Coming from someone who either owns or has tried virtually every DAW out there, Cakewalk to this day still has features that most other DAW's have either just recently integrated or still have yet to introduce. I've witnessed other companies introduce features as "New or innovative" and I've had to laugh because Cakewalk has had the same feature(s) for years. This is still an unbelievably complete and criminally underrated DAW at an incredible price point (Free). Although I agree it could use a facelift, and a few workflow modernizations, Its still very competent and impressive.
Been using it since v1.0, which was a Midi sequencer on a floppy. Since I've actually recorded in full blown studios (yeah, back in the 80s), I like the way Cakewalk lets me work the same way a real studio does, while STILL allowing all the modern changes.
Same for me. That early DOS version qualified for the upgrade price when Sonar cane out. Used Sonar to record an album for my wife and songs with a few friends. Was a little upset when it went free, but at least all my plugins are still good!
Hi guys. Can someone PLEASE help me? In Cakewalk, how can I quickly jump to diff spots in a song? Is there an easy keyboard shortcut that allows me to jump to a marker at the first verse, one at the chorus, bridge, etc. Having to constantly reset the loop to diff spots is exhausting and aggravating. Please tell me there's an easy way to set markers and quickly jump to them. Thanks guys!
Another cool thing about Cakewalk and SONAR is that they have a successful history of recording acoustic instruments, namely drums. I started a drum channel 3 years ago and downloaded Cakewalk since it was free and easy to use to learn how to use a DAW. It's given me a professional studio level sound from the minute I got the hang of it. I know the pros all talk about Pro Tools and Logic Pro X, while most beginners and hobbyists mention GarageBand and Reaper, and that's all fine. But a DAW is just another tool that is most optimized by the experience and skill of the user, and Cakewalk is one that achieves just as much as the big boys without breaking the bank. Most underrated DAW of the last 2-3 years, without question.
After many years of being a devoted Roland MC500 user, a colleague recommended trying Cakewalk - that was back in 1996. So I did. Cakewalk was still in its early days, MIDI only - no audio. The feature that totaly sold it to me was the ability to draw freehand controller curves. As much as I'd become a dab hand at rapidly typing in long strings of numbers into the MC500, freehand drawing was a game changer. I've never looked back, and have had every version since. Long may Bandlab continue to support Cakewalk!
my first over dubbing was the same old reel to reel to cassette, then I found the Atari St with midi in/out, steinberg Pro 12 was my first introduction to DAW, cakewalk is an absolute awesome tool for music production... Thanks Robert.... 👍🏼
During the Late 90's I used Cakewalk for Midi recording and I love it but I couldn't get jiggy with windows 2000 constant blue screen of death, so I switched to MAC and haven't used a windows machine since.
Love Cakewalk and have been using it since X3 Professional. However, the theme editor is (kind of) part of the current problem with Cakewalk's UI. The UI is all bitmap based, which makes it very "themeable" as you say, but the fact it's bitmap based means it doesn't scale well on high DPI desktops. I'd like to see the UI be upgraded with high-DPI in mind. Also, although it's true that the DAW has had many updates since it was acquired by Bandlab and is in the best state it has ever been in, the included plugins have seen no such improvements or updates. VX-64 Vocal Strip, PX-64 Percussion Strip, the Sonitus suite.. they are all exactly as they have always been, and have not been moved to VST3. I saw a theory that Bandlab might not actually have the source code for the plugins.. maybe? Not sure. That said, it has some of the best features that a DAW can have, and a very logical workflow. Love it
Nice Video! One small thing though... Cakewalk isn't the most customizeable DAW... That has to go to Reaper... In this regard, it's just on another level.
I see a Samson C03u mic box set that includes Cakewalk about 12 years old in a thrift store for $32, should I get it? Does that sound like a good deal? Its actually £25 I'm in UK.
I've been using the bandlab web browser daw to make simple songs and stuff and recently downloaded cakewalk. I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing and really wish there were simple tutorials to help me start making music. Do you know any good tutorials or have any tips?.
I can recommend Cakewalk as I've been using for a long time, but also because the latest version works really well for me. It's very stable, optimized, and has a ton of workflow features (some of which demonstrated in this video), and its MIDI editing is really good. I would gladly pay yearly for upgrades to my DAW software as I use it all the time, so Cakewalk being free is just a nice bonus - more money for VSTs! 🎹🎸🤘🏼😀
Hello! Thank you very much for the content you put up. I'm seriously considering switching to Cakewalk. In one of your videos you said that routinely we will encounter latency issues when using EQ on an aux track, if the EQ is not linear. I think using EQ on aux tracks is a very common practice, either to filter a reverb or to hype parallel compressed drums, or many other situations. Is this something that happens in Cakewalk in particular? Or using EQ on an aux track always introduce latency? I'm really looking forward to take the leap, but I mix with a lot of sends, groups, and auxiliares. Thanks again.
That issue is across the board in any DAW. The problem I was discussing was more centered around phase. Linear EQs help to minimize phase issues versus traditional EQs.
I was using cakewalk when I was in middle school and I always used it until I was probably 22. For whatever reason. When i got this new daw. I couldn’t get it to record or pick up my mic. I did everything possible. Idk man. I miss cakewalk but damn.
Twelve Tone Systems, out of Boston. I liked where Roland was taking it, a lot. Gibson did what Gibson does when they bought Cakewalk... But! It's still the best DAW for PC, easily.
Operating System: Windows 8/8.1, 10, or 11 (64-bit) Processor: 2.6GHz Intel or AMD multi-core processor (at least Intel i5 or AMD A10 APU recommended) Memory: 4GB Hard Drive: 5GB for minimal install (20GB recommended) Monitor Resolution: 1280x800 (1920 x 1080 recommended) Audio Interface: ASIO compatible hardware is recommended *Internet: An active internet connection is encouraged to install, authorize, and update Cakewalk by BandLab. After the program is authorized, it can be used offline. Cakewalk by BandLab can also utilize offline activation if needed.
@@Homestudiosimplifed @John Watson It looks like Bandlab did update the statement on minimum system requirements just hours or days ago. It now says at www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk : Minimum System Requirements: Windows 8.1 or higher (64-bit only) Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU 8GB RAM 3GB free disk space 1280x800 screen resolution ASIO compatible hardware is recommended
It depends on your projects. If you use virtual instruments a lot, the PC needs to have more power. Personally, I would not go less than a new i7 CPU with at least 16 GB RAM, better 32 GB. You need large disk space (SSD) - high quality recordings take up quite some space. IMHO minimum 512 GB. Again, virtual instruments with sound libraries increase your demand (>= 1TB). And it helps with recordings if the cooling is quiet.
Coming from someone who either owns or has tried virtually every DAW out there, Cakewalk to this day still has features that most other DAW's have either just recently integrated or still have yet to introduce. I've witnessed other companies introduce features as "New or innovative" and I've had to laugh because Cakewalk has had the same feature(s) for years. This is still an unbelievably complete and criminally underrated DAW at an incredible price point (Free). Although I agree it could use a facelift, and a few workflow modernizations, Its still very competent and impressive.
Been using it since v1.0, which was a Midi sequencer on a floppy.
Since I've actually recorded in full blown studios (yeah, back in the 80s), I like the way Cakewalk lets me work the same way a real studio does, while STILL allowing all the modern changes.
Awesomeness
Same here! I've used it ever since and paid for all the upgrades through the years. Now, I'm loving the FREE version!
Same for me. That early DOS version qualified for the upgrade price when Sonar cane out. Used Sonar to record an album for my wife and songs with a few friends. Was a little upset when it went free, but at least all my plugins are still good!
Hi guys. Can someone PLEASE help me? In Cakewalk, how can I quickly jump to diff spots in a song? Is there an easy keyboard shortcut that allows me to jump to a marker at the first verse, one at the chorus, bridge, etc.
Having to constantly reset the loop to diff spots is exhausting and aggravating. Please tell me there's an easy way to set markers and quickly jump to them. Thanks guys!
Another cool thing about Cakewalk and SONAR is that they have a successful history of recording acoustic instruments, namely drums. I started a drum channel 3 years ago and downloaded Cakewalk since it was free and easy to use to learn how to use a DAW. It's given me a professional studio level sound from the minute I got the hang of it. I know the pros all talk about Pro Tools and Logic Pro X, while most beginners and hobbyists mention GarageBand and Reaper, and that's all fine. But a DAW is just another tool that is most optimized by the experience and skill of the user, and Cakewalk is one that achieves just as much as the big boys without breaking the bank. Most underrated DAW of the last 2-3 years, without question.
Yes!!!
Been using since 7. Thank god for Bandlab bringing it back and supporting it.
Yes!!!
After many years of being a devoted Roland MC500 user, a colleague recommended trying Cakewalk - that was back in 1996. So I did. Cakewalk was still in its early days, MIDI only - no audio. The feature that totaly sold it to me was the ability to draw freehand controller curves. As much as I'd become a dab hand at rapidly typing in long strings of numbers into the MC500, freehand drawing was a game changer. I've never looked back, and have had every version since. Long may Bandlab continue to support Cakewalk!
All true. Great pro DAW that scares people away because it’s actually free. Also no Mac version.
Yep… one day the world will learn of the awesomeness
my first over dubbing was the same old reel to reel to cassette, then I found the Atari St with midi in/out, steinberg Pro 12 was my first introduction to DAW, cakewalk is an absolute awesome tool for music production... Thanks Robert.... 👍🏼
Sounds like we had a similar background story!
i love your content! i just purchased your course. i was wondering if you have a download of your cakewalk theme?
Yes sir! Email me at homestudiosimplified @ gmail .com
Hi, where can I find the theme you use for Cakewalk by Bandlab. Thanks for the videos keep it up.
During the Late 90's I used Cakewalk for Midi recording and I love it but I couldn't get jiggy with windows 2000 constant blue screen of death, so I switched to MAC and haven't used a windows machine since.
Sorry to hear that… now you just have to deal with OS drops that destroy al your plugins. 😂
Love Cakewalk and have been using it since X3 Professional. However, the theme editor is (kind of) part of the current problem with Cakewalk's UI. The UI is all bitmap based, which makes it very "themeable" as you say, but the fact it's bitmap based means it doesn't scale well on high DPI desktops. I'd like to see the UI be upgraded with high-DPI in mind.
Also, although it's true that the DAW has had many updates since it was acquired by Bandlab and is in the best state it has ever been in, the included plugins have seen no such improvements or updates. VX-64 Vocal Strip, PX-64 Percussion Strip, the Sonitus suite.. they are all exactly as they have always been, and have not been moved to VST3. I saw a theory that Bandlab might not actually have the source code for the plugins.. maybe? Not sure.
That said, it has some of the best features that a DAW can have, and a very logical workflow. Love it
Sounds about right. As for the source codes, that is an interesting angle.
Nice Video!
One small thing though...
Cakewalk isn't the most customizeable DAW...
That has to go to Reaper...
In this regard, it's just on another level.
I see a Samson C03u mic box set that includes Cakewalk about 12 years old in a thrift store for $32, should I get it? Does that sound like a good deal? Its actually £25 I'm in UK.
Cakewalk is FREE, as for the mic… depends on the condition.
I've been using the bandlab web browser daw to make simple songs and stuff and recently downloaded cakewalk. I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing and really wish there were simple tutorials to help me start making music. Do you know any good tutorials or have any tips?.
I can recommend Cakewalk as I've been using for a long time, but also because the latest version works really well for me. It's very stable, optimized, and has a ton of workflow features (some of which demonstrated in this video), and its MIDI editing is really good. I would gladly pay yearly for upgrades to my DAW software as I use it all the time, so Cakewalk being free is just a nice bonus - more money for VSTs! 🎹🎸🤘🏼😀
Thanks for sharing!
Hello! Thank you very much for the content you put up. I'm seriously considering switching to Cakewalk. In one of your videos you said that routinely we will encounter latency issues when using EQ on an aux track, if the EQ is not linear. I think using EQ on aux tracks is a very common practice, either to filter a reverb or to hype parallel compressed drums, or many other situations. Is this something that happens in Cakewalk in particular? Or using EQ on an aux track always introduce latency? I'm really looking forward to take the leap, but I mix with a lot of sends, groups, and auxiliares. Thanks again.
That issue is across the board in any DAW. The problem I was discussing was more centered around phase.
Linear EQs help to minimize phase issues versus traditional EQs.
@@Homestudiosimplifed Thank you for answering. I understand. One more user here then. Have a good one.
I use Cakewalk as well. Have been for the past 5 years and never looked back.
Awesomeness!
I was using cakewalk when I was in middle school and I always used it until I was probably 22. For whatever reason. When i got this new daw. I couldn’t get it to record or pick up my mic. I did everything possible. Idk man. I miss cakewalk but damn.
What driver mode are you running?
ASIO or MME-32bit
@@Homestudiosimplifed asio
@@ReelMuzikFein switch to MME and report back!
I've been thinking about downloading this. Is the mixer section un-dockable to view on a separate monitor?
Absolutely
Nice!
Since Sonar 2,2, its the best.
Yes!
I have installed Cakewalk. Just need to find ways to use it.
All this talk about BandLab and a bunch on links in the description but NO Link to the Download or at least their website 🤦♂
www.bandlab.com/
Do you know that we can stil install and use Z3ta+2 synth for free?
I believe so… with the legacy download links.
@@Homestudiosimplifed well... it looks like YT do not enter my post with links :/ how can I write you in private?
Email me: homestudiosimplified @ gmail dot com
@@Homestudiosimplifed Done
Twelve Tone Systems, out of Boston. I liked where Roland was taking it, a lot. Gibson did what Gibson does when they bought Cakewalk... But! It's still the best DAW for PC, easily.
Honestly if Roland still owned it, it may have been pricey. But, either way I love it!
I need a new computer for Cakewalk.
What should I look for?
Operating System: Windows 8/8.1, 10, or 11 (64-bit)
Processor: 2.6GHz Intel or AMD multi-core processor (at least Intel i5 or AMD A10 APU recommended)
Memory: 4GB
Hard Drive: 5GB for minimal install (20GB recommended)
Monitor Resolution: 1280x800 (1920 x 1080 recommended)
Audio Interface: ASIO compatible hardware is recommended
*Internet: An active internet connection is encouraged to install, authorize, and update Cakewalk by BandLab. After the program is authorized, it can be used offline. Cakewalk by BandLab can also utilize offline activation if needed.
@@Homestudiosimplifed @John Watson It looks like Bandlab did update the statement on minimum system requirements just hours or days ago. It now says at www.bandlab.com/products/cakewalk :
Minimum System Requirements:
Windows 8.1 or higher (64-bit only)
Multi-core Intel or AMD CPU
8GB RAM
3GB free disk space
1280x800 screen resolution
ASIO compatible hardware is recommended
It depends on your projects. If you use virtual instruments a lot, the PC needs to have more power. Personally, I would not go less than a new i7 CPU with at least 16 GB RAM, better 32 GB. You need large disk space (SSD) - high quality recordings take up quite some space. IMHO minimum 512 GB. Again, virtual instruments with sound libraries increase your demand (>= 1TB). And it helps with recordings if the cooling is quiet.
@@juergen_b thanks man!
@@juergen_b
Thanks, and separate drives for OS, audio, virtual instruments?
4k 60? the gainzz
😂
SECOND 2NONE....!!!
Right!
IT WAS (TWELVE TONES) WHEN I FIRST STARTED..... 🤣👍 TRIPLE O.G. USER...
@@ericlee9182 😅