DP8 compared to Sonar X3
Posted: Sun May 24, 2015 11:56 am
For those wondering about the similarities and differences between these two DAWs, I can relate my experience. I am a classically-trained composer and have produced soundtracks for film, TV, animation, games, documentaries. I've also produced 13 CDs.
I used Sonar for 22 years and switched to DP last month.
DP is a superior program in almost every way. Ergonomics are better, color choices are greater, and, they work. Sonar's color choices have become confusing since they evolved the X series, many color options simply don't work.
MIDI functions are better, there are many more options and the functions have more depth. Quickscribe is superior, it can display tied and dotted triplets correctly, Sonar has never been able to do that. Also, DPs transport memory, though more complex, allows for better navigation control.
In regard to film scoring capabilities, there's no comparison. Chunks, songs, the V-rack and streamers, punches all make for the best scoring options I've seen in a DAW.
Audio: again, DP has more flexible options, particularly with volume envelopes.
Since I am new to DP, I am sure I've missed a lot things. But in general, I know I made the right decision to abandon Sonar, particularly because of the direction the company seems to moving in. In terms of music composition, DP is a professional program, it projects precision, depth and thoroughness.
DP might have a deeper learning curve, but I am biased because in using Sonar (and Pro Audio, etc.) for 22 years, I became so accustomed to the program that it is hard to compare.
JG
I used Sonar for 22 years and switched to DP last month.
DP is a superior program in almost every way. Ergonomics are better, color choices are greater, and, they work. Sonar's color choices have become confusing since they evolved the X series, many color options simply don't work.
MIDI functions are better, there are many more options and the functions have more depth. Quickscribe is superior, it can display tied and dotted triplets correctly, Sonar has never been able to do that. Also, DPs transport memory, though more complex, allows for better navigation control.
In regard to film scoring capabilities, there's no comparison. Chunks, songs, the V-rack and streamers, punches all make for the best scoring options I've seen in a DAW.
Audio: again, DP has more flexible options, particularly with volume envelopes.
Since I am new to DP, I am sure I've missed a lot things. But in general, I know I made the right decision to abandon Sonar, particularly because of the direction the company seems to moving in. In terms of music composition, DP is a professional program, it projects precision, depth and thoroughness.
DP might have a deeper learning curve, but I am biased because in using Sonar (and Pro Audio, etc.) for 22 years, I became so accustomed to the program that it is hard to compare.
JG