means going forward. There's a lot of speculation on the discussion boards, but it's just that...speculation.

We'll see. I've moved on, but still have Sonar on my computers.


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)
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,837
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,837
And now Meng from BandLab has introduced himself on the Cakewalk forum and weighed in on what some of their plans are. This looks to be good news for Cakewalk users.


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)
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
This bit, contained within the post which jford linked, looks reassuring:

“I quickly wanted to address a key concern I saw in and amongst the threads so far and immediately reassure everyone that even though the suite of Cakewalk & SONAR products is now within a new company, our steadfast goal is that former SONAR owners (of all versions) will not need to spend any money to cross-over/cross-grade to the future flagship product.”

FYI,

Richard


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,512
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,512
I wonder how many Sonar users have already crossed over to another DAW and if they will return.


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
I think almost all of us have evaluated alternatives and many (including myself) made purchases.

I just hope the new company keeps the servers running, and this isn’t a convenience that lets Gibson pull the plug, literally. Once we can’t authorize licenses, we’re in trouble.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,794
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,794
Wait!!! You're telling me I might have been right when I said not to panic, that Cake might not be dead, just give it time?

Well lawdy lawdy.....lookie there.

Still a ways from knowing if this is a good thing but hey.... could be the best thing that ever happens to Cakewalk software..... bought by a company trying to connect musicians worldwide.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
... could be the best thing that ever happens to Cakewalk software.....
Herb, I like the way you think!


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
I have to ask again, though I am sure I will get an earful. Why do you all hate Pro Tools so much? Only because it costs 600 bucks, or something functionally? I mean, geeze, how much money to you get to keep when you die? I have never seen a funeral procession yet with a U-Haul hitched to the hearse. It may be my unique perspective, but I plan to die with 20 bucks in my pocket. I am far from wealthy, but I am going to have every toy I want, the latest being the RV I have yet to use. I am not leaving anything to anybody in my will. A dog shelter gets whatever comes from my estate sale, but there won't be much estate when my house is gone.

Pro Tools is beautiful. I understand that there are cheaper options that you think do "the same thing". Well, by that logic, Real Band does "the same thing". Kinda sorta. There are also fake diamonds that are cheap but look almost real. Try slipping one of those onto your wife's finger when you ask her to marry you!! (It doesn't work. Don't ask how I know.) I don't always use Pro Tools, but I have it when I want to. The MIDI implementation is great. The subgroup busing is simple, graphic and painless.

I know people hate me when and because I ask these kinds of questions, but man, if you want to golf, shoot, do woodworking ... whatever your hobby is, why not buy the best equipment instead of the cheapest? It's so often the same people who buy $50 DAWs that brag about their $10000 1957 Les Paul. Nobody here is a pauper, are they? I know a drummer who spent $4000 for a snare drum yet can't keep his old car running.

It just gets old seeing "because it's what I always used." Include a picture of your horse and buggy and your ice box with your reply....

Obviously we live in free America and do what you want, but I just don't get this product loyalty that the possibility that Cakewalk was going to disappear should cause this kind of angst. It's just middle tier software, easily replaced.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Bandlab: online DAW, collaboration & mastering; iOS (and Apple Watch) and Android recording apps; virtual instruments; Microsoft partner.

I'm listening.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Eddie, how did Pro Tools possibly become relevant here? Wait - No, don't answer that; it would just hijack this thread.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Eddie, how did Pro Tools possibly become relevant here?


Or "anything else but Cakewalk". You guys all acted like your life would end if Cakewalk went away. Its just a computer program.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Eddie, how did Pro Tools possibly become relevant here? Wait - No, don't answer that; it would just hijack this thread.
grin grin grin


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.
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,157
Veteran
Online Happy
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,157
This is good news to hear, as I have Sonar Home studio.

First impression I really like this DAW, so I can understand all the frustrations from the loyal users when the bad news came out.

But at least a corner has been turned now, and even though I have only the basic version I am happy to hear this.

There was a thread on here a few weeks ago on off topic I believe where someone posted (was It Larry, I can't remember correctly) where Home Studio is still available without cost, so as a beginner user to Sonar, I think non Sonar users could do a lot worse than grab that offer if it is still available.

Last edited by musiclover; 02/23/18 02:09 PM.

Musiclover

My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall

Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use smile
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,512
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,512
Originally Posted By: Guitarhacker
Wait!!! You're telling me I might have been right when I said not to panic, that Cake might not be dead, just give it time?

Well lawdy lawdy.....lookie there.

Still a ways from knowing if this is a good thing but hey.... could be the best thing that ever happens to Cakewalk software..... bought by a company trying to connect musicians worldwide.


But Herb isn't that what we said when Cakewalk was sold to Roland? Or when it was sold to Gibson?

I do hope it is the best thing to happen to Cakewalk. I would like to see them succeed.

IF they make Sonar as easy to use as Studio One Pro then I might consider going back. But IF Studio One Pro improves the MIDI portion of its DAW then I will stay with them. I know a lot of ifs! YMMV


The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Music lover, you’re right about SONAR Home Studio. But now I have no clue what’s what.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
This just in from Sound On Sound. May be new information, maybe not:

https://www.soundonsound.com/news/cakewalk-sonar-lives


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Originally Posted By: MarioD
But Herb isn't that what we said when Cakewalk was sold to Roland? Or when it was sold to Gibson?


I’ll have to admit that I was very optimistic when Roland bought Cakewalk and especially when they started rolling out things like the control surface. I wasn’t optimistic at all when Gibson Brands snapped up Cakewalk and TASCAM. I can recall commenting that Gibson Brands has historically been where good companies go to die.


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
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Originally Posted By: eddie1261
I know people hate me when and because I ask these kinds of questions


I doubt people get the least bit upset over your questions. It’s probably the snarky commentary that you add to them.


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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,035
Posts799,157
Members40,014
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Simon1, beedo, Brian Watts, 973Cig, TimTom420
40,013 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 143
rsdean 104
DC Ron 99
DrDan 75
Today's Birthdays
lboots
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5