DAW Evolution: Cakewalk Launches New Membership Model + 3 New Versions of SONAR
Cakewalk is making a strong break with DAW tradition — the company has launched an evolved audio software model with their new SONAR Membership program.
This is NOT a subscription, which according to Cakewalk actually amount to rental programs. Instead, after 12 months anything acquired during the membership is fully authorized and never expires, even if the membership is not renewed. Throughout, SONAR users will be constantly updated to the latest ‘version’ – with SONAR Membership, software will always be the latest and greatest.
The SONAR family is available to us in a whole new way.
Here’s a brief look at Cakewalk’s new Membership model:
- Annual Membership fee (12 months) or monthly Membership payments
- No more software ‘versions’
- Content and software updates approximately every month
- Canceling Membership: Everything acquired up until the point of cancellation is fully authorized, and will not expire, even if a user decides on a Membership renewal down the line.
New users will receive 12 months of Membership for free, while existing users will get a ‘Membership renewal’ – same monthly software updates, priced similarly to a lower cost product upgrade.
Cakewalk has also announced new versions of the Windows-based DAW – SONAR Artist ($99 MSRP), Professional ($199 MSRP), and Platinum ($499) MSRP.
This is just a handful of what Cakewalk is bringing to the table in 2015. They have taken the plunge and other audio software companies may soon follow suit with a model that grants more buying freedom to the users.
Will the audio universe warm up to Cakewalk’s way? Only time will tell — in the meantime here are more details on the new deal from Cakewalk:
The three new versions of SONAR are more clearly differentiated to focus on specific recording needs. All three offer the same high-tech core features—Touch control, unlimited tracks/FX/Sends/Busses, VST3/VST2/DirectX compatibility, video track, support for high-resolution audio via DSD compatibility and sample rates to 384 kHz, enhanced MIDI editing, Mix Recall for switching quickly among different mix options, advanced publishing options, innovative “one-stop solution” effects chains, amp simulations, advanced comping, and much more—while the award-winning Skylight User Interface contributes inspiring and efficient workflow.
SONAR Artist ($99), the most feature-packed recording software in its price range, adds to the sophisticated core feature set with 19 bundled effects and 11 virtual instruments that focus on music creation and songwriting.
SONAR Professional ($199) folds in the analog-style, expandable ProChannel Console Strip that allows creating/customizing virtual console architectures, as well as Melodyne Essential pitch correction with ARA integration, and Addictive Drums 2 Solo Edition—50 effects and 18 virtual instruments in total, including the vintage sound of Blue Tubes effects, convolution reverb, and the surgical precision of linear phase EQ and dynamics. Its performance exceeds many of the “flagship” programs from other companies.
SONAR Platinum ($499) features a spectacular array of tools, plug-in effects, and instruments to offer extreme flexibility to pros who need to handle any kind of recording or mixing production. With advanced tools like Console and Tape emulation, VocalSync for tightening vocals or matching dialog to picture, 21 virtual instruments, 57 effects for mixing and mastering (from vintage to cutting-edge), convolution reverb, step sequencer, and improved audio quantization/stretching, Platinum provides power tools that complement the superior workflow.
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