A lot of people use Cakewalk because, it's pretty good and it's free.
Well, the winds of change are blowing through the hallways of bandlab.
If you haven't already gotten cakewalk, don't put it off because it looks like the free DAW might be going away in favor of a paid version. They haven't released the details yet. Just know that things are changing shortly.
I knew things were going to go south once vulture capital got involved, I just didn't expect them to start screwing things up so quickly.
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
"[I switched to Studio One after it became clear Cakewalk was going to be killed off, and before BandLab picked it up.]"
I also switched to Studio One before BandLab picked it up. As things have turned out, I am glad I did. Studio One is a better product than Sonar.
I liked Sonar and would most likely still be using it if they were still in business.
Now you tell me that BandLab is going to charge for what they have been giving away for free? What comes next, subscription only?
This is just another sales and marketing method to try to generate profits.
If you were not a long-time user of Cakewalk and had spent money for years on their product, none of this would likely bother you.
BandLab? No thanks.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
I don't mind to have a paid, non-subscription version. I have been a long time user/supporter and had paid "0" for past several years. see attached image of the question I asked...
To my understanding, base version will still be free.
Another update. Noel Borthwick answered my question about subscription(which is definitely not my thing)
"there are models that allow you to purchase an annual (non-expiring) license. This is what we did in the SONAR days. An annual license is no different from buying the software outright."
So there we have it I am very sure it would be priced fairly.
" Me: "Annual" means no expiry / no deactivation after one year, just no further free updates after the year, right?"
Noel: Exactly. We were one of the few companies offering this model even in the SONAR days. How it works is you either pay for 12 consecutive monthly subs OR you purchase a one year subscription upfront. In both scenarios the last months version is permanently unlocked for you and you own it. Many people who dislike subscription are unaware that we always did this. Also, an advantage of our monthly subscription is that once you cross the 12 month boundary you can continue consecutive monthly subs for however long as you want and you would always own the last version you paid for.
All subs are not bad and are actually better for some people who prefer paying in smaller increments. So definitely read the fine print." -----------------------
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
I am struggling with that right now on Studio one. I bought Versions 2, 4, and 5. Then I subscribed to version 6 thru sphere. I decided I didn't want to pay the monthly after a year. Presonus has no record of my version 5 purchase, and I can't even get into my account now the password does not work. SO, I can't use it on either my Mac or my Windows lappy. They don't recognize the year i paid. So no either re up the sub or go back to version 4. Sucky deal.
So the dilemma is what to do. Cakewalk is a choice on the laptop, but not Mac. I can't use Logic anymore since my OS is too old. RB is win only. Hhhhmmm what does that leave me with? Reaper? never really been a fan. I was always confused by the send/receive crap. Also, not a fan of the GUI. I find the mixer view kind of crazy.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 06/06/2311:34 AM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Cakewalk had a long history and a lot of happy users. There was a great forum. Some third-party software programs in Sonar did not carry over to BandLab. I don't think many of us were happy to leave at the time, but your only going to get one chance to screw me up. Sonar was more than just the software. There was a community that went along with it.
I have Reaper, which I sometimes use because I have a friend I collaborate with who uses Reaper. Reaper is a good DAW, just not my favorite.
Ableton Live came with my new interface. I looked at it and did not see any reason to switch.
I even have the original Sonar on a backup drive which still works. Steinberg Cubase is one of the mainstream DAWs I have not looked at.
If money is an issue, BandLab looks like a good deal. If you like BandLab, there is no reason not to use it. It is a pretty solid DAW. Reaper is probably a better DAW, and for $60, it is almost free.
I am still running Studio One 5 Pro. I have had to redownload it several times due to computer issues. I never had any problems with the downloads. I have not yet found a compelling reason to upgrade to 6.
If I had to change from Studio One, I would most likely buy Pro Tools. I don't like many things about Pro Tools, but it is the de facto industry standard DAW. As such, it will most likely not go away in my lifetime and continue to be improved. It is not and never has been a very popular DAW with home studio folks.
As long as Studio One Pro continues to do the job, that is what I will continue to use. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. I looked at PreSonus Sphere Membership and decided it was not for me at this time.
Both Studio One 6 Professional and Artist editions are also available as standalone purchases or as an upgrade from a previous version.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
Will Cakewalk by BandLab be discontinued? Yes, eventually. We will continue providing community support and maintenance for Cakewalk by BandLab until Cakewalk Sonar becomes publicly available. At some point after the release of Sonar, Cakewalk by BandLab will no longer be supported. Note that existing Cakewalk by BandLab users will be able to continue using the software after the release of Cakewalk Sonar. In the meantime, Cakewalk by BandLab continues to be available here.
I am struggling with that right now on Studio one. I bought Versions 2, 4, and 5. Then I subscribed to version 6 thru sphere. I decided I didn't want to pay the monthly after a year. Presonus has no record of my version 5 purchase, and I can't even get into my account now the password does not work. SO, I can't use it on either my Mac or my Windows lappy. They don't recognize the year i paid. So no either re up the sub or go back to version 4. Sucky deal.
So the dilemma is what to do. Cakewalk is a choice on the laptop, but not Mac. I can't use Logic anymore since my OS is too old. RB is win only. Hhhhmmm what does that leave me with? Reaper? never really been a fan. I was always confused by the send/receive crap. Also, not a fan of the GUI. I find the mixer view kind of crazy.
Hey Rob, I can access every Studio One versions from 2 to 6 in my products page. If you go to Presonus main page and try to login there it does not recognize my password there. What I have to do to login is goto Your account login . Try that and see if that will give you access to your account.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 7 Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
I was very sad when Gibson destroyed Cakewalk and the Sonar product. Then happy when Bandlab brought it back to life. I was a Sonar Platinum full everything user, then went into the subscription mode with them as well, which was no worse than upgrading annually cost wise. Then when Bandlab came along, all my platinum stuff still worked and they added improvements with very regular updates. Now that they have raised money in a stock offering, they have to start making money. I get it. It will be interesting to see what they come up with.
I also have Cubase which I went to when Gibson killed Sonar. So I am not hurting for DAWs!!
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
I do notice that sometimes activation has to be refreshed, so just wondering if this will still happen to the free version and it will work ok.
According to BandLab, after the final update/bug fix for CakeWalk by BandLab, the every 6 month deactivation feature will go away, and the old program will remain permanently activated. The only difference you will notice is no more updates, and no more support.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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!
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)
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.
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 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)!
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.
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.
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I am very sure it would be priced fairly.
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