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.

Jeaux

Hmmmm.....unless I'm missing something....did you get this far:

https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk

Good hunting....

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

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

Go to

https://www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk

Tony

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

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?

Sorry I was no help.....back to it.

Hi

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

I am a Sonar fan and downloaded and installed it, and I have to say it is pretty wicked awesome.

Now let's see if it stays free.

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

Well....

I thought I;d try out Sonar Platinum.

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...

EDIT 2: well....it's all installed and seems to be working as expected.
I've only imported a view audio files for testing but seems to be fine.
Will leisurely check out the interface further and see more of what's under the hood.
I prefer the Mercury over the Tungsten theme.
If anyone is interested in other themes....click on "Sonar Platinum Themes" on this post:
http://forum.cakewalk.com/SONAR-Cakewalk-by-BandLab-CbB-Resources-and-Utilities-m3392713.aspx#3495949
and here: https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/forum/31-ui-themes/

Carry on....

I have Cakewalk by BandLab installed.

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.

PM or e-mail me if you have any questions.

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

Hi Ed

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******************************************************************
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Sorry, the devil made me to that

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)

Asterisk boy has gone now. Thankfully

Asterisk boy has gone now. Thankfully

Yes, I sure did. I downloaded BandLab Assistant and it works fine, but when I click on the 'Apps' and try downloading Cakewalk it just churns and never downloads even after letting it run for 24 hours. My previous computer had a copy of Calkwalk ver. 7.2, but the hard drive stylus ate up the disk and turned all my data into dust in the filter. LOL .. I suspect the reason it won't load is because I don't have a copy of Cakewalk installed on my new computer accept for Sonar 6 Producer edition (x64) which no longer works on my new computer.

Not having a copy of Sonar should not stop the Cakewalk by BandLab download and installation. Ensure you have the latest BandLab Assistant then login and go to Apps at that point you should see the Cakewalk option. Click to download.

Make sure your virus detector is not stopping the install, that was an issue at one stage but I’m sure that’s sorted now. As I understand it the initial install is fairly large but a lot of it happens in the background. I already had Platinum so it did not take long (the addons were already loaded)

Get yourself a username/password to the Cakewalk by BandLab forums maybe there is more help there.

Tony