TheOne

Sonar is a versatile PC studio programme. It's got some really nice features, which are relatively intuitive. If you upgrade from Cakewalk there are a lot of familiar features too, but enough changes to slow you down. For instance the track properties view(s) and management are quite different. I have found a few buggy elements though. The integration of soft synths has a few problems with synchronisation, selecting tracks in the track view can sometimes cause problem where the track isn't selected. I would have like the audio editor to a bit more fully featured than it is. What did annoy me is the speed that the bug fixes stopped being released as bug fixes and instead were released as Sonar 2.0. It's not cheap and the upgrade price certainly doesn't reward loyal customers much! TheOne

Pops How did you get on? Did any the advice these guys have given help? TheOne

Hi Basically I start by sorting out the groups. Drums being an obvious one. The mix can then be manipulated using the groups. TheOne

Hi Sorting out compatibility issues suck! TheOne

Elton John and Richard Clayderman don't count? What about Reishi Sakamoto (Spelling isn't my strong point) TheOne

Hi Didier Thanks! I guess my problem is I am a songwriter, and performer...my interest is as a solo performer. Although I will use session musicians when necessary. TheOne

Hi Didier thanks. I mean a plan to turn it into a business as a justification to investors, to demonstrate growth and how to make money. Part of my problem is really awareness of possible income streams. Once I'm aware I then have to know what to do with the info, and how to present it. ideas? TheOne

You don't use synths, or drum machines then? What about guitar effects? Cheating, Shmeating... ThOne

Hi The Microsoft "Totally Useless Reproduction Device" or "TURD" for short. One obvious feature would be pressing a key and having the screen display, "You have performed an illegal operation" at which point it would emit the white noise of death. TheOne

Hi Can anyone give advice on writing a business plan for a recording artist? Tips etc. TheOne

Hi drumtracks It's a project where the producer wants to easily be able to post edit tempo etc, even down to editing fills, but wants a drummer to generate the original takes for a realistic feel. Add to that a drummer obviously brings a lot more variety to the part more easily than a programmer. He wants to capture the feel of a real drummer and intends on sampling the actual drums. TheOne

Thanks drumtracks! Some food for thought...

Hey drumtracks Thanks. What about the triggers with real drums option? You don't mention playability of the kits. Is it much of a muchness?

Hi Bongstuff A fair question I thought. I've used an SH101, complete with the twisty thing. Fun with some good sounds but as you say a pain in the ass to program. The DX7 I liked but found it limited in what it could do. I've played with Juno synths of various types and enjoyed them. I liked the D50 and in general like Rolands gear. Unfortunately the only Casio I've spent time with is the VL-tone classy, simple and utterly useless apart from as a door stop. What about a profit 2000? Ever used one of them. The most fun I had was with a Fairlight series 3. Not mine so I didn't have any issues, but it was fun!

Hi Can anyone recommend a decent priced, flexible electronic kit? I want to be able to be able to retain as much of my playing style as possible. I had thought of attaching triggers to a kit but thought this might be expensive and prone to problems. Advice anyone? TheOne