Is anyone having any luck downloading and operating Cakewalk Sonar Platinum by BandLab in Windows 10? I was under the assumption I could download a workable program, but so far I've only been able to reach a point where I'm asked to upload my song, but still no working program.
Yep, I passed that part. I downloaded the exe file, but once I click on it and try to install it, it fails. I was hoping to get an answer as to whether or not anyone actually has the program installed and working. Do you have it installed and working?
There have been other posts on this. Yes many people have it successfully working. First you need to install the BandLab Download tool and install it. Then you run the download tool it goes off and downloads then installs Cakewalk by BandLab. If you have Sonar already just let it install and all will be fine. If you have setup Sonar to put files in different locations you might have to go into preferences and reset them.
I had no issues.
After re reading your post you are trying to go into BandLab project area don’t
Info on the bandlab site: Why is Windows blocking Cakewalk by BandLab? As a user of Windows 8 or 10, you’ll notice that Microsoft has included a number of built-in security features to help protect you against malicious apps. While generally this is quite helpful, Windows SmartScreen also prevents any unrecognized or newer applications from starting until you tell it otherwise. This is the case for Cakewalk by BandLab, as it is a brand new application.
When you reach this dialog, you will notice only one button, “Don’t Run”. Rather than ending here, choose “More info” directly below the message. This will reveal new information, including the app name and publisher. Since you’ll recognize our app name, as well as seeing our name as the publisher, you can now choose “Run anyway” to allow Windows to run Cakewalk by BandLab.
This message directly correlates to Cakewalk by BandLab being a brand new release. Over time as more users install, this message will disappear. If you do see it, don’t worry! As long as you’re installing Cakewalk by BandLab via the BandLab Assistant, you know you’re getting your new program from a safe place.
Othwise, assuming that you have registered an account woth bandlab, when the assistant starts, there is a window with three options. Pick the Apps option and you get a choice of Bandlab or Cakewalk. Choose Cakewalk and it should download.
Hi Just a thought It will only install and run on a 64 bit pc. There is no 32 bit version. Just go to the link supplied in the post from Tony 2 above and follow the on screen instructions explicitly. Mike
Yep, I passed that part. I downloaded the exe file, but once I click on it and try to install it, it fails. I was hoping to get an answer as to whether or not anyone actually has the program installed and working. Do you have it installed and working? Jeaux
Got it. No...I don't use the BandLab version as I'm on X3 and stopped there (prior to Platinum) because I don't care for the subscription paradigm. I've been with Cakewalk since 1994 and don't need the BL version.
Note: I did have the old BL installer and just got a notice a couple days ago of a NEW BL installer in case that may be your issue?
Yes indeed there is a new version of the Band lab assistant. When I tried to run my original one it offer to update it . This I done then went on loaded it and clicked apps and it and updated cakewalk to version 20.18.07 build 10, Sweet as a nut. Mike
If my understanding is correct there is little reason not to be free or at least very cheap. The real money is in the add ons. You now have to purchase the extras that came with say Sonar Platinum Producer. If you purchased the extras to get CbB to the same it will cost a pretty penny. If however you had the adds already then they still work.
Having said that a lot of really good VSTs are available at reasonable prices. E.g. Waves have compressors at $29 at the moment. The Waves C6 Multiband @ $29 is a good buy. Tokyo Dawn Nova free is great value. I have found the Toneboosters EQ4 @ 29 euro is brilliant allowing better bass volume and still having a great mix.
My thoughts
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/05/1805:52 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Honestly, I've not been on a merry go round of failure as I have trying to install it. I get to the download window/(5) items takes forever to download. I click the 'install' button and it all just down loads again and no Cakewalk files are in my "download" folder. Yes...I'm on a 64 bit system and downloaded the current 'band-lab assistant' which didn't assist me at all.
I'm so confused with the band lab site and how to navigate it I've given up. I also tried the 'forgot password' option...you can forget that. It just takes you back to some bandlab home page.
I've had it...or, I'm just daft in my old age.
I am glad others have had good luck. I'll just stick with X3.
EDIT: just this moment after 3 unsuccessful attempts over 3 hours I got a looong delayed prompt to actually install. But, I see NO .exe files in my download folder that supposedly supposed to be there according to a YT install tutorial. (?) Will advise later...
The basic installation instructions seem simple: 1) use an e-mail address to create a BandLab account. 2) download and install the BandLab Assistant account manager. 3) Open the BandLab Assistant. 4) Click on "Apps". 5) Click on the Cakewalk by BandLab "Install" button. Now comes the fun part.
The Cakewalk By BandLab installation files load in the background. There is no progress bar to illustrate that anything is happening but files begin to download as soon as you click on the install button. There are a lot of files in the initial download so reported download times of 30 - 45 minutes are not uncommon. The lack of any visible indicator that files are downloading creates confusion but it is what it is. The program is modular. Subsequent downloads are very short because just updated files are downloaded and installed.
Once ALL the required installation files are downloaded a progress bar displays and tracks the program installation.
The BandLab app Cakewalk install button changes to "Open" once the program is installed. The app does not have to constantly run however you may want to open the app every now and then so the app can check and install updates. Minimum check-in time is six months otherwise the program will go into "demo" mode.
This is where the actual BandLab installer was downloaded to Users\current user\AppData\Roaming\bandlab-assistant\Downloads just copy it to somewhere else when done as it could delete it.
I can see this is going to be a journey. Just the ticket for tweaking those Band in a Box WAV renders. Often, I go onto those things only to find out later that PGM already had it covered, somewhere deep in the bowels. I proceeded in compliance with Defender and Brave. It seems to be all right with it. Actually, I bailed when I saw the warnings. Must have a forgiving nature, because, ten minutes later, the download started all by itself. My first known foray into the Clouds. So, I would ask, "What are you (all) using this program for?"
I’ve never had an issue downloading and updating Cakewalk by BandLab. I use the installer and let it do it’s thing. Unfortunately the installer is not at all verbose but just let it go until it no longer wants update.
I use CbB mainly for playing around with midi. I find the midi in Sonar (and its derivatives) easier than Reaper. I generate midi stuff in Sonar (CbB) then freeze to audio. Export the audio then combine it with the BIAB RealTracks in Reaper.
Just my way as I find midi editing in Sonar easier than Reaper and editing audio much easier in Reaper. I “master” in Reaper as the chain is already set to go. (Izotope Balance Control, Ozone, Tonal Balance Control then the Youlean LUFS Meter.)
All very simple IMHO.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
I use it as my go to Daw , but then I have always had Cakewalk since the days of 12 Tones , then the Sona years , before I even had BIAB. It works well with the BIAB plugin when inserted into an empty project as an instrument. And opens up a host of opportunities including some good FX like EQ and Tape simulators, Compressor etc. And of course as many extra Midi and Audio tracks that you could want. Have fun Mike
Oh... That's a lot of asterisks. I don't think I've ever seen so many on this forum.
He's a troll!
As far as the asterisks I think that I can beat him****************************************************************** ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* ********************************************************************* ********************************************************
Sorry, the devil made me to that
Last edited by MarioD; 02/08/2002:15 PM.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It's [** **] modern poetry. Kasimir Malevich’s Black Square, yet to be discovered.
...All new downloads / updates for Cakewalk are done through Bandlab assistant app and the Cakewalk is authorized through Bandlab assistant app. If you uninstall Bandlab assistant, Cakewalk will deactivate itself. Unless you have older legacy version(s)
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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!
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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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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