While the Matrix view was a major addition in 8.5, the updates in 8.5.2 make working with it much more fluid. But there are additional commands to simplify navigating around the Matrix, and some new cell shortcuts too. I'd also like the ability to delete multiple cells simultaneously, as it's tedious to do so one at a time.Īccessibility is improved, with a set of key commands for when the header has focus, the most important being 'trigger column'. However, neither of these buttons can receive MIDI commands, so you can't trigger solos or mutes with external controller buttons - a shortcoming that I hope will be addressed in a future update. I find that very handy, because I can bring in a loop a 16th‑note or so early to preface the downbeat (Novation's Launchpad works fabulously as a controller for this sort of thing). Clicking on mute and solo doesn't sync to the trigger resolution: they respond instantly. For my playing style, the most welcome addition is the ability to record solos and mutes along with track data when recording to the Track view. However, the Matrix view has undergone several improvements since I wrote last month's workshop on it. PX64 has some seriously useful applications for bass as well, whether electric, acoustic or synthesized. However, having everything ready to go in a single, optimised plug‑in is extremely convenient, and the effects have a few tricks up their sleeves - I particularly like transient shaping in PX64 and the doubling in VX64. I wouldn't consider PX64 or VX64 some kind of spectacular breakthrough, because with enough work you could string together existing processors to provide much (but not all) of their functionality.
While they are not reviews per se, these articles should still give you a good idea of what these features do. We've already done three Sonar workshops on new features in 8.5: the PX64 'drum strip' (October 2009: /sos/oct09/articles/sonarworkshop_1009.htm), VX64 'vocal strip' (November 2009: /sos/nov09/articles/sonarworkshop_1109.htm), and Matrix View loop‑based sequencing window (December 2009: /sos/dec09/articles/sonarworkshop_1209.htm). The result is a mature version of Sonar 8.5 that greatly expands on version 8.0. That was followed up by 8.5.2, which added a considerable number of useful features to the Matrix View.
In typical Cakewalk fashion, they were quick out of the gate with version 8.5.1 to address several small fixes.
#MAKE SONAR X3 EDITOR LIKE SONAR 8.5 MOVIE#
Well, if Propellerheads could name Reason after a program in a Douglas Adams book, then maybe some Fellini fan at Cakewalk really liked the movie 8½ and thought it would make a good name for a software update.Īnyway, in retrospect, its release toward the end of September was perhaps premature there were some issues with the AudioSnap update, and the Matrix View - while a highly valuable addition - needed some useability tweaks.
Other Sonar users scratched their heads, feeling that the new version justified a 9.0 designation and wondering why Cakewalk didn't just call it 9.0.
Some Cakewalk fans felt betrayed, but cooler heads prevailed once people realised that they were getting serious value for money.
#MAKE SONAR X3 EDITOR LIKE SONAR 8.5 UPGRADE#
So, of course, Sonarians were expecting that version 9.0 would appear at the 2009 AES, with the usual upgrade price from whatever version they were using.īut Cakewalk threw a curveball, instead introducing a 'point' upgrade at a reduced price ($99 for 8.0 owners). Like clockwork, every AES Convention brought a new version of Sonar Producer Edition and Sonar Studio Edition. Note how loops triggered in the Matrix view can be recorded (in real time, as you work in the Matrix view) into the Track view as Groove Clips. The Matrix view is being used to test out different combinations of loops to see what works well together. It's not touted as version 9, but the list of improvements certainly makes this year's upgrade to Cakewalk's Sonar DAW a big deal.
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