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
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Confirm that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Cakewalk Sonar.
- Windows Version
Cakewalk Sonar requires a supported version of Windows. Make sure Windows is up to date before installing Sonar.
- Disk Space
Make sure you have enough free disk space for Cakewalk Sonar and any additional content you plan to install.
- BandLab Account
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A BandLab account is required to sign in and activate Cakewalk Sonar.
Sign up for a BandLab account here.
- Audio Hardware
If you plan to record or monitor audio, connect your audio interface, microphone, headphones, speakers, or other audio hardware before launching Sonar. This step is optional if you only plan to work with MIDI or do not have external audio hardware.
2. Download Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar is downloaded and installed through Cakewalk Product Center.
Download Cakewalk Product Center
- Go to Cakewalk Sonar.
- Select the Download button in the upper-right corner of the page.
- This will download Cakewalk Product Center.Once the download is complete, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Sign In
After installing Cakewalk Product Center:
- Open Cakewalk Product Center.
- Select Sign In in the lower-left corner.
- Sign in with your BandLab account.
- Continue to the product installation screen.
3. Install Cakewalk Sonar
Once you are signed in to Cakewalk Product Center:
- In Cakewalk Product Center, select Cakewalk Sonar from the Products section on the left side of the window.
- Under App, locate Sonar.
- Select Install next to Sonar.
- Follow the installation prompts and wait for the installation to complete.
Once the installation is finished, Cakewalk Sonar will be ready for activation and first launch.
4. Activate Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar uses your BandLab account for activation.
- Launch Cakewalk Sonar.
- In the Get Started window, click Sign In.
- Sign in with your BandLab account.
- Once signed in, Sonar will activate automatically.
Alternative: If you have already closed the Get Started window, go to Help > Sign in to BandLab and sign in with your BandLab account.
Troubleshooting
If you have trouble signing in or activating Sonar, see Troubleshooting Sign-In and Activation.
5. Launch Cakewalk Sonar for the First Time
After activation, launch Cakewalk Sonar. During the first launch, Sonar may initialize settings and scan your installed plugins. This may take some time depending on the number of plugins installed on your computer.
- Select Audio Device
Open Sonar's audio settings and select the audio device you want to use. If you are using an audio interface, select the manufacturer's audio driver when available.
- Configure Audio Settings
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Set your preferred configuration:
- Driver mode
- Input device
- Output device
- Sample rate
- Buffer size
If you are not sure which settings to use, start with the default settings and adjust them later if needed.
- Project & Audio Folders
Choose where you want Sonar to store your projects and associated audio files. Keeping your projects organized in a dedicated folder makes them easier to manage and back up.
- Allow Plugin Scan
Sonar may scan your installed VST plugins during the first launch. Allow the scan to complete before continuing.
Troubleshooting
If a plugin causes the scan to stop or fail, see Troubleshooting VST Plugin Scans.
6. Create Your First Project
Once Sonar is configured, you're ready to create your first project.
Create a New Project
- Select New Project.
- Choose a project template or start with an empty project.
- Create the project.
7. Create Your First Project Tracks
Now that your project is open, you can add tracks for recording and playback.
Add an Audio Track
Use an audio track to record a microphone, guitar, keyboard, or other audio source.
For detailed instructions, see How to Record into an Audio Track in Cakewalk Sonar.
- Add an Audio Track.
- Select the input connected to your microphone or instrument.
- Select your output.
- Arm the track for recording.
Add a MIDI Track
Use a MIDI track to record a MIDI controller or play a software instrument.
For detailed instructions, see Recording Using a MIDI Track or Instrument Track in Cakewalk Sonar.
- Add a MIDI Track.
- Select your MIDI controller as the input.
- Select a MIDI instrument if needed.
- Arm the track for recording.
Test Your Tracks
- Press Play to test playback.
- To record, arm the track and press Record.
- Perform or play your instrument.
- Press Stop when finished.
- Check that you can hear your recording or MIDI performance.
Save Your Project
Select File > Save As and save your project in your preferred project folder.
8. You're Ready to Go
Your first-time setup is complete.
Setup Completed:
- Confirmed your system is ready
- Downloaded Cakewalk Product Center
- Installed Cakewalk Sonar
- Signed in and activated Sonar
- Configured your audio device
- Set your project and audio folders
- Scanned your plugins
- Created your first project
- Recorded or played back a track
- Saved your project
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