Sonar 4 Power!

Wow! I don't know what book that other reviewer (Ilia) read, but it definitely wasn't Sonar 4 Power. I found this to be an excellent book and I always refer to it first whenever I have a question about Sonar 4. I read it cover to cover (I like to be thorough) and I really like Garrigus' writing style. It's not boring at all, which is what you might find in other books of this type. I found it very insightful and educational. Here's my take on the various sections of the book: Chapter 1 - A basic chapter that introduces the reader to MIDI and digital audio. This isn't something I needed, but for complete beginners it's a nice intro. And Garrigus even provides a useful link to Cakewalk's free MIDI and audio e-book that provides more in-depth info on the topic. Chapter 2 - This is where things start to get interesting. I love the fact that Garrigus takes the time to summarize all the new features in the latest version of the software. He also lets you know where to find the detailed info about these features in the book. Very helpful. In addition (for those that need the extra help), Garrigus goes over the components you need for a basic home studio setup and even describes some of the equipment that he uses in his own studio. Very cool. Chapter 3 - In this chapter, you'll find detailed info about how to customize Sonar and make it work the way you want it to work. Topics include Organizing Files, Customizing the Workspace, Customizing MIDI Settings, and Optimal Audio Settings. Not every single Sonar setting is covered here, but Garrigus intersperses info about some of the others throughout the book. I kind of like have all pertinent info in the same place, but then again, I can simply look in the index if I want to find something specific. Chapter 4 - This chapter talks about opening projects, creating new projects, and saving projects. The most interesting part is where it talks about templates and how to create your own. This can save you a lot of setup time in the studio. Chapter 5 - Talks about how to navigate throughout a Sonar project. You'll find all the info you would expect here. Chapter 6 - You'll learn all about recording and playback with Sonar here. Garrigus details all of the various ways to record MIDI and audio in Sonar including how to setup all the initial parameters for recording. And other topics: Audio Track Recording and Playback, Multiple Track Recording and Playback, Loop Recording, Punch Recording, Step Recording, Importing MIDI and Audio files, and synchronization basics. The sync section could be a bit more detailed, although this isn't something I really needed so it wasn't a problem for me. Chapter 7 - Garrigus talks about the various views in Sonar... Track view, Piano Roll view, Event List view, and Tempo view. He explains in detail what they are used for and how to use them. Chapter 8 - This chapter explains Advanced Data Selection and Advanced Audio Editing. It includes info on all of the offline editing fea

If you use, or intend to use Sonar 4....you MUST have this book! This book fills in the holes the manual doesn't, showing you everything you need to know about mastering this software. It is the ultimate Sonar 4 Desk refrence, and I keep in nearby for EVERY recording session, both in my home studio and live. For those familiar with Scott's previous works with earlier versions of Sonar, you can expect the same delightful thoroughness here as in earlier book. The man has a comprehension and mastery of this software that few end users possess. I can say without hesitation that I have used his books since the original Sonar Power Release (That's Sonar 1.0), and they have been invaluable in my recording endeavors with Sonar. Considering the many advancements in Sonar 4 from previous versions, this book is a MUST for power users and newcomers alike. Every aspect of the program's capabilities are thoroughly explored and explained. Thank you once again Scott for an indespensible refrence for the recording musician. James Meyerhoffer Ogresound Productions Richmond, Virginia

It takes a few versions for a company to get the software right. The initial package is issued, it does wonderful things, but then the customers start saying, "you package is great but it should do ..." And of course some other customers are saying, "when I do this, and then this, your software crashes." By the third or fourth edition they get it down pretty good. It's kind of the same with computer books. The first editions cover the first versions of the software, but things are left out and a few things are even wrong. Now Sonar is at version 4 and so is this book. Together they make quite a package. Like most manuals, the Sonar manual tells you everything that the software will do, but somewhat terseley and with little background so that you don't really know just what is possible. This book starts out saying, "I know you want to get started right now, but let's talk just a bit about MIDI first." You wind up getting a much more complete understanding of what the whole thing is all about. Well written, complete coverage, easy to understand, what more can I say.

I started learning Sonar back at version 1, I bought Scott's first book and it helped me go from nothing to preparing music for my website! Then, Sonar 2 became available. I wanted to learn even more so I bough Scott's Sonar 2 Power book. It offered even more examples of how to do things you would actually encounter in a real life situation. So many manuals give you all the facts but they never apply the information to how you can use it for your purposes.I fianlly got Sonar 3 and then I orderd Scott's Sonar 3 power. I am not through reading it yet but that is the beauty of Scott's books. You can only look up what you need when you need it. It is an excellent reference tool whenever you have a specific question. It is indexed very well and everything is easy to find quickly.Thank you Scott for all your efforts. SO many newbies (I was a year ago!) appreciate your help! I am anxiously awaiting your tutorial cd roms!Dave

Although Cakewalk's Sonar manual is the best in the biz, it does not take you through enough real-world scenarios or give "power-user" recommendations. This book fills in those holes and then some. It takes you through everything from Sonar Customization, to making an effective and usable drum map, to exploring CAL (Cakewalk Application Language). There were many features (like MIDI Device definitions) that I never realized Sonar did until I read this book. Thank you Mr. Garrigus for writing it!