Sonar 3 / PA9 Compatibility

  • Thread starter Thread starter scareddude
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scareddude

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Hi folks, I'm hoping some of you can help me out.

My bandmate and I have been using PA9 in his home studio for awhile with no major problems. His machine is running 98 with an Echo Layla. I have recently started building my own home setup around a new Dell Laptop (Windows XP) and RME Multiface Cardbus. PA9 is not working properly on my new machine, presumably due to MME/WMD issues. Forgive my ignorance in this area. I would like to upgrade/update to Sonar 3.

What I need to be able to do is work on tunes at both places and be able to bring tracks back and forth.

So I'm wondering if these files will be compatible or if there will be any issues with bringing songs/tracks/buns back and worth between PA9 and Sonar 3.

Is this as simple as exporting to .wavs or buns or is there a better way to do this?

Also, since eventually we would like to upgrade his machine to Sonar as well, are there any licensing issues as far as me installing my software on more than one of my(sort of) machines? Thanks in advance.
 
Of course the simplest method would be to use .bun files, but unfortunately PA9 can not open files that have been saved in Sonar 3 (although Sonar 3 can open .bun's from PA9).

It seems to me the only approach you have available is to export wave files. If you want access to the individual tracks, each track will have to be exported as it's own wave file. If you don't need access to the individual tracks - for example if you just want to add additional instruments to the already existing project - you can export the entire project as a single, stereo wave file.

The way I would do this would be to have one person hold the "master" copy of the project. Probably the person with Sonar. Then send wave files of the entire project to the PA9 person, have him record the new track(s), and export each new track to an individual wave file. Import these wave files back as new tracks in the master Sonar project.

You should be OK as long as you don't do any trimming of the files. However, I find it helpful to include a 4 beat click intro on each track to insure you can align them properly just in case.
 
Thanks dachay2tnr. That makes sense, that's usually how it goes with software.

Well that should work because we're really only talking about some vocals and guitar tracks that I'd be doing.

There wouldn't be any degradation of the track right as long as the bitrate/sample rate is the same? In case I stated that wrong, I mean keeping the track at 24/96 through export and then re-importing.

Other than that, I just haven't decided on whether to go with the Producer or Studio version. Any opinion either way? Thanks again.
 
SONAR comes in Producer and Studio editions? What's the diff in features and price?
 
EddieRay said:
SONAR comes in Producer and Studio editions? What's the diff in features and price?
Click to expand...

Did you even bother going to the Cakewalk website before posting?
 
brzilian said:
Did you even bother going to the Cakewalk website before posting?
Click to expand...

LOL..... :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/studio.asp

Feature
Producer Edition
Studio Edition

Redesigned user interface
Yes
Yes

Cutting edge mixing environment
Yes
Yes

Dynamic Console view
Yes
Yes

Universal Bus Architecture
Yes
Yes

Support for VST effects & instruments through included Cakewalk VST Adapter
Yes
Yes

Advanced MIDI routing & synth layering
Yes
Yes

Confidence recording of audio, MIDI, and automation
Yes
Yes

Track Inspector — optional vertical patch point and meter in Track view
Yes
Yes

Patch effects, trim audio, and roll out loops without disrupting the audio stream
Yes
Yes

MIDI Groove Clips
Yes
Yes

Multi-port MTC and MIDI sync transmission
Yes
Yes

Full control over color schemes with multiple presets
Yes
Yes

Enhanced mixing console (per-channel EQ, assignable FX controls)
Yes
No

VSampler 3.0 DXi
Yes
No

Sonitus fx Suite
Yes
No

Professional Sample Library
Yes
No

Lexicon® Pantheon™ Reverb
Yes
Lexicon® LE
 
scareddude said:
.... His machine is running 98 with an Echo Layla.......
Click to expand...

Why don't you put XP and Sonar 3 on his computer??????

That will enable the both of you to transfer files with any problems/hitches. :eek:
 
Yeah that's ultimately the plan. But for now I'm just going to do it on my machine so we won't disrupt the current project, you know just in case there's one of those *rare* computer issues arises.

I've read a few of the postings folks comments on the Producer and Studio editions and still can't decide if the features are worth it. Either way I'll be in good shape though. Thanks for all of your input guys.
 
brzilian said:
Did you even bother going to the Cakewalk website before posting?
Click to expand...

I'm afraid I did not. I visited their site AFTER I posted. I am THAT evil.

Does anyone consider the Producer version worth the money? The Sonitus FX Suite looks pretty good.
 
--Of course the simplest method would be to use .bun files, but unfortunately PA9 can not open files that have been saved in Sonar 3 (although Sonar 3 can open .bun's from PA9).--

I figured this to be true...thanks for mentioning it tho. I am getting Sonar V2.2 and I have some old PA9 .bun files that I want to keep.


WINSTON
 
SPINSTERWUN said:
Save up a little more money, then get Sonar 3. ;)
Click to expand...

No kidding!

Or you could just buy HS2004 which is essentially Sonar 2.2
 
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