Sonar & MP3 encoding

[heinz]

Having upgraded my system a few times since the release of Sonar, I never actually got to the point where the 30-day "trial" mp3 encoder actually timed out.

Last night it did. Arg! Didn't CW give us a non-trial encoder with PA9? I seem to remember getting an unlocked version, does anyone remember different? I wonder why they changed this?

In my disgust at the thought of sending them another $29 after buying full Sonar (mp3 should be an included feature IMO for a full-blown audio recording app), I did some research and ran across LAME encoder. Very glad I did, it was free, has much more control over the encoding process with much better quality results. I'm glad I didn't fork over the cash to CW.

[dachay2tnr]

Yes, CW discontinued supplying a free .mp3 encoder with Sonar. However if you got the free one with CW PA9, you are still entitled and authorized to use it within Sonar.

My memory is a little vague, but get your Sonar disk out and there should be an option to install the .mp3 encoder. When you start the installation it will ask you if you own a previous version. Select yes, and it should ask to see your copy of CW PA9. After that you should be able to install the encoder without the 30 day trial limit.

If you have any problems, send an e-mail to Cakewalk. YOU ARE ENTITLED TO USE THIS, YOU BOUGHT IT WHEN YOU BOUGHT PRO AUDIO 9!!!

[heinz]

Right on thanks... I had forgotten about that. Since I took PA9 off my system way back I lost the ability to upgrade the old decoder. Makes sense. I hate it when companies remove features and start charging extra for them.