An outstanding choice in digital audio workstations.

Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 Producer gives you the software you need for recording, composing, editing, mixing, and mastering your digital audio. From exclusive features to ignite creativity and perfect your tracks, to groundbreaking technologies that always keep you in control—it's all backed by 64-bit audio quality.

SONAR 8.5 Producer delivers the go-to production tools you want with a great collection of virtual instruments, and mixing and mastering effects for your DAW.

With unlimited tracks, amazing creative tools, incredible virtual instruments, the freedom to work with any audio interface or control surface, and the a complete delivery capability for collaboration with users of other DAWS, SONAR Producer is an excellent choice for your main digital audio workstation.

Create and Record
•Start producing quickly with track templates that instantly load your favorite sounds
•Make beats and synth lines with a dedicated Step Sequencer •Get inspired with a suite of critically acclaimed virtual instruments, now easier to use with new Instrument Tracks
•Plug-in direct to access fresh and versatile tones using Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 LE and 41 other effects
•Build audio and MIDI tracks fast using Groove Clips and the redesigned Loop Explorer

Record
•Capture all of your ideas with unlimited tracks of audio and MIDI
•Record at virtually any bit depth/sample rate up to 24-bit/384kHz
•Record an entire performance at once with support for multichannel audio interfaces
•New responsive Transport for on-the-fly recording
•Experience high track counts with low latency performance
•Get more out of your PC with industry-pioneering multi-core/multi-processor support


Edit
•Perfect your vocal tracks with Roland V-Vocal VariPhrase processor
•Manipulate the timing and feel of audio, just like MIDI, with AudioSnap
•Assemble the perfect take from Track Layers using powerful comping and editing tools
•Quickly edit MIDI with state-of-the-art Smart MIDI Tools
•Streamline your workflow and project organization with Track Folders
•Edit multiple tracks at once with group editing
•Freeze audio and instrument tracks for optimal performance


Mix
•Retain every nuance of your mix with the 64-bit audio engine
•Get hands on control of your mix, instruments, and effects with Active Controller Technology
•Mix with a versatile Console view that looks and acts just like hardware
•Get sophisticated mixes with flexible routing options, unlimited submixes and sends, internal sidechaining, and over 30 surround configurations •Find and correct mix problems as they occur with Bus Waveform Preview
•Integrate DX & VST effects and external hardware with Automatic Delay Compensation


Mastering
•End-to-end 64-bit audio path: tracks, busses, effect inserts, file export provides pristine environment for mastering
•Put a professional sheen on your final mix with the LP-64 Linear Phase EQ
•Get dynamic mixes using the LP-64 Linear Phase Multiband Compressor
•Add maximum punch with the Boost 11 Peak Limiter
•Ensure superior quality when creating 16-bit audio for CD or MP3 from 24-bit master with POW-r Dithering


Collaborate & Deliver
•Collaborate with studios who use other DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Studio, and others

Save time with flexible export options and faster than realtime rendering
•Import/export AIF, Broadcast WAV, FLAC, SD2 (Sound Designer II), QuickTime, and many other audio & video file formats
•Upload music directly from SONAR to the web using Cakewalk Publisher to create online streaming flash players
•Rip & burn CDs right from within SONAR

New features, optimizations, and enhancements include: Loop Explorer 2.0 gives you a view that provides browse and preview of audio and MIDI groove clips and patterns; quickly drag-and-drop loops and patterns into the track view; and MIDI groove clips and patterns can be previewed with the virtual instrument of your choice.

Dedicated Instrument Track is a single track optimized for mono or stereo virtual synths which simplifies the process of working with virtual instruments. In the pursuit of offering you options of how you want to work, the multitrack method of using virtual instruments employed by previous versions of SONAR is still supported. In addition, you can split and combine instrument tracks to/from discrete audio/MIDI tracks.

SONAR performance optimizations focus on functionality, including improved performance at high track counts and low latencies, faster launch time, and the ability to change audio devices without restarting. Cakewalk has also streamlined communication with VST plug-ins and improved ASIO performance with output latency compensation.

User Interface optimizations include smoother display when resizing windows and panes, optimized metering, more responsive zoom and scroll.

Clip Selection Groups further SONAR Producer's multitrack recording and take management capability. Now SONAR automatically groups clips together across tracks after each recording pass. This is perfect for comping any multitrack ensemble performance, especially drum takes.

The Aim Assist Cursor gives you a visual guide to assist in lining up tracks for precision editing.

Split and Mute Tools can now edit multiple clips simultaneously.

The free Edit Tool lets you perform edits by clips or by time without the need of a modifier key.

Live Effects and Soft Synth Recording make it so you can play and record effect and soft synth output into audio tracks in realtime using SONAR's live bounce feature.

The Anytime Recording features means that while the SONAR transport is running or looping, you can now arm/unarm audio and MIDI tracks, punch in, punch out, and toggle between play and record.

Exclusive Solo Mode with Solo Override is a new solo mode that forces soloing to one track/bus at a time and prevents tracks and buses from being muted when other tracks/buses are soloed.

The Bus Inputs QuickGroup Command automatically groups all source tracks feeding a selected bus.

Mono hardware outputs makes it easy to assign tracks and buses to individual hardware outputs in addition to stereo pairs.

Transport Updates include True Rewind, Fast Forward and Pause buttons; Audition button; improved Jog/Shuttle Heuristics; and optimizations for control surfaces and scrub performance.

With the Control Surface Enhancements you can now Show/Hide Tracks, Surface can follow either the Track View or Console View, obey visible/hidden tracks, control surfaces MIDI port assignments retained/stored in SONAR, real-world VST parameter values are now displayed.

Track View and Console View Sync now automatically syncs visible/hidden tracks between the Track View and Console View channels.

Enhanced Sample Rate Conversion now employs the same fast convolution engine as the LP-64 series 64-bit mastering plug-ins.

SONAR 8.5 now includes Vista Audio/WASAPI support, which is compatible with any Vista audio device, including WaveRT PCI and motherboard audio, USB, and FireWire devices. It also has QuickTime 7 Import/Export support for the latest QuickTime 7 codecs, including H.264 and AAC audio.

The Insert Send Assistant provides a fast and easy way to create effect buses and insert sends to new or existing buses.

Updated ACT Presets now have mappings for popular plug-ins and controllers.

Over 400 new production-ready Track Templates and Project Templates.

Updated Drum Maps and Plug-in Presets enhancing the most popular SONAR plug-ins. New collection of drum pattern presets for the integrated Step Sequencer.

Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 Producer Features:

• SONAR 8 Producer Edition exclusives
• SONAR 8 Producer Edition includes over $1000 in additional tools, plug-ins, and FX:
• LP-64 EQ linear phase mastering
• LP-64 Multiband linear phase mastering compressor/limiter
• TS-64 Transient Shaper
• TL-64 Tube Leveler
• VC-64 Vintage Channel with sidechaining capabilities
• Roland V-Vocal 1.5 with Pitch to MIDI conversion
• Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 LE
• Perfect Space Convolution Reverb
• Lexicon Pantheon Reverb
• Sonitus Surround Compressor
• Dimension Pro 1.3 virtual synthesizer with Classic Keys Expansion Pack
• TruePianos Amber sound module
• Beatscape looping instrument
• Hollywood Edge Sound FX sample library
• Z3TA+ waveshaping synthesizer
• Surround mixing in over 30 formats
• SurroundBridge technology to use stereo FX in surround
• POW-r dithering
  
  Instruments:
• Beatscape 16 part loop performance instrument with unique remixing capabilities
• Dimension Pro combines real & synthesized sounds for endless sonic possibilities
• Rapture LE modern electronic sounds for today's music
• Z3TA+ 1.5, an award-winning Wavetable synthesizer with incredible sound shaping features
• TruePianos Amber Piano Module, which offers superb playability and acoustic-style responsiveness
• DropZone is an easy-to-use drag-n-drop sampler with REX support
• Roland GrooveSynth and TTS-1 with genuine Roland Sounds
• Session Drummer 2 for creating drum parts easily with a live feel and popular drum patterns to get started
• 14 total instruments included
  
  Effects:
• Sonitus:fx Suite which includes Reverb, EQ, Delay, Compressor, WahWah, and more
• TS-64 Transient Shaper can dramatically sculpt the impact of percussive sounds
• TL-64 Tube Leveler adds edge to your tracks through advanced analog vacuum-tube circuit modeling
• VC-64 Vintage Channel is a channel strip, dynamics processor, EQ, and De-Esser that works magic on virtually any track
• Channel Tools an essential stereo enhancement, utilizing sample delay, MS Decoding, and independent left/right panning
• LP-64 mastering plug-ins includes a linear phase EQ and Multiband Compressor
• 3 different Reverbs, all the spatial coloring you'll need from convolution-based live spaces to simulated legendary Lexicon hardware (full version)
• Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 LE which provides 3 amps and cabinets, as well as 11 effects for inspiring guitar tones
• 42 audio FX and 7 MIDI FX included
  
  Content
• Content is important and that is why we only include the best inside SONAR content you can use to get immediate results
• 4 GB of custom REX loops from Heatseekers and XMiX for use with Beatscape
• Over 7 GB of content for Dimension Pro including Strings, Bass, Brass, Ethnic Instruments, Evolving Ambient Textures, and more
• Garritan Pocket Orchestra for Dimension Pro provides a complete set of orchestral instrumentation
• Digital Sound Factory Classic Keys Expansion Pack for Dimension Pro about 1GB of classic electric piano sounds, created by the sound designer for the original E-Mu Proteus 2000 and Vintage Keys modules
• Over 300 convolution reverb impulse responses
• Preset patterns for the Step Sequencer offering useful beats to get your productions started
• New and updated ACT mappings for popular control surfaces and MIDI controllers
• Hollywood Edge Sound Effects sample library
• New Project and Track Templates to get you set-up instantly
• Thousands of inspiring presets for the included instruments and effects
• 14-day SurCode unlimited trial Dolby encoders for Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II

Unlimited tracks, amazing creative tools, and incredible virtual instruments make SONAR 8 an excellent choice for a DAW. Order now.

Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 Producer Specifications:

• System Requirements
• Minimum
• Operating system: Windows XP/Vista (32-bit) (SONAR does not officially support Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP x64)
• Processor Speed: Intel Pentium 4 1.3GHz, AMD Athlon XP 1500+ or higher
• RAM: 512MB
• Graphics: 1024 x 768, 16-bit color
• Hard disk space: 200MB for core program
• Hard disc type: Any
• MIDI interface: Windows-compatible (Required to connect external MIDI devices)
• Audio interface: Windows-compatible (for audio playback)
• Media drive: DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD +/- RW drive (for installation because SONAR is presented on DVD media, so DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD+/- RW)
• Webserver access: None
  
  Recommended
• Operating system: Windows XP/Vista (32 bit)/ Mac OS X with Boot Camp (SONAR does not officially support Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP x64)
• Processor Speed: Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz, AMD Athlon XP 2800+ or higher
• RAM: 1GB or higher
• Graphics: 1280 x 960, 24-bit color or higher
• Hard disk space: 30GB for program and content
• Hard disc type: EIDE / Ultra DMA (7200 RPM) or SATA
• MIDI interface: Windows-compatible (Required to connect external MIDI devices)
• Audio interface: Windows-compatible (for audio playback)
• Media drive: DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD +/- RW drive (for installation because SONAR is presented on DVD media, so DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD+/- RW)
• Webserver access: Available web server space with FTP access privileges (Cakewalk Publisher requires you to have available web server space with FTP access privileges. An internet connection is required for music uploading. A broadband connection is recommended.)
  
  Note:
• Registration is required for continued use of product, and may be done by Internet or telephone. Instructions and Cakewalk's privacy policy will be detailed to you during launch of the product.

Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 Producer

Write A Review

Average of 8 User Ratings

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Customer Reviews

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Sonar 8 = Professional Clear Sound! Professional!

Posted by joshmusician300 from san luis az on Oct 20, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: pop rock

Sonar 8 has all the features you need to create and record your magical ideas into a song! I have had no problems whatsoever using this software, it's an awesome experience, you'll get lost in your own world with sonar! I trust this product, it gets the job done 100%!

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

A Lot of Extras Included

Posted by Alex2112 from NY on Aug 4, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Alternative & Classic Rock

I Have been using Sonar since version 3 and after trying Cubase and Ableton, I still went back to Sonar. It is fairly easy to set up and get going. I Like the fact it is bundled with a good amount of plug-ins (effects and soft synths)and the editing tools are fairly straight forward. Any time I've dealt with customer support, they have been very helpful.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

What a Joke

Posted by Not a Happy Camper from Las Vegas, Nv on Jul 31, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: all styles

If you are new to home recording, avoid this product like the plague. The manual is useless because it's from previous versions. Customer support only exsists if you feel like spending an hour on the phone with long distance charges for each question. The so-called extras like Dimension Pro, Rapture, Cyclone, etc... Show as empty, (no presets) when the software has been loaded. None of these so-called extras are even mentioned in the literature. So if you don't have a crystal ball handy, or a cakewalk engineer as a neighbor, you'll just be wasting memory on your computer.

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

DOES MORE THAN A CONSOLE!

Posted by KalierMC from Chicago, IL on Jun 4, 2009

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Drummer

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Metal

This software made my drum kit sound like a pro! I had been using Cubase 4 and I ended up buying 4 extra mics trying to see if it was my drums that were bad, comes to find out the software wasn't giving the mics their full potential. This software gave all my mics an incredible impulse! Plus it comes with Reverb plug ins to make your kit or any instrument sound any way you want it!

Overall

Quality

Features

Value

Best period...

Posted by Cameron from Fort Collins, CO on May 26, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Seasoned drummer/guitarist, Recording engineer

Reviewer's Play Style: lots and lots of METAL

Sonar is an excellent professional quality program. The audio engine is unmatched for clarity and depth of recording, not to mention full 64-bit compatibility. There are a few improvements over Sonar 7 (like finally deciding to put all the transport controls in the panel, not just play, stop, and rewind.) Forget Pro Tools, Sonar is more flexible, cheaper, and sounds better. Dedicated mix cards are a thing of the past. A Core i7 processor and DSP based SSL duende channels would blow away any pro tools setup!

View more product reviews »

If you would like to write a review, please see our product review guidelines.

Cakewalk SONAR 8.5 Producer

Read 8 Reviews