I'm going to be completely honest... I'm a thief :(

[Steve Henningsgard]

But I desperately want to change!!! Basically, back in high-school, I used to pirate just about everything: windows, photoshop, movies, music, etc. Since then, I've purchased a legit version of XP, purchased all of the DVD's of movies I had downloaded (or deleted the ones I didn't want to watch), and purchased as many CD's of non-RIAA artists as I could.

The biggest last piece of software I need to and want to replace is Sonar 4 Producer. I want to, and need to, use a legit piece of software from now on, and I need some advice. I originally started using Sonar 4 Pro because I wasn't sure if I wanted to get into audio, but I didn't want a crappy, buggy, gimped, free piece of software turning me off to the possibilities of audio recording.

Since then, I've learned a hell of a lot, and I've come to the conclusion that it's time to bite the bullet, listen to my conscience, and save up for a legit piece of software. Which brings me to my question: what are the main feature differences between the different versions of Sonar and/or what would I miss going to something much less inexpensive, such as Reaper?

 

[FKA1]

what are the main feature differences between the different versions of Sonar and/or what would I miss going to something much less inexpensive, such as Reaper?

It's mainly the addons, like Lexicon Pantheon reverb,
Roland V-vocal, audiosnap...

Here's a review by Craig Anderton, author of "Sonar Power".
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1438357

It's good to go legit w/ Cakewalk,
they're famous for releasing buggy software initially,
providing an upgrade a few months later.

Kirk
(Cakewalk user since PA5)

 

[Steve Henningsgard]

Looking over all of the available options, it looks like saving up ~$450-500 for Sonar 6 Pro is the best way to go! I'll have to look around the studio to find something to sell now... :/ it'll be worth it though!

 

[jdier]

But I desperately want to change!!! Basically, back in high-school, I used to pirate just about everything: windows, photoshop, movies, music, etc. Since then, I've purchased a legit version of XP, purchased all of the DVD's of movies I had downloaded (or deleted the ones I didn't want to watch), and purchased as many CD's of non-RIAA artists as I could.

The biggest last piece of software I need to and want to replace is Sonar 4 Producer. I want to, and need to, use a legit piece of software from now on, and I need some advice. I originally started using Sonar 4 Pro because I wasn't sure if I wanted to get into audio, but I didn't want a crappy, buggy, gimped, free piece of software turning me off to the possibilities of audio recording.

Since then, I've learned a hell of a lot, and I've come to the conclusion that it's time to bite the bullet, listen to my conscience, and save up for a legit piece of software. Which brings me to my question: what are the main feature differences between the different versions of Sonar and/or what would I miss going to something much less inexpensive, such as Reaper?

No one, I mean NO ONE, can answer that for you. However, you can easily answer it for yourself by downloading Reaper. It is completely legal to download and run for free for non commercial use. Go get it. I have been very pleased. It is different from Sonar, but not worst (and arguably not better... I say this because everyone has different things that are important to them.)

I have not made the call yet about Sonar (I have a fully legal version of 2.2XL which is what I run), but I have purchased Reaper after 2 weeks of running the free version.

For $40 you cannot go wrong, and quite frankly you will know if it works before plopping down the $40 because it is free to try.

Good luck.

Use the Reaper forums for support. The guys and gals there are pretty quick and really helpful. Also check the free plug in listings there.