Do Pros Use Cakewalk Sonar?

YES.

Yes is the answer to the question, but there is much more to it.

Call me a geek, but I've read a lot of stuff about digital audio workstations (DAWs), and recording hardware and software in general.  There are still people who just don't get it.  Some people still think that Pro Tools is the tool of choice for all great artists, studios, engineers and producers.  I have even read comments from people who think that Pro Tools is the holy grail. All I have to say is, "that is a load of crap."

I have said it before and I will say it again, "there are several excellent pro digital audio workstation (DAW) options available today that will produce excellent quality audio.  It is a matter of personal choice."

If you want to build an extremely expensive board and have the hardware fully integrated with the DAW, then you should go with Pro Tools. But, with the technology we have today, why would you blows tens of thousands of dollars on all that hardware installation and software integration, when you can build a great recording setup for $5k to $10k (or even less)?  Why do you need your board to be a controller that runs your DAW?  My preference is to use the board to capture the audio with a nice analog flavor, for monitoring during recording and for playback.  I don't want the board to control the software, and I prefer to do all of the editing, mixing and mastering through the software interface, even if that includes routing audio through outboard gear (e.g. compressors).  

Do not let anyone tell you that pros do not use Cakewalk Sonar.  Do not let anyone tell you that hit songs are not produced using Cakewalk Sonar.  

Here is a web page that I found very interesting.  The info was posted back in 2002, which kind of blew my mind.  The article is about people who use Sonar, including: Bands, Musicians, Dance, DJ, Remix Artists & Producers, Producers, Engineers & Post Facilities Film, TV, & Video Game, Composers and Venues. 

Here is the source and the content (the web page is a mess, but the content is cool). 

http://kevincharlesbrandon.homestead.com/files/Professionals.html

"Cakewalk develops and markets the world’s leading software for music and sound production. Over 1,000,000 people worldwide use Cakewalk products daily to produce audio for CDs, film/video soundtracks, multimedia games, live stage sound and Internet music delivery. Here is a small sampling of professionals who use our products"

Bands/Professional Musicians

Aerosmith – Rock Legend Tom Hamilton, bass player and founding member of Aerosmith, 

Kevin Brandon - Bassist -Kevin is a renowned bass player who has recorded and/or performed with numerous bands including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, En Vogue, James Brown, George Benson, Gladys Knight, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G, and many others.

Brooks & Dunn – Top Country Act

Troy Klontz (Lap Steel), Lou Toomey (Bass), and other members of the Brooks & Dunn band

Jimmy Buffett – The Original Parrot Head

Armen Chakmakian – Keyboardist/Producer - Armen has received a Grammy nomination for his work with Shadowfax. He also Recently toured with Oscar De La Jola.

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies – Alternative Swing Band

George Clinton and The P-Funk All-Stars – The Atomic Dog

Coal Chamber – Nu Metal Act

Nadja Peulen (bass)

Ray Charles – 20th Century Icon

The name Ray Charles is on a Star on Hollywood Boulevard 's Walk of Fame. His bronze bust is enshrined in the Playboy Hall of Fame. The French Republic presented him a bronze medallion on behalf of its people. He has been honored by induction into three Halls of Fame: Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll. He has received many gold records and 12 Grammys...Ray is using SONAR to record and produce his next album.

Bobby Cochran – Guitarist/Producer -Veteran guitarist known for his work with Steppenwolf, Leon Russell, Bob Weir, Billy Cobham; and producer of Adrian Legg's last four solo albums.

DJ Davey Dave – Scratch DJ - Core member of Uberzone, who also toured/recorded with The Crystal Method and BT.

Dennis Davis - Drummer - This New York-based drummer has toured and recorded with David Bowie, George Benson, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder and many others.

Michael DeLorenzo – Actor/Musician - This actor from New York Undercover and Resurrection Blvd , and many movies is using SONAR to produce his upcoming solo album.

John Entwistle – Bass Legend -John Entwistle (The Who), bass player and vocalist, and members of his band Steve Luongo, drummer, and Godfrey Townsend, guitarist, all use SONAR in the studio

Halfcocked – New Glam Rock - This entire band currently recording for Megatronic/DreamWorks uses SONAR.

Kevin Kern – New Age Pianist - A visually impaired artist who has recorded three Billboard charting new age albums for Real Music: Summer Daydreams, Beyond the Sundial and The Enchanted Garden .

B.B. King - The King of the Blues - B.B. King has had a major impact on the development of modern blues and rock & roll. BB King uses SONAR

Megadeth – Seminal Metal Act -Dave Ellefson (bass) is using SONAR to write material for his next project.

Marcus Roberts – Jazz & Classical Pianist

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Rudy Sarzo – Bassist

Rudy Sarzo, bass guitarist for Quiet Riot. Rudy has also played bass for Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake.

Slipknot – Reigning Kings of Nu Metal - Sid #0, James #4, Craig #5, and Clown #6 use SONAR on the road and in the studio.

Douglas Spotted Eagle – Musician, Producer, New Media Visionary - 2001 Grammy winner for production work on The Gathering of Nations project, 2002 Grammy nominee, multiple Emmy nominee; new media visionary; Virgin/Higher octave recording artist; frequent speaker at digital media events.

System of a Down – Grammy Nominated Nu Metal Act - Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (guitar), Shavo Odadjian (bass) of this revolutionary band all use SONAR

Wu-Tang Clan – Hip Hop Dynasty - Various members of the Wu-Tang, including Mook and The RZA, use SONAR in the studio

Yes – Prog Rock Pioneers - Jon Anderson, songwriter, singer for Yes, uses SONAR on the road and in the studio. .

Dance, DJ, Remix Artists and Producers

DJ Davey Dave – Scratch DJ - Core member of Uberzone, who also toured/recorded with The Crystal Method and BT.

Doug DeAngelis - Producer, Film/Game Composer, Remixer and Engineer - Doug’s work has gone to #1 on the Billboard charts more than twenty times, been nominated for Grammy awards, and has been certified Gold and Platinum in sales. Credits include: Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Chaka Khan, The Pet Shop Boys, Roger S., Deep Dish, Danny Teneglia, Mood II Swing, and Junior Sanchez. Film & Game credits include music for: The Crow III, What Lies Beneath, 2Gether , NBC’s Third Watch, PlayStation 2, The Unreal Tournament sequel, Myst III’s “Exile” single, HBO, Disney, others.

Isom Green - Remix Producer - Credits include Dr. Dre, Whitney Houston, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dog

Rob King – Remix Producer, Game Music Supervisor - Billboard top ten dance remix artist (People's Underground Music is Pumping, and DJ Dado's Give me Love), video game music supervisor (Heroes of Might & Magic IV), currently a member of Extacy/Warner Bros recording artists Red Delicious.

Vincent Kwok – Remix Producer - Produces commercial house remixes for Arista Records & others. Recent credits include Usher's U Remind Me, Toya's I Do, and Kenny Lattimore's Weekend, Khaimar's Music for The People, and Arnold Jarvis' What Goes Around.

Aaron Stipkovich – Remix Producer & Audio Engineer - This producer has remixed singles for Korn, No Doubt, 311, Smashmouth, Chumbawumba, The Meat Puppets, Sublime, and many others. He has also produced sound for TV shows such as Mad About You, Party of Five, andJust Shoot Me.

Thievery Corporation – Electro Lounge Act & Remix Producers - Eric Garza & Rob Hilton both use a variety of Cakewalk products. Their Mirror Conspiracy & DJ Kicks albums were underground hits. Their latest disc Sounds from the Verve Hi-fi delves into the vaults of Verve, the seminal Jazz label. Garza and Hilton are in high demand as remixers with credits including the OM Lounge series and Ennio Morricone’s RMX compilation.

Mike "Hitman" Wilson - Producer and Remixer - #1-charting Billboard Producer with credits including: Shawn Christopher, Ghost Town DJs, Inner City, Michael Jackson, New Order, OMD, and White Zombie.

Wu-Tang Clan – Hip Hop Dynasty - Various members of the Wu-Tang, including Mook and The RZA, use SONAR in the studio and for recording while on the road.

Producers, Sound Engineers and Post Facilities

Bobby Cochran – Guitarist/Producer - Veteran guitarist known for his work with Steppenwolf, Leon Russell, Bob Weir, Billy Cobham; and producer of Adrian Legg's last four solo albums.

Wyn Davis – Producer/Engineer - Grammy-winning producer and engineer; Credits include: No Doubt and Sublime.

Doug DeAngelis - Producer, Film/Game Composer, Remixer and Engineer - Doug’s work has gone to #1 on the Billboard charts more than twenty times, been nominated for Grammy awards, and has been certified Gold and Platinum in sales. Credits include: Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Chaka Khan, The Pet Shop Boys, Roger S., Deep Dish, Danny Teneglia, Mood II Swing, and Junior Sanchez. Film & Game credits include music for: The Crow III, What Lies Beneath, 2Gether , NBC’s Third Watch, PlayStation 2, The Unreal Tournament sequel, Myst III’s “Exile” single, HBO, Disney, others.

Frank Farrell – Audio Engineer - Frank is an Audio Engineer for Kenny Rogers, and uses SONAR in pre-production. Frank has also toured with U2, The Who and Kitaro.

Bon Harris - Producer/Engineer/Programmer - Recently worked with Billy Corgan on Marilyn Manson's Holy Wood album; and the Smashing Pumpkin’s Adore.

Terry Howard – Producer and Engineer - Has worked with some of the greatest talent in the recording industry, including Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Jones. His work as a recording engineer and producer for Ray Charles has earned Terry two Grammy nominations. Currently using SONAR with Ray Charles to record his next album.

Magic Mendez – Producer - R & B producer who’s credits include: George Duke, Russ Freeman, the Rippingtons, The Whispers and others. Magic’s new band, Unified Tribe is currently in negotiation with many major labels.

Vernon Neilly – Producer - Used SONAR to produce a Seymour Duncan compilation featuring: Blink 182, Alien Ant Farm, 311, Papa Roach, and Slash's Snake Pit, amongst many others.

Jimmy Nichols – Producer - Has worked with Reba McEntire, Elton John, David Malloy, Darrel Singletary, and Mindy McReady. Currently producing demos for N'SYNC.

Terry Shelton – Producer & TV Composer - Terry is a Grammy Award-winning producer for The Recording Compound. He has produce artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Don Von Tress, Mark Collie and Charlie Daniel s. Terry has also recently produced music for Nature using SONAR.

Douglas Spotted Eagle – Musician, Producer, New Media Visionary - 2001 Grammy winner for production work on The Gathering of Nations project, 2002 Grammy nominee, multiple Emmy nominee; new media visionary; Virgin/Higher octave recording artist; frequent speaker at digital media events.

Aaron Stipkovich – Remix Producer & Audio Engineer - This producer has remixed singles for Korn, No Doubt, 311, Smashmouth, Chumbawumba, The Meat Puppets, Sublime, and many others. He has also produced sound for TV shows such as Mad About You, Party of Five, andJust Shoot Me.

Pablo Wheeler – Audio Engineer - Pablo, live sound engineer for Bob Dylan, David Bowie, David Byrne and others uses SONAR in his own audio productions.

Mike "Hitman" Wilson - Producer and Remixer - #1-charting Billboard Producer with credits including: Shawn Christopher, Ghost Town DJs, Inner City, Michael Jackson, New Order, OMD, and White Zombie.

Film, TV, and Game Composers

Chuck Carr – Game Composer - Chuck provides music for numerous PS2 titles for Sony Computer Entertainment.

Shawn Clement – Film, TV, and Game Composer - Recipient of ASCAP’s 2000 Film and Television Award for most Played Underscore. Shawn’s music can be heard on Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Dawson's Creek, The World's Wildest Police Videos , and many other productions. Game credits include: Disney Interactive’s Tarzan, and Batman Vengeance from Ubisoft.

Doug DeAngelis - Producer, Film/Game Composer, Remixer and Engineer - Doug’s work has gone to #1 on the Billboard charts more than twenty times, been nominated for Grammy awards, and has been certified Gold and Platinum in sales. Credits include: Nine Inch Nails, Madonna, Chaka Khan, The Pet Shop Boys, Roger S., Deep Dish, Danny Teneglia, and Junior Sanchez. Film & Game credits include music for: The Crow III, What Lies Beneath, 2Gether, NBC’s Third Watch, PlayStation 2, The Unreal Tournament sequel,Myst III’s “Exile” single, HBO, Disney, others.

Phil Engstrom - Phil works at Electronic Arts, a well-known interactive entertainment company that produces games for Sony Playstation and the PC. Phil has used Cakewalk Pro Audio to produce music for many Electronic Arts Game titles, including NATO Fighters.

Andy Garfield – Game Composer - Andy has scored numerous X-box, Playstation, and Nintendo games including Disney's Pearl Harbor, Emperor's New Groove , Hercules 64, X-Men.

Lee Jackson - Lee Jackson is the Music and Sound Director for 3D Realms Entertainment (formerly Apogee). He relies on Cakewalk Pro Audio to compose music for games, including the theme song for Duke Nukem.

Rob King – Remix Producer, Game Music Supervisor - Billboard top ten dance remix artist (People's Underground Music is Pumping, and DJ Dado's Give me Love), video game music supervisor (Heroes of Might & Magic IV), currently a member of Extacy/Warner Bros recording artists Red Delicious.

Jim Owen - Jim is a contractor for Disney Interactive. He composed, arranged and produced the music for Disney's Nightmare Ned. He is currently using Cakewalk Pro Audio to compose an accapella musical called 4a.m. Boogie Blues.

Bobby Prince – Game Composer - This world-renowned composer has created soundtracks for hundreds of computer games, including the originalDOOM, Duke Nukem , Wolfenstein and many others.

South Park - TV Series

D. A. Young, sound designer for Comedy Central's hit South Park series uses SONAR to produce audio for the show.

Lianne Sterling & Eric Swanson - Eric and Lianne use Pro Audio to create soundtracks and sound effects for interactive titles and games for Microsoft, Viacom, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Sega, Sony, Acclaim, Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Sunsoft, LucasArts, Konami, as well as many documentaries and feature films.

Timothy Wynn - Commercial Composer - Tim’s Sonic Fuel Music has provided cutting edge music for BMW, Energizer, Gatorade, Mazda, Nike and many others.

Venues

The Fleet Center – Boston Event Arena - Patrick Downie and John Mitchell produce music and do live performances for Celtic and Bruin games at the Boston Fleet Center with SONAR.

Minneapolis Metrodome – Event Arena - Tom Pearson uses SONAR to produce and playback all music and announcements heard during Viking and Twins games and other events. He also won a 1997 Emmy Award for music engineered for Days of Our Lives.