Sonar X1 Pro Channel

[albiedamned]

I've read through the threads on Sonar X1 and seen a few positive comments about the new Pro Channel feature, but nothing in too much detail. For those who have it, I'd like to know how it compares to the popular third party plugins. How does the SSL-style compressor compare to Cytomic The Glue or to the Waves or UAD SSL emulations? How about the 1176-style compressor versus the Waves or UAD emulations? And how about the different EQ modes? Does the pure mode compare favorably to other linear phase EQ's? (I'm assuming pure means linear phase.) How about vintage versus the various Pultec, Neve, or API emulations? And what does modern mode sound like?

Right now I have Sonar 7 Studio, and I'm deciding between upgrading to X1 Studio ($100) or X1 Producer ($200). I'm not very tempted by anything else in the Producer edition, but Pro Channel could save me money on other plugins I was planning to buy such as an SSL mix bus emulation and a Pultec emulation.

[shaddai]

Well, I can't answer all your questions directly, but I can tell you what I've noticed:

The 1176 comp doesn't seem quite as gritty as UAD's 1176. The SSL comp just works & gives "that" SSL sound like it's supposed to. It's not a stunning magic emulation, but it's definitely workable. I think UAD's was better...we had the trial version on the Logic box at work. EQ wise, I haven't paid attention enough to learn them real well, so I'd be afraid to give any pointers on them.. most of the stuff I mix just needs some bottom lopped off & maybe a notch filter...all 3 versions of the EQ do that just fine.

The tube saturation stage in the pro-channel is fun though. It'll go from just warming stuff up to being an outright distortion box for electric guitars if you'd like. Very cool tool...

On the few mixes I've done with X1b since getting it, I noticed the 3rd party plugin count has dropped DRAMATICALLY. The only 3rd party stuff that seems like I'll still use is the CL1B, and the Voxengo tape sim. Besides that, I use the pro-channel for about everything. I'll also use Voxengo's span on the main to make sure I'm in the ballpark as far as overall EQ balance and the Sonitus gate if I need a gate.

I actually think Roland/Cakewalk had a serious winner on their hands if they wouldn't have (rightfully) earned so much bad press by releasing X1 before it was stable....they've pissed off a lot of people. Myself, I'll be shopping new DAW software the next time around rather than tolerate a busted program until they release a patch. I gave them 100% of the $, they should have gave me a 100% working program..they didnt'.

todd

[taturana]

i realized i was also using the other plugins less... i actually liked both emulations and the eq and saturation too, even compared to the waves offerings... big thumbs up for the pro channel... they simply work better and faster than loading any plugin..

[insomnio]

Nice topic. I tend to buy every two update they make, so if the 8.5 count as a Sonar 9 and I have the 8th,it's time for me to upgrade. I'm waiting for a patch before buying.

But, do they offer the ProChannel in the Studio version?

[prophet]

ProChannel is a producer exclusive: Cakewalk - X1 Studio - SONAR X1 Comparison Chart

2 patches have already been published.

[birkasgeri]

Originally Posted by albiedamned

I've read through the threads on Sonar X1 and seen a few positive comments about the new Pro Channel feature, but nothing in too much detail. For those who have it, I'd like to know how it compares to the popular third party plugins. How does the SSL-style compressor compare to Cytomic The Glue or to the Waves or UAD SSL emulations? How about the 1176-style compressor versus the Waves or UAD emulations? And how about the different EQ modes? Does the pure mode compare favorably to other linear phase EQ's? (I'm assuming pure means linear phase.) How about vintage versus the various Pultec, Neve, or API emulations? And what does modern mode sound like?
.

Exactly the same question here...

[prophet]

no comparison imho. I don't use the Pro Channel at all, good third plugins are way better.

[rksguit]

Originally Posted by prophet

no comparison imho. I don't use the Pro Channel at all, good third plugins are way better.

Each to his own, I like the pro channell,no other daw seems to have anything as cool.

[zhf89619421]

good third plugins are way better.

[zhf89619421]

thanks !!

[PaPi61]

ProChannel is convenient (except when X1 bugs turn it on unexpectedly...) but it's true that the individual effects are no match for quality third-party plugins. But if you are on a budget, it's workable.

[rksguit]

Even when earning top dollar, to be a paid rockstar, I was on a budget.I dont think there has ever been a period in life when Iv'e NEVER :been on a budget. That said,third party plugs are,of course great and getting better.Some,no mentioning of names,are expensive and still 32bit only! I just think[soooo obvious] pro channel AND 3rd party effects together,is fairly bloody good!

[rack gear]

I'm actually pretty happy with it. I'm also at a point where I've become increasingly anti-plugin for effects with few exceptions... Soundtoys, AudioDamage, Flux, Freeware VST...

No more Waves for me, just can't do it... I feel like they jumped the shark on those "signature" sets... LOL.. so now if I'm going high end in plugins it's Flux over Waves...

For most applications the Pro-Channel gets the job done fast. EQ, Compression, Saturation... all very good.

What I like about it the most is that it doesn't break workflow.

If I want to go back later and try something else for a different feel I can, but generally speaking it's working great for me. Very convenient and sounds good.

[birkasgeri]

thanks that's all good news. I've heard a lot of stability issues. Has it improved with x1c?

[rksguit]

On my laptop,weirdness: I must ALWAYS,go into "preferences" and hit"apply" AFTER opening a project,ANY project,to get sound....AT ALL.Sometimes,also on laptop[Dell XPS 15,i7 2GHz] MIDI will crash the whole project.Everything else,NO problem-NOW.This laptop is stupidly powerful for the price[1/3 the price of a 15" MBP]This laptop with X1,would NOT,under any circumstances,get any lower latency than 28ms,with a cakewalk UA25-EX.Laptop NOW,runs ASIO4all as low as 2ms RTLatency. Desktop:i7 2600k @4.4GHz, X1 is Totally great,"NO problems AT ALL" so far.Im able to use the UA25-EX at 11.6ms RTLatency[OK really,it is only a USB 1.1 Device-Thanks "Video Guys"],regardless of project.Again....."Desktop-ZERO problems".

[prophet]

Originally Posted by birkasgeri

thanks that's all good news. I've heard a lot of stability issues. Has it improved with x1c?

For me, X1 has been anything but stable. I bought a new machine last Spring, and have had issues with X1 ever since (see this thread: tired of Sonar - advice on alternatives? ).

I have used Sonar for many years, but X1 is the buggiest software ever - up to a point where I'd say it cannot be used for professional work, far too frustrating: crashes on me several times a day when working with large projects, Audio Snap is buggy and quite often does not work properly, BitBridge is buggy and keeps crashing, Pro Channel has some issues, issues with Sandy Bridge processors - and the support blaims it all on the user.

So if you need a DAW for professional work, stay away from Sonar, it won't make you happy.

[Squidy]

Originally Posted by zhf89619421

good third plugins are way better.

True, but they'd also cost far more than the $100 it would cost him to upgrade to Producer

[GIM Productions]

Originally Posted by prophet

For me, X1 has been anything but stable. I bought a new machine last Spring, and have had issues with X1 ever since (see this thread: tired of Sonar - advice on alternatives? ).

I have used Sonar for many years, but X1 is the buggiest software ever - up to a point where I'd say it cannot be used for professional work, far too frustrating: crashes on me several times a day when working with large projects, Audio Snap is buggy and quite often does not work properly, BitBridge is buggy and keeps crashing, Pro Channel has some issues, issues with Sandy Bridge processors - and the support blaims it all on the user.

So if you need a DAW for professional work, stay away from Sonar, it won't make you happy.

I'm sorry to hear this.I think that Sonar X1 is the best 64 bit DAW.I'm a pro and my clients begin to prefer Sonar instead of protools for its depth and detail.I haven't problems with audiosnap and prochannel is awesome like softube saturation.Bitbridge works perfectly with 32 bit plugs(Soundtoys)and new browser is very useful.I use Jbridge with Liquid Mix only couse there is a compatibility problem with Sonar.
It's only my experience.All my best.

Roby

[GIM Productions]

Originally Posted by albiedamned

I've read through the threads on Sonar X1 and seen a few positive comments about the new Pro Channel feature, but nothing in too much detail. For those who have it, I'd like to know how it compares to the popular third party plugins. How does the SSL-style compressor compare to Cytomic The Glue or to the Waves or UAD SSL emulations? How about the 1176-style compressor versus the Waves or UAD emulations? And how about the different EQ modes? Does the pure mode compare favorably to other linear phase EQ's? (I'm assuming pure means linear phase.) How about vintage versus the various Pultec, Neve, or API emulations? And what does modern mode sound like?

Right now I have Sonar 7 Studio, and I'm deciding between upgrading to X1 Studio ($100) or X1 Producer ($200). I'm not very tempted by anything else in the Producer edition, but Pro Channel could save me money on other plugins I was planning to buy such as an SSL mix bus emulation and a Pultec emulation.

Hi,you should hear a new S-Type Channel Compressor(SSL Emu),it's very musical and agressive in bass and guit tracks.Best.
Roby

[rksguit]

Originally Posted by albiedamned

I'm deciding between upgrading to X1 Studio ($100) or X1 Producer ($200).

Forget Studio......I bought Studio[Boxed DVD] and regretted it constantly,mostly due to "No Session Drummer",There was 1 document[and ONLY 1] floating around,mentioning Studio contained "Session Drummer 2". Cakewalk admitted as much, by giving me SD2 for nothing! when I enquired. Session Drummer "3" is an excellent reason, on its own,to go for Producer,rather than Studio. Pro channel is worth the "Extra" on its own,plus I remember a GS post where an owner of UAD "everything" ran double blind tests,between Pro channel and UAD.....Pro channel was said to match UAD,........their words NOT mine. "Dimension LE" instead of "Dimension Pro",yet another reason.Seeing as it was my first DAW,I [wrongly] thought Studio would be better value, its definitely NOT. I eventually bought the boxed Producer[4xDVD] fortunately,for a great price, and wish I could sell Studio[against cakewalk policy].

[rksguit]

Originally Posted by prophet

Pro Channel has some issues, issues with Sandy Bridge processors - and the support blaims it all on the user.

So if you need a DAW for professional work, stay away from Sonar, it won't make you happy.

If I was still ONLY using it on my Sandy bridge laptop,I may agree. I bought serious "budget" i7 2600K PC",and its so fast and stable,its scary......go figure?