Was Sonar/Kompakt & Windows, Now OSX and ????

[Daddy Elmis]

I've been using Cakewalk/Sonar for years in a Win environment. Last year we added Kompakt to the system for virtual instruments (awesome stuff).

Now, we're looking at upgrading our software (we've been using Sonar 3). The issue is I've switch to Macs in my house while my keyboard player is using Windows (and it's his laptop we use on gigs).

What I'd like, ideally, is a multiplatform software that gave us what Sonar did, and is compatible with Kompakt. This way, we each can edit songs independently and share the files without mess.

I've been using Macs for just over a year now (after 20+ years of Win experience) and don't know what's out there for OSX. I wish to hell Sonar would port to OSX, but that doesn't seem to be forthcoming.

We use the Sonar/Kompakt rig to provide backing bass and drum tracks, and midi control of outboard processing (lexicon efx), lights, and various other midi gear (patch changes on processors, etc.). It's much more a live rig than a recording rig. We do use audio tracks in addition to general midi and Kompakt patches as well (i.e., my recorded guitar track doing the harmony lead on Reelin' In The Years, for example).

Any suggestions are welcome.

[Brian blaut]

I'm not sure, but I think all the major packages should support the Kompakt instruments. I mean, if the Kompakt uses AU, then any program for the Mac will see it.

I don't have extensive knowledge of any of these, but it looks like you could use any of the following:

ProTools
Digital Performer (its in Microsoft Vista, not sure about XP)
Cubase

If you have a new Intel based mac, double check that any software you buy supports it. The OS is fairly new and many packages haven't yet, or and in the works to support it. Many already do, just check. If it says "mac" on the box, thats not good enough. It needs to specify "native" or "intel".

-Brian

[FraKcture]

Maybe you should look into ableton as well. Think it will give you anything you need and it runs on osx and windows. Tried the live lite version and it is very nice.
intuitive interfacing which will give you great live flexibility.
Just wish i had the cash for the full version...

[Bonneville Bruce]

I use Mackie Tracktion on my big G5 Mac. It cost (v. 2x) $150 and it works on both Win and Mac. Version 3 will soon be released for more money.

I haven't tried it on Win, but it seems like a good way to do what you described. Tracktion is fairly robust and likes the .aiff file format on the Mac. The worst case conversion scenario would be that you would have to "print" your output to a .wav file to share it on Win. This is non-issue, as you have to print it to one thing or another regardless to move to another system. Tracktion on the Mac can import and use either .wav or .aiff files.

I'm not a midi user, yet, I just purchased an M-Audio Ozone keyboard keyboard, so I don't know if it gives you what SONAR does.

My recording partner and I trade files between Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 and Tracktion and all is well.

Good luck,

Bonneville Bruce