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New Go Deeper Video, PCAL DAW, and CakeTV

derikb — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:45:31 +0000

by Seth Perlstein
Another week is done and another video is produced. This time its a Go Deeper video about PX-64 Percussion Strip, which should make a nice compliment to the PX-64 Get Started video and the Drum Production Master Class.

In fact, the video you see in the link above is rendering on my PC Audio [...]

Life as a Cakewalker and new Get Started video

derikb — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:19:22 +0000

by Seth Perlstein
Every day that I work on a SONAR video is a good day. However, while it’s a lot of fun to create demonstration videos about a product that I’m deeply passionate about, it’s also a ton of work.
A perfect example of this is the Drum Production Master Class video that I recently [...]

Comic Book Heroes record “Drive On” for ESPN’s telecast of their NASCAR Nationwide season using SONAR 8.5

derikb — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:10:17 +0000

Last year we introduced you to Comic Book Heroes (CBH), a SONAR using artist with a pretty unique angle. While still in High School, CBH had accomplished more than many bands twice their age and on bigger labels. The guitar-driven rock quartet is manned by Steve Kowalski (bass, vocals), Collin MacGregor (drums), Ned Goldman (vocals, [...]

The Future of DJ’ing

derikb — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:12:53 +0000

töken experience from yöyen munchausen on Vimeo.

SONAR: Master Class on Drum Productions

derikb — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:30:28 +0000

SONAR 8.5 includes world-class tools, instruments, and effects that will allow you to achieve amazing drum tracks. We have put together a SONAR: Master Class video series that shows off these amazing features. This Master Class explores writing, arranging and mixing drums in SONAR. Spotlighted are production techniques and workflow using Session Drummer 3, [...]

The AristoTrax on SONAR

derikb — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:02:03 +0000

The setting is your typical California day; the type you see on TV all the time. The sun, the cars, the people and the sand leading to the famous Santa Monica Boulevard which is filled with a plethora of interesting characters. Just another typical day? Really? Not for R1CKONE; actually there is no such thing [...]

Use the V-Studio 20 with your favorite Mac recording software

derikb — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:52:56 +0000

Cakewalk has just released a free Mac Support Update for the V-Studio 20. The V-Studio 20 Mac Support Update enables the VS-20 hardware and Effects Editor to be used with all popular Mac-based recording software titles. The update provides Mac users with all the benefits of recording with the V-Studio 20 COSM guitar and vocal [...]

Intel Superstars Competition powered by OurStage.com

derikb — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:18:15 +0000

Cakewalk, Intel, and Ourstage.com have partnered up to launch the Intel Superstars Competition powered by OurStage.com. Beginning July 1, 2010 aspiring rock, pop and country artists are invited to upload their best original song in the Intel Superstars Competition of their genre. The Top 5 artists from each of the three competitions will receive prize packages including [...]

Happy Birthday Tupac!

derikb — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:25:35 +0000

Flyleaf discusses new album and V-Studio 100

derikb — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:03:25 +0000

In this day in age there are very few bands that have the components to set themselves apart from other artists and also cut through in a lasting fashion the cluttered channels of this new digital music era. Flyleaf is absolutely one of these timeless artists and proof that a combination of amazing songwriting, creative [...]

Converting and Recording MIDI into Audio

derikb — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:43:54 +0000

MIDI files function like sheet music. Sheet music contains all the information an instrumentalist needs to make music. If the instrumentalist does not play what’s written on the sheet music, you hear nothing. Like sheet music, MIDI does not transmit audio signals (digital or analog). Meaning, if you were to plug your MIDI cable into a loudspeaker [...]

Jon Lee: Capitalist Turned Composer

derikb — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:52:32 +0000

So how does one of the top television-scoring professionals in the business get to where he is today?�
If you’re Jon Lee, first you run a hedge fund for 15 or 20 years…
Huh?
You’ll have to forgive Jon for not taking a more traditional route to the top of the film and television-scoring business. He found his [...]

V-Studio 700 Controls Dutch Synth Master’s Studio

derikb — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 20:20:41 +0000

Synth Master, Composer, and Blogger on everything synth, Michel von Osenbruggen reviews the V-Studio 700. A pro-level SONAR user, Michel especially likes its tight integration with SONAR. As hardware and software synths make up the basis of his tracks, with the V-Studio 700 console, Michel can scroll through his projects and control his various instruments [...]

Watch the V-Studio 20 Webinar Today

derikb — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:57:22 +0000

If you missed our live webinar on the V-Studio 20, we’ve posted it here for your viewing pleasure.
Hosted by Cakewalk’s Zac Kenney and featuring special guests, Charlie O’Neal and Craig Rawding of The Delta Generators, this exclusive presentation gives you a closer look at the brand new recording device for guitar players and singer-songwriters. We’ve [...]

You’re Invited to the V-Studio 20 Webinar

derikb — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:41:41 +0000

Don’t miss this exclusive event. Join us tonight at 7:00 pm (ET) for a virtual presentation on the V-Studio 20 to learn more about the brand new recording solution for guitar players and singer-songwriters. Since 3 out of 4 Cakewalk employees play guitar, we built the V-Studio 20 from the ground up (in conjuction with Roland and Boss) to [...]

Austin’s Next Big Thing

derikb — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:45:09 +0000

Austin, TX knows a thing or two about music.
The home of musical institutions from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Austin City Limits, SxSW to Stubbs BBQ and Antone’s, the central Texas town knows music. After all, they don’t call it the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing.
So when we tell you Alpha Rev is [...]

Northeastern University Recognizes Young Composers

derikb — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:35:51 +0000

For a 7th year, the Music Technology program at Northeastern University held an electronic music composition contest for high school composers. Students from across the Northeast US compete to receive a cash reward, music production software including Cakewalk’s SONAR Producer and the opportunity to perform their work at a public concert held on the university’s campus in [...]

The Missing Link for Guitar Players? Cakewalk’s V-Studio 20

derikb — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:22:42 +0000

Guitar Products Reviewer for DV247.com, Rob Sandall, was one of the first to lay eyes on the V-Studio 20 at Musikmesse 2010. At first, he thought it was just a foot pedal but quickly realized that the V-Studio 20 is so much more than what he expected.
Combining an audio interface and control surface with built-in [...]

Graduation Gifts for Musicians

derikb — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:36:50 +0000

Looking for the perfect gift for the high-school or college graduate? Give them the gift of music with Cakewalk. Whether enrolling in a music school, starting a career in the industry or enjoying music as a hobby, Cakewalk’s Graduation Gift Guide offers a wide range of products for the performing and recording musician.
Check out these great products for making music in the dorm, on the road [...]

How to Record and Playback Audio in Cakewalk Software

derikb — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:15:44 +0000

Recording your music on the computer is an adventure. There are thousands of different tools you can choose from, all with their own perks and obstacles. Recording your vocals, guitar, keys and drums is a process that takes time to learn in order to do it well.
Before you attempt to record, make sure you have [...]

Borthwicks’ Acoustic Jazz Album Heats Up the ‘HotBox’

derikb — Thu, 06 May 2010 14:48:58 +0000

In December, we announced the release of Ramona Borthwick’s new acoustic jazz album, One of Us, which was entirely edited and mixed in SONAR. Cakewalk CTO Noel Borthwick was at the helm of this project, cataloging the entire process on his blog. Earlier this week, we learned that One of Us was featured in the May issue of [...]

Support Music City Disaster Relief

derikb — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:39:09 +0000

A Nashville recording musician has put together a Facebook Group to benefit those effected by the severe flooding that devastated homes and businesses, following this weekend’s terrential rains in Music City. Historic industry landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry entertainment complex saw damage from the rising waters.
As we are a community built upon music, we invite [...]

Sparks the Rescue: From Maine to Mainstream

derikb — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:59:05 +0000

Alex Roy barely has time to talk.
He’s busy packing. Again. He just wound up a series of shows yet tomorrow Alex and his band, Sparks The Rescue, heads back out on the road. This time it’s the Lab Apparel-sponsored Bring Me Home Tour, a 19-date run that will run through the end of April. Not [...]

Making Music On A Netbook at GDC 2010

derikb — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:33:53 +0000

Netbooks are quickly gaining ground as the viable computing option for everything, from checking email to recording and producing music. The folks at Netbooknews.com were on hand at the recent Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California to chat with Cakewalk’s Seth Perlstein about the forth-coming release of the SD-50 Mobile Studio Canvas and it’s [...]

Special Offer: Amazing Savings on SONAR at Guitar Center

derikb — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:24:19 +0000

Guitar Center’s Green Tag Savings Event is back! This weekend only, you can save $100 instantly on SONAR 8.5 Producer, plus receive an extra $50 off with coupon. Why should you upgrade to SONAR 8.5? The latest version of SONAR has all of the innovations, instruments and effects that were included in version 8 plus a host of [...]

A Wicked Good Time for MusiCares Foundation

derikb — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:59:07 +0000

For those of you who couldn’t make it out to our first annual Cakewalk fundraiser, you missed a great night. Throughout the evening, Cakewalk employees took the stage at the Lansdowne Pub (right next door to historic Fenway Park) to show off their talents.

Boston’s 93.7 Mike FM was the MC for the night, bringing with them a bundle of awesome prizes for the raffle and giving away free [...]

Special Offer: Dimension LE Virtual Instrument for $19.99

derikb — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:53:37 +0000

With over 400 sounds, Cakewalk’s Dimension LE virtual instrument for Mac and PC, packs a sonic punch. It’s classic synth sounds coupled with Garritan Pocket Orchestra (strings, bass, woodwinds, piano, and percussion) is everything you need to create one-of-a-kind compositions. Powered by Cakewalk’s Expression Engine, Dimension LE supports multi-sample rendering, wavetable synthesis, waveguide synthesis, REX [...]

R.I.P. Guru of Gangstarr

derikb — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:48:09 +0000

Video: V-Studio 20 Launch at Musikmesse 2010

derikb — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:33:27 +0000

The folks at Harmony Central were on hand at Musikmesse 2010 to film the debut of Cakewalk’s V-Studio 20, the portable recording studio for guitarists and singer-songwriters. Their video captures a live demo by Robin Kelly and accomplished guitar player, Gundy Keller, exploring the interface’s included DAW, Effects Editor and it’s many incredible tones:

For more information [...]

Songwriter Raul Midon Produces Music with Cake-Talking Technology

derikb — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:24:59 +0000

New York City singer-songwriter, Raul Midon celebrates the release of his latest album, Synthesis, which hits stores in the US today. Blinded as an infant, Raul was first introduced to music by his father, often listening to the uncomparable Beethoven, Mozart, John Cage, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. After studying music at a school for [...]

Find Your Inspiration at ASCAP’s “I Create Music” Expo 2010

derikb — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Do you write your own music? Propel your songwriting career into new heights at ASCAP’s fifth annual, I Create Music Expo. Launched in 2006, the ‘I Create Music’ Expo is the first and ONLY national conference dedicated to songwriting and composing.
From April 22 to April 24 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, attendees are invited to [...]

Sound Design for Video Games at GDC 2010

derikb — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:45:41 +0000

Cakewalk’s Seth Perlstein was on hand at the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California to demonstrate SONAR’s role in sound design and sound editing for video games.

In the video above, Seth shows how to sync sound effects to video clips using SONAR 8.5’s Audiosnap time-stretching tool with the V-Studio 700 console as a [...]

MusicTech Focus Dedicates Latest Issue to SONAR

derikb — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:21:01 +0000

Everything you ever wanted to know about SONAR is now encased in a 132-page full-color guidebook! From cover to cover, this exclusive magazine is the most comprehensive guide to SONAR in print (besides SONAR 8! Power) – a must have whether you’re a SONAR user, or thinking of becoming one!
Packed with 100% SONAR content, this magazine features exclusive [...]

SONAR 8.5 Earns Excellent Ratings in EM Review

derikb — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:18:59 +0000

Electronic Musician’s Brian Smithers highlighted just some of SONAR 8.5’s many strong suits in his latest review, stating that ”although SONAR was already a strong platform for groove manipulation, its new arpeggiator and Matrix view, along with the improved step sequencer and AudioSnap function, bring it to a new level of flexibility and power.” Smithers goes on [...]

Cakewalk Rocks for MusiCares Foundation

derikb — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:26:24 +0000

Save the Date! Two weeks from Sunday, Cakewalk hosts it’s 1st annual fundraising event for the MusiCares Foundation. Throughout the event, Cakewalk employees will show off their talents, performing in a diverse line up of bands and DJ’s. A charity raffle will be held with a chance to win a Cakewalk V-Studio 100-powered Recording Bundle [...]

Video: Sound On Sound’s Fast Facts on the V-Studio 20

derikb — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:35:26 +0000

One of the world’s top publications for music recording and technology, Sound on Sound, visited the Cakewalk booth at Musikmesse 2010 to get a close look at the V-Studio 20. Watch the video below to get the facts on Cakewalk’s new portable, USB recording device for Guitar players and Singer-Songwriters:

Doing Heavenly Work With the V-Studio 100

derikb — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:05:49 +0000

Dale “Rambro” Ramsey is one of the most respected producers and engineers in the business. His RamTrax Entertainment studio in Atlanta has worked on projects for some of the biggest names in music, from Justin Timberlake to Stevie Wonder to P. Diddy. His client list reads like a Who’s Who of musical talent, and it [...]

Create Record Label, High-Quality Productions With SONAR 8.5

derikb — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:21:24 +0000

For Chris Maguire, upgrading his DAW to SONAR 8.5 was a no brainer. For $99, Chris made the move from SONAR 8.0 Producer and immediately began to see the improvements made to the DAW’s feature set and functionality. In his review at Altsounds.com, Chris explains how he used the VX-64 Vocal Strip, PX-64 Percussion Strip and the Matrix view [...]

Musikmesse 2010: V-Studio 700 & V-Studio 100 Win at MIPA

derikb — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:20:50 +0000

At this year’s Musikmesse International Press Awards (MIPA), Cakewalk received 4 nominations for the development of the A-PRO Series Keyboards, V-Studio 700, V-Studio 100 and SONAR 8.5 Producer. Just being nominated is quite the honor, but we were humbled last night when we won in two categories, Best Recording Hardware for the V-Studio 100 and [...]

New V-Studio 700 E-Book Gives You A Closer Look

derikb — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:35:23 +0000

Cakewalk announces today the availability of a new eBook by Scott R. Garrigus – author of the “SONAR Power!” Book Series – that will cover the ins and outs of the SONAR V-Studio 700 music production system. Cakewalk V-Studio 700: A Closer Look is a free electronic book discussing basic and advanced functions of the V-Studio [...]

Cakewalk’s Portable Recording Solution for Guitarists & Singer-Songwriters

derikb — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:00:33 +0000

Every year at this time, Cakewalk travels to Frankfurt, Germany to attend Europe’s largest music trade show event, Musikmesse. This year, we are pleased to launch the V-Studio 20 from the show floor.
As the third product in the V-Studio line of integrated hardware and software by Cakewalk and Roland, the V-Studio 20 is an affordable, all-in-one option for recording musicians. [...]

Education Profile: Doherty Middle School – Andover, MA

derikb — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:25:16 +0000

Jeff Buckridge directs the General Music program at the Doherty Middle School in Andover, MA. Besides being a well-known and accomplished guitarist in the New England area, Jeff is also an experienced music educator. His classes include General Music for all students, Intro to Guitar and Electronic Music as elective courses. SONAR Home Studio is [...]

Intel’s Core i7 980x Processor Brings Unbelievable Performance to Computer Music-Making

derikb — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:34:34 +0000

Slow and steady may win the race but it does not make creating music on the computer any easier!
Accelerate your music-making experience on the PC with more power and better stability, check out Intel’s new Core i7 Extreme Edition Processor. Code-named “Gulftown” the Core i7 980x is the first 32nm, six-core processor with 12 computing threads! In short, [...]

IMSTA Holds Songwriting Contest: Perform Live for AKON & Win A Record Deal

derikb — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:17:40 +0000

IMSTA (International Music Software Trade Association) has partnered with AKON’s Hitlab to give professional musicians a chance at their big break! Submit your original tracks as high quality demos or master recordings to the IMSTA Song Competition for you chance to win killer prizes.
Your song will be analyzed and scored based on the 78 different variables by HITLAB’s proprietary Dynamic Hit Scoring (DHS) [...]

Ms. Regular by Noble Drew

derikb — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:49:27 +0000

Cakewalk Nominated for 2010 MIPA Awards

derikb — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:20:11 +0000

Each year, more than 100 magazines from all over the world – including Mix, Electronic Musician and EQ – come together to vote on the world’s best audio and musical instrument products for the Musikmesse International Press Awards.

This year, Cakewalk has earned 4 nominations for the development of the A-PRO Series Keyboards, V-Studio 700, V-Studio [...]

Northeastern University Professor Teaches SONAR in Ghana

derikb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:27:57 +0000

Head of the Music Technology program at Northeastern University, Dennis Miller and his wife, Susan, are spending spring semester in Ghana working as visiting professors for a local university. This trip marks the couple’s second trip to Ghana, having first visited the country in 2004.
The pair will spend 150 days working on the campus of [...]

Using Multiple MIDI Controllers in SONAR

derikb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:26:44 +0000

Managing input from multiple MIDI devices, such as keyboard controllers and drum pads, through your DAW can be frustrating. Staying on top of all the cabling, routing and software settings is enough to make you throw in the towel and go back to point and click.
However, with SONAR, you can choose individual MIDI input ports [...]

Comic Book Heroes Set to Take Off in 2010

derikb — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:00:23 +0000

2010 is shaping up to be another huge year for the band Comic Book Heroes. In just the first two months alone, their music and visuals will be part of the soundtrack to the NASCAR 2010 Season as well as the Winter X-Games. They will also be included on the Warped Tour-sponsored “Wonka Music Factory” [...]

Recording Magazine “Covers” V-Studio 100

derikb — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:36:36 +0000

Since its release, Cakewalk’s V-Studio 100 has received high acclaim from leading music industry publications worldwide. This month, V-Studio 100 made the cover of Recording Magazine. Along with their great advice for beginners and tips on recording solo, Recording Magazine tells how the V-Studio 100 is no longer just for the SONAR user. It’s durable design, cross-platform functionality and affordable price point make [...]

Receive Instant Savings On SONAR 8.5

derikb — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:18:34 +0000

Thinking about upgrading your DAW to SONAR 8.5? Now may be the best time to do so! As a leading choice in music production software for professional musicians worldwide, SONAR 8.5 has everything you need to compose, record, edit, mix and master your music. Its extensive array of virtual instruments and audio effects, gives you [...]

Recording Music On A Laptop With the UA-4FX

derikb — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Ask any artist, they’ll likely tell you their best work comes when they least expect it. Inspiration knows no schedule. With the UA-4FX you are no longer tied down to the computer desk, forced to be creative while sitting at your home PC or Mac. This USB audio interface sources its power from your laptop [...]

New SONAR Update Enhances AudioSnap Functionality

derikb — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:54:32 +0000

We’ve just announced another free update for SONAR 8.5 Producer and SONAR 8.5 Studio. The SONAR 8.5.3 update focuses on AudioSnap 2.0, providing usability enhancements, optimizations, and overall improved stability for performing complex audio timing tasks.
In conjunction with this release, we’ve created four new video tutorials on some of the key features in found in AudioSnap including aligning audio [...]

All Eyes On Cakewalk’s A-PRO Series Controllers

derikb — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:23:59 +0000

Electronic Musician caught a glimspe of the new A-PRO Series MIDI Controllers at the NAMM Show 2010. In this video, Cakewalk’s Alex Westner shows off the velocity-sensitive keys as well as the assignable sliders, knobs, pads and transport controls featured on each controller. The A-PRO Series controllers will be available for purchase in April this year.

Add A ‘Mixing Machine’ To Your Gig Bag

derikb — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:46:16 +0000

Your band is working on a new EP. You’ve got four shows lined up for the month of February. It would be really cool to record your performances to add a few live tracks to the new release. With Cakewalk’s V-Studio 100 you can record, edit, mix and produce those tracks without missing a beat.
The V-Studio 100 is a cross-platform, 8 in [...]

Have Gig Bag, Will Travel or Where in the World is Carmen Rizzo?

derikb — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:11:36 +0000

Carmen Rizzo checks his cell phone one last time as he boards the plane at LAX. This is the first of several flights that will take him half way around the world over the next 24 hours – from Los Angeles to Perm, Russia . He’s got a text message from the people he’ll be [...]

Stokes Audio Mixes Soundtrack for ‘Why We Laugh’

derikb — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:49:45 +0000

Owner and Senior Engineer of Stokes Audio Recording & Post, Joe Stokes, is credited for his work in post-production and video editing for radio, gaming, TV and film. With SONAR and the V-Studio 700 sitting at the helm of his studio, Stokes mixed the soundtrack for his latest project, a documentary entitled ‘Why We Laugh’ [...]

‘Going Back to Memphis’ with the V-Studio 700

derikb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:25:54 +0000

Engineers James Lott and Matt Ross-Spang at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee move away from ‘point and click’ with the V-Studio 700. The pair use the V-Studio 700 in their main production room to mix an original tune, ‘Get Back to Memphis’.
Artist Impression: Sun Studio on the V-Studio 700Uploaded by CakewalkInc. – [...]

SONAR 8.5 Goes Above & Beyond Typical Update

derikb — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:38 +0000

To upgrade or not to upgrade? That is the question for many SONAR users concerning the latest product release, SONAR 8.5. Although, it’s not your typical point release, Craig Anderton calls version 8.5 “another welcome step forward, it delivers more than it promises”. With its new tools for creativity and added support for Windows 7, SONAR 8.5 [...]

NAMM 2010: Creative Tools for Independent Minds

derikb — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:59:52 +0000

Jet-lagged and exhausted, the Cakewalk crew is slowly recovering from a monumental Thursday through Saturday at the NAMM Show. The weather was beautiful, the show floor was packed and the Cakewalk booth was the place to be.
Each year, the National Association of Music Merchants hosts an industry-wide tradeshow at the colossal Anaheim Convention Center. If [...]

Sonic State Gets First Look at A-PRO Series

derikb — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:25:28 +0000

Sonic State was first on the scene at the NAMM Show this weekend to get an exclusive look at the new USB Keyboard Controllers. Brandon Ryan demos the 49-key controller, the A-500 PRO, along side SONAR 8.5’s Session Drummer 3 virtual instrument.
Whether you’re using SONAR, Logic, Ableton Live, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garage Band, or Pro [...]

“Your Music Anytime, Anyplace” Songwriting Competition Winners Announced

derikb — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:15:43 +0000

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This fall, Cakewalk, Intel Corporation and Ourstage set out to inspire music lovers across the country to get creative and share their musical talents for the “Your Music Anytime, Anyplace” Songwriting Competition. The most outstanding artists and engaged fans on the Ourstage circuit were outfitted with a brand new mobile music studio! Today, we are [...]

New Products Announced At The NAMM Show 2010

derikb — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:19:19 +0000

The 2010 NAMM Show is off to an exciting start as Cakewalk announces several new products to our line of fully-integrated software and hardware solutions for music creation and recording! Click the links below to learn how these products can benefit your music production needs:
New Line of Keyboard Controllers
Cakewalk introduces the new A-PRO Series, [...]

CES 2010: Music Creator Shines During Intel’s Core Processor Launch

derikb — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:29:22 +0000

Cakewalk’s Gina Garda recently traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to take part in the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). “Although the taxi lines were longer and the halls more crowded than last year,” remarked Gina, “the bustle of this year’s CES is a sure sign that 2010 will be a phenomenal year for the [...]

Cakewalk Pro User Spotlight: Hollywood Undead

derikb — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:04:39 +0000

Fresh off a sold-out tour in Europe, Hollywood Undead (A&M / Octone Records) is tearing up the music scene with their latest album, ‘Desperate Measures’. Charlie Scene, Da Kurlzz, Deuce, Funny Man, J-Dog and Johnny 3 Tears started performing in 2005. Their first album, Swan Songs, hit #22 on the Billboard 200 in it’s first [...]

Artist Appearances at NAMM 2010

derikb — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:49:58 +0000

Visit with Cakewalk at The NAMM Show 2010 from January 14 through January 17 in Anaheim, California! Stop by our new booth location (Hall A, #6700) to see live demonstrations on SONAR 8.5, the V-Studio 100 and the V-Studio 700. Be sure to grab an official Cakewalk Passport then take a short tour of our [...]

AudioMidi.com Likes the Sound of the V-Studio 100

derikb — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:21:59 +0000

AudioMIDI.com’s Dee Davis gave the V-Studio 100 a workout recently and came away very pleased with the results.
Dee hooked up the VS-100 to a PC running Windows XP Professional, with 4 GB RAM and two 1 TB Hard drives, all powered by an AMD Phenom X4 Quad processor. After installing SONAR 8.5, Dee pulled up [...]

Music Radar’s 12 Ways to Get More Out of SONAR 8.5

derikb — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:15:48 +0000

Make your New Year’s resolution one that you can be proud of. Dare to be more adventurous as a music-maker in 2010 with Music Radar’s 12 Ways to Get More Out of SONAR 8.5. With this guide, you’ll be able to manipulate SONAR’s tools for composing, editing and mastering your projects in ways you never [...]

Preparing for The NAMM Show 2010

derikb — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:52:09 +0000

There are just two weeks left until The NAMM Show 2010! Join us at the colossal Anaheim Convention Center in our brand new booth (#6700) to see live product demonstrations of SONAR 8.5, the V-Studio 100 and the V-Studio 700 by Cakewalk’s own technical service representatives. Thinking of upgrading your studio? Swing by our booth to see the latest [...]

Cakewalk’s Top 5 Live Performances of 2009

derikb — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:26:28 +0000

With the return of U2, Madonna and AC/DC to the stage, 2009 was another successful year for performance venues nationwide. The Cakewalk staff had a busy year as well, attending all sorts of concerts and festivals. Continuing on our quest to name our favorites of 2009, here are our choices for the ‘Top 5 Live Performances’. You can see our picks [...]

Cakewalk’s Top 5 Singles of 2009

derikb — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:17:14 +0000

More than half of Cakewalk’s employees are musicians, many of which record and perform on the side. They’ve come to Cakewalk from different musical backgrounds, sharing their experiences and tricks of the trade as they go. It’s no surprise that those behind the scenes at Cakewalk have a wide range of musical tastes from electronica to hip [...]

SONAR Is A Conventional DAW, Packing An Arsenal of Options

derikb — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:38:24 +0000

In keeping with tradition, says Create Digital Music’s Peter Kirn, SONAR looks like the average Windows software with lots of buttons, knobs and menus. However, with its latest version, SONAR employs a vast array of features that allow the user (whether expert or beginner) to customize the way they create music on the computer – [...]

Last Minute Shopping? Grab a Cakewalk Gift Card!

derikb — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:26:48 +0000

Attention Last Minute Shoppers: Cakewalk’s Download Gift Card are perfect last minute gifts or stocking stuffers for the up-and-coming rock star and guitar hero in your life! Simply, purchase a Download Gift Card from the Cakewalk e-store. Print it out or email it to your favorite musician.
Geared for novice recording musicians, these products make creating music on the PC [...]

Cakewalk’s V-Studio 100 Tops ‘Sound Guys’ Holiday Wishlist

derikb — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:47:14 +0000

The Ask A Sound Guy bloggers, Ben and Sanjay, were first introduced to Cakewalk’s V-Studio series last winter at the NAMM Show. The smaller of the two units, the V-Studio 100, impressed them so much that they included the unit in their 2009 Holiday Wishlist.
When they later got hold of a unit to review, they [...]

Cakewalk Pro User Spotlight: Comic Book Heroes

derikb — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:43:03 +0000

After starting a band at 11 years old, five years ago, and with hundreds of shows from coast to coast under their belts, Comic Book Heroes is finding national success on their own terms.
This hard working suburban rock band’s recent successes include: “Catch Me If You Can” their Top 15 single on Radio Disney and [...]

Gift Ideas & Special Offers for Musicians

derikb — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:39:38 +0000

This holiday season, Cakewalk has a gift (or a few) for you! Need help finding the perfect gift for the music lover in your life?
Click on over to Cakewalk’s Holiday Gift Guide for great ideas and special offers. Save big on popular products from Cakewalk, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia and Notion to name a few. After all [...]

Where Work and Play Meet, SONAR Leads

derikb — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:37:27 +0000

When we say Cakewalk products are “created by musicians for musicians” we really mean it. Case in point, our CTO Noel Borthwick performs, records and produces music on the side. In November, Noel made an acoustic jazz album featuring Ramona Borthwick (piano, vocals) and a throng of amazing talent – Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Johannes Weidenmeuller [...]

Cakewalk Announces New SONAR 8.5.2 Update

derikb — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:45:47 +0000

Today, Cakewalk announces a free update for SONAR 8.5 Producer and SONAR 8.5 Studio! Registered SONAR 8.5 Producer, SONAR 8.5 Studio, and V-Studio 700 customers can download the 8.5.2 update* for free.
The SONAR 8.5.2 update offers over 100 usability enhancements, plug-in/component optimizations, and new features. These enhancements also address various performance issues across the entire [...]

TUAW.com, the Unofficial Apple Weblog, Explores the Versatility of V-Studio 100

derikb — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:01:50 +0000

Josh Carr, a reporter for the unofficial Apple weblog, TUAW.com, is slowly migrating from his analog mixer to the world of digital audio workstations. In studio, Josh uses Logic Pro for his music production needs. During the past two weeks, he has managed to learn the ins and outs of the V-Studio 100 as a [...]

Amplify your Home Recordings with Guitar Tracks Pro

derikb — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:32:21 +0000

Fretbase.com’s Brian Stolte, mainly a Garageband / Mac OS user, pulled out his Windows XP laptop recently to try out Cakewalk’s Guitar Tracks Pro 4 and was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of tools available for the guitar player turned home recording guru. “As compared to Garageband from Apple, one of the first things I [...]

Big Rod’s World Show #76

derikb — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:17:37 +0000

Big Rod has been complaining lately that he is not getting help with filming for the Big Rod show so we all are picking up the cameras. Big Rod explains who Ezel is, whom we all have come to know. Big Rod spits that piece, “Just Another Day In The Hood”.

WATCH

Tim Wynn Scores Inspirational Film, ‘To Save A Life’ (2010)

derikb — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:30:37 +0000

Composer and dedicated SONAR user, Tim Wynn of Sonic Fuel Studios, scored the music for the new inspirational film, To Save A Life (New Song Pictures), set to release on January 22, 2010. The film promotes the importance of making sacrifices to help others in a time of need. In the movie, Jake Taylor’s life [...]

Building a Better DAW with SONAR 8.5

derikb — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:55:11 +0000

Software Developer and Sci/Tech Reviewer at BlogCritics.org, T. Michael Testi likes what he sees in the new version of Cakewalk’s flagship digital audio workstation, SONAR. With improvements made to its mainstay features including Session Drummer, AudioSnap and Step Sequencer, SONAR is transforming into a simpler and more tangible product for those new to the music production world.
Session Drummer 3 sports a 3D photo-realistic drum kit [...]

Chartjackers Take Over UK Billboard Charts to Benefit Charity

derikb — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:05:29 +0000

With the development of social networking sites, the internet has made it easier than ever for musicians to create, promote and market their musical talents to the world. Many use MySpace Music as an unofficial Electronic Press Kit, Twitter as their concert promoter and Youtube as their own personal MTV.
Four teenagers in the UK have [...]

An Affordable Alternative for Mobile Recording

derikb — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:52:25 +0000

Recording your music, whether on the road or in studio, can be a costly venture. Expenses for instruments, equipment, session time and sound engineers can land you in serious debt. Many of today’s musicians take the DIY approach, either hiring friends in the biz or building their own home studios, to save time, money and [...]

Meet Cakewalk Representatives This Holiday Season

derikb — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:18:52 +0000

During this Holiday season, we would like to take some time to personally assist you with any questions you might have about our products.
During the coming week, our technical sales representatives will be at select music retailers across the country with the sole purpose of helping you learn more about SONAR 8.5, V-Studio 100, V-Studio [...]

Big Rod’s World Show #75

derikb — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:09:35 +0000

Big Rod talks about the Tiger Woods accident and cheating situation. Big Rod starts a Rock Band… check it out!

WATCH

Shawn Clement Recognized for Epic Sci-Fi Soundtrack

derikb — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:38:54 +0000

Composer of fan favorites including Batman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and American Idol, Shawn Clement gears up for an exciting year as Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey hits theaters with galactic force!
As featured in a recent issue of ASCAP’s Playback magazine, Shawn says ‘this is one of the more fulfilling gigs that I’ve ever done.”
To [...]

Ultimate Guide to Cakewalk Synths Gets Facelift

derikb — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:12:03 +0000

Cakewalk synthesizers are among the most commonly used software synthesizers in the business. Rapture, Dimension Pro and Z3TA+ are capable of creating powerhouse sounds that will turn your music into sonic masterpieces and Simon Cann wants to take your music production to that level.
In his guide, Cakewalk Synthesizers: From Presets to Power User (2nd Edition), [...]

Party Hard with Cakewalk & Andrew WK in NYC

derikb — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:40:43 +0000

Come one, come all to Times Square (Broadway & 42nd Street) in New York City on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 9:00pm. Cakewalk and Andrew WK will announce the winner of the CMJ Music Marathon Twitter Riddle Contest on location!�
The winner of the contest will receive a prize pack including Cakewalk’s V-Studio 100 (the portable music production studio [...]

Master of Digital Arts, Justin Lassen Releases First Limited Edition Album

derikb — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:51:50 +0000

A master of the digital arts, Justin Lassen continues to dominate a new realm of creativity, composing music to computer-generated graphic art. With the help of his PCAudioLabs digital audio workstation with an Intel Core i7 processor, SONAR 8.5 and various media editing tools, Justin gives life to the one dimensional art forms.
Recently, Justin released [...]

The Musician’s Digital Audio Workstation: SONAR 8.5

derikb — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:20:34 +0000

If you saw our ads for Guitar Tracks Pro 4, then you already know that 3 out of 4 Cakewalk employees are guitar players. In fact, many Cakewalk employees are also full-time musicians, using Cakewalk products to record, mix and master their own projects.
When it came time to design the new features in SONAR 8.5, [...]

Big Rod’s World Show #74

derikb — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:33:08 +0000

Big Rod is really down and out about the Bears and it is really beginning to show. This week we take a little look into the Gaming world of Big Rod. The Fellas discuss the difference between @$$ and NO @$$.

WATCH

Huge Savings on Gifts for Musicians During Cakewalk’s Holiday Sale

derikb — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:42:42 +0000

Kick off the holidays with enormous savings on popular products from Cakewalk, Native Instruments, IK Multimedia, and more. Get a heads start on your holiday shopping as these specials are available for a limited time only! Along with savings of over 80% on select products, you can also download free plug-ins, get special discounts on PCAudioLabs [...]

SONAR 8.5 Leaves You Fully-Satisfied

derikb — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:09:46 +0000

Impressed with SONAR 8.5’s wealth of new tools and workflow enhancements, Music Radar gives the ‘half update’ 5 out 5 stars! Among the reviewer’s favorite additions were SONAR’s Matrix view, Arpeggiator and effects processors (VX-64 vocal strip and PX-64 percussion strip).
“Percussion and Vocal Strips rock! Step Sequencer is much more useful. Arpeggiator presets are a [...]

SONAR 8.5 Leaves You Fully-Satisfied

derikb — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:09:46 +0000

Cakewalk Offers Free Synths & FX Plugins

derikb — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:13:52 +0000

Yes, it’s true. Cakewalk is now offering our classic synths and effects processors for FREE Topping the list of the ’90s classics is the SFZ+ and Square I synths. The Cakewalk Audio FX series of effects plug-ins are also now available for no charge via the Cakewalk online store.
SFZ+ is rgc:audio’s revolutionary SoundFont player sample-playback [...]

Cakewalk Offers Free Synths & FX Plugins

derikb — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:13:52 +0000

Recording Magazine Features USB Interfaces in Gift Guide

derikb — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:43:42 +0000

In a few days, Recording Magazine will release their annual ‘Holiday Gift Guide’ (December 2009) with 30+ reviews on today’s most desirable audio products. Cakewalk is honored to have made the list with our new line of affordable USB Interfaces.
Compact and versatile, these Audio & MIDI interfaces are perfect for those just starting out with [...]

Producing Live DVDs with SONAR

derikb — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:47:27 +0000

From time to time, Engineer and Owner of Scadge Productions, Trev Wilkins gives us a brief update on his travels on the road and in studio. Here’s the latest:
It’s been a long time since I updated the blog but (fortunately) that’s due to being very busy.
The Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes DVD, Live in Rome, [...]