BandLab Sound in Cakewalk Sonar

Opening BandLab Sounds

You can open the Browser panel to access BandLab Sounds using either of these shortcuts:

• Navigate to View > Browser from the top menu bar.
• Press B on your keyboard.

Browser Pages & Features

The BandLab Sounds Browser features two main views. Select a tab below to explore the features available on each page:

Browse Page Library Page

The Browse page allows you to search, filter, and discover sounds across the entire BandLab Sounds catalog. The catalog is divided into three primary category types:

Packs

Curated collections of related loops and one-shots organized around a specific genre, instrument, or production style.

Loops

Short audio clips designed to repeat seamlessly. Loops automatically sync to your project's tempo when dragged into Cakewalk Sonar.

One-Shots

Single-sample audio hits that play once without auto-repeating, such as drum hits, sound effects, instrument stabs, and vocal chops.

The Library page contains sounds you've already added to your account, making them easy to find without searching the full catalog again.

Favorites

Save frequently used sound packs and individual samples for fast access. Favorites are organized into separate sub-tabs for Packs and Samples to keep your workflow clean.

Claimed Sounds

The Claimed section contains all of the sounds you've permanently unlocked and downloaded using your available sound claims.

Collections

Collections let you organize your saved sounds into custom user-generated groups for easier browsing and project management.

Search & Navigation Controls

Use these controls to search, organize, and quickly display sounds across the active page:

Search Sounds

Search for sounds across the catalog using keywords.

Show/Hide Filters

Opens or collapses the filter menu bar.

Randomize Sounds

Displays a random selection of samples for instant inspiration.

Sort Order

Sort results by Name, Newest, or Popular.

Filter Parameters

Selecting Show Filters opens additional filtering options to narrow down your search results:

Media Controls

The media player bar stays docked at the bottom of the Browser and remains accessible across both the Browse and Library pages:

Thumbnail

Displays artwork for the active sound or pack.

Repeat Loop

Continuously loops preview playback for the selected sample.

Previous / Next

Skips to the previous or next item in the list.

Play / Pause

Starts or stops audio preview playback.

Sync Loops to Project Tempo

Previews loops in real-time at your active project's BPM.

Importing Sounds into Your Project

Once you find a loop or one-shot you want to use, importing it into your session takes only a single step:

1. Drag and Drop: Click and drag any sound or loop directly from the Browser into the Track View or onto an existing Audio Track.
2. Automatic Track Creation: Dragging a sample onto an empty space in the Track View automatically creates a new track named after the sound file.
3. Automatic Tempo Matching: Audio loops automatically adjust their pitch and stretching algorithms to sync seamlessly with your project's active tempo.

Sound Claims

A Sound Claim unlocks a royalty-free sound or loop, permanently adding it to your personal library for use across any project.

• Downloading a new sound consumes one claim token.
• Your claim balance automatically refreshes monthly according to your active plan.
• Your remaining claim balance is displayed directly beside the Browse and Library tab headers.

Re-downloading Claimed Sounds

Once a sound is claimed, it remains in your Library indefinitely. You can re-download previously claimed sounds at any time without spending additional claim tokens.