Cakewalk Core Plugin

We’re excited to introduce Cakewalk Core Plugins, a powerful collection of nine essential effects crafted for high-quality audio processing and efficient CPU usage. These plugins are available to active BandLab Membership subscribers and can be used in both Sonar and Next.

What’s Included in the Core Suite

The Core suite offers nine versatile plugins that cover mixing, sound design, and creative processing. A few highlights:

  1. Core Compressor – Variable-knee compressor with peak limiting.

    Core Compressor

  2. Core EQ – Six-band parametric EQ with flexible filter types.

    Core EQ

  3. Core Delay – Stereo delay with tempo sync and diffusion.

    Core Delay

  4. Core Modulator – Six modulation effects (Flanger, Phaser, etc.).

    Core Modulator

  5. Core Reverb – Natural room simulations.

    Core Reverb

  6. Core Gate – Dynamic gate with side-chain filtering.

    Core Gate

  7. Core Multiband – Five-band mastering-style compressor.

    Core Multiband

  8. Core AutoFilter – Tempo-synced resonant filter.

    Core AutoFilter

  9. Core Phase – Phase shifter for stereo widening.

    Core Phase

Click on the plugin name to preview the UI.

Each plugin is optimized for efficiency, giving you professional sound with minimal CPU load.

Installation Requirements

Before installing, make sure you meet these requirements:

  • Sonar 2025.08 build 31.08.0.031 or later
  • An active BandLab Membership is required

Installed Locations:

  • Windows: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Cakewalk\Core\
  • macOS: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Cakewalk/Core/

After installation, perform a VST scan in Sonar.

Automatic Migration from Sonitus Plugins

Sonar can migrate older Sonitus plugins in your projects to Core equivalents:

  1. Go to Preferences > VST Settings > VST3 Migration.
  2. Check “Replace if Possible on Project Load.”
  3. Sonitus plugins will be replaced with Core equivalents.

Important: Migration is one-way. Always back up projects first.

Activating Core Plugins in Sonar

Activation is tied to your BandLab Membership:

  • In Sonar or Next: sign in with your BandLab account, plugins activate automatically.
  • In other DAWs: open a Core plugin, sign in via the banner, all plugins activate together.

Key Notes:

  • Unactivated plugins load but output silence.
  • Plugins can be used offline after activation.
  • Offline activation is not supported.

The Cakewalk Core Plugins are designed to give you a modern, reliable, and efficient set of tools for music production. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or creating new sounds, these plugins provide a strong foundation for your workflow.

If you run into issues, please reach us at support@cakewalk.com

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