Today, Cakewalk announces the latest upgrade to Cakewalk’s PC-based DAW software. SONAR Producer Version 8.5 and SONAR Studio V. 8.5 offer new beat creation and arrangement tools, a new drum instrument, enhanced AudioSnap 2.0 audio quantizing and new multi-stage effect plug-ins for vocals and percussion.
Some of the fun additions in SONAR 8.5 include an Integrated Arpeggiator (for triggering arpeggiations on MIDI or instrument tracks with in-depth control over all arpeggiator parameters) and Session Drummer 3, for easy and fast creation of virtual instrument drum tracks with a new UI, and stellar sounding kits and patterns from top sound designers and drummers.
Other new features include Windows 7 compatibility, a Matrix View for simple and flexible cell-based, non-linear audio/MIDI arranging, engine optimizations and stability improvements for recording audio while looping, Native REX loop support, the ability to hot-swap audio and MIDI devices without restarting SONAR and access of up to 128 GB of RAM. Among SONAR 8.5’s VST plug-in compatibility improvements is BitBridgeXR, which lets users run 32-bit plugs in 64-bit environments.
A variety of upgrade paths and promotions are being offered to suit existing user needs, including free upgrades for customers that purchased their product after July 1, 2009. Cakewalk has also announced a number of Elite Upgrade packages to existing SONAR 8 customers with special options that include software such as TruePianos, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, Notion and Izotope.
Retail for the full version of SONAR 8.5 Producer is $499. Paid upgrades start at $79. For more information, go to Cakewalk’s Website.
Or you can check out SONAR 8.5 up close and personal at the 2009 AES Convention in New York City October 9 through 12 in Cakewalk’s booth, #261. For a free VIP pass to the AES exhibits (courtesy of Mix magazine), register online at the AES Website.
