First Time Setup of Cakewalk Sonar

Getting Started with Cakewalk Sonar

New to Cakewalk Sonar? Follow this guide to set up Sonar for the first time, from checking your system requirements to creating and saving your first project.

In this article

1. Check the Prerequisites

Before downloading Cakewalk Sonar, make sure your system is ready.

System Requirements

Confirm that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Cakewalk Sonar. 

See: Cakewalk Sonar System Requirements.

Windows Version

Make sure you're using a supported version of Windows and that Windows is up to date.

Disk Space

Make sure you have enough free disk space for Cakewalk Sonar, your projects, and any additional content you plan to install.

BandLab Account

A BandLab account is required to sign in to Cakewalk Sonar.

If you don't already have an account, create a BandLab account.

Audio Hardware

If you're using an audio interface, connect and turn it on before launching Cakewalk Sonar.

If the manufacturer provides a dedicated ASIO driver, install the latest compatible version before configuring the device in Sonar.

2. Download Cakewalk Sonar

Cakewalk Sonar is downloaded and installed through Cakewalk Product Center.

Download Cakewalk Product Center

  1. Go to Cakewalk Sonar.
  2. Select the Download button in the upper-right corner of the page. 
  3. Open the Cakewalk Product Center installer after the download is complete.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Sign In

After installing Cakewalk Product Center:

  1. Open Cakewalk Product Center.
  2. Select Sign In in the lower-left corner.
  3. Sign in with your BandLab account.
  4. Continue to the product installation screen.
Cakewalk Product Center Sign In

3. Install Cakewalk Sonar

Once you are signed in to Cakewalk Product Center:

  1. Select Cakewalk Sonar from the Products section.

  2. Under App, locate Sonar.

  3. Select Install.

  4. Follow the installation prompts and wait for the installation to complete.
Cakewalk Product Center Installation

Once installation is complete, launch Cakewalk Sonar.

4. Activate Cakewalk Sonar

Cakewalk Sonar uses your BandLab account for activation.

  1. Launch Cakewalk Sonar.

  2. From the Get Started window, select Sign In.

  3. Sign in with your BandLab account.
  4. Once signed in, Sonar will activate automatically.
Cakewalk Sonar Activation

Alternative: If you have already closed the Get Started window, go to Help > Sign in to BandLab and sign in with your BandLab account.

Cakewalk Sonar Activation

Having trouble activating Sonar?

See Troubleshooting Sign-In and Activation.

5. Configure Cakewalk Sonar

Before starting a project, review your audio, project, and plugin settings.

Audio Device Driver Settings Project & Audio Folders MIDI Devices Plugin Scan

Configure Your Audio Device

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.

If you're using an audio interface with a dedicated ASIO driver:

  1. Set Driver Mode to ASIO.
  2. Select your interface under ASIO Device.
  3. Enable the required input and output drivers.

If you're using your computer's built-in audio device or a device without a dedicated ASIO driver, WASAPI Shared is a good starting point.

For more information, see Setting Up Your Audio Preferences in Cakewalk Sonar.

Configure Driver Settings

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Driver Settings and review your audio configuration, including:

  • Playback Timing Master
  • Recording Timing Master
  • Sample Rate
  • Buffer Size

Set these according to your audio hardware and workflow.

If you're using ASIO, additional buffer settings may be available through your audio interface's ASIO control panel.

Configure Project and Audio Folders

Go to Edit > Preferences > File > Folder Locations and review where Sonar stores your project and related files.

Set your preferred locations for projects and audio files before starting your first project.

Configure MIDI Devices

If you're using MIDI hardware:

  1. Go to Edit > Preferences > MIDI > Devices.
  2. Enable the MIDI input and output devices you want to use.

Allow the Plugin Scan to Complete

Cakewalk Sonar scans installed VST plugins and makes them available for use in your projects.

Allow the initial scan to complete before continuing.

You can review your VST settings under Edit > Preferences > File > VST Settings.

Having trouble with a plugin scan?

See Using Cakewalk Sonar VST Scanner.

6. Create Your First Project

Once Sonar is configured:

  1. Select New Project.
  2. Choose a project template or start with an empty project.
  3. Create the project.

7. Create Your First Project Tracks

Add the tracks you need for your project.

Audio Track MIDI or Instrument Track

Add an Audio Track

To record a microphone, instrument, or other audio source:

  1. Add an Audio Track.
  2. Select the appropriate input.
  3. Select the track output.
  4. Arm the track for recording.

For detailed instructions, see How to Record into an Audio Track in Cakewalk Sonar.

Add a MIDI or Instrument Track

To record MIDI or use a virtual instrument:

  1. Add a MIDI or Instrument Track.
  2. Select the appropriate MIDI input.
  3. Select or load the virtual instrument.
  4. Arm the track for recording.

For detailed instructions, see Recording Using a MIDI Track or Instrument Track in Cakewalk Sonar.

Test Recording and Playback

Before starting your project:

  1. Confirm that your inputs are receiving signal.
  2. Record a short test.
  3. Play it back and confirm that audio is routed to the expected output.
  4. If you're using MIDI or virtual instruments, confirm MIDI input and instrument playback.

If you can't hear any sound, see Troubleshooting No Sound in Cakewalk Sonar.

8. Save Your Project

Go to File > Save As, choose your project location, and save the project.

Before continuing with a larger session, confirm that the project and associated audio files are being stored in the expected location.

You're Ready to Go

Your initial Cakewalk Sonar setup is complete.

You should now have:

  • Installed and activated Cakewalk Sonar
  • Configured your audio device and Driver Mode
  • Set your sample rate and buffer size
  • Configured your project and audio file locations
  • Enabled your MIDI devices, if applicable
  • Completed the initial plugin scan
  • Created and tested a project
  • Confirmed recording and playback
  • Saved your project

You can now start working in Cakewalk Sonar with your preferred audio, MIDI, project, and plugin configuration.

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