Release date: Thursday, January 15, 2004

Cakewalk® Releases Free 3.1 Update for SONAR Producer and Studio Editions

WINTER NAMM (Booth 6800), Anaheim, CA (January 15, 2004)—Cakewalk, developer of the world's best-selling music and sound software for Windows, released the 3.1 update for SONAR 3, the industry-standard, software-based production environment.

The SONAR 3.1 update provides enhancements that include multi-processor optimization, support for all sample rates, high quality file import/export audio conversion utilizing Windowed Sinc resampler, adjustable EQ plot resolutions, missing plug-in protection, StudioMix control surface plug-in, and a revised Play List view. The update also addresses a number of minor bugs discovered after SONAR 3 began shipping.

SONAR 3.1 Highlights

• Multiprocessor optimization — SONAR’s audio engine distributes mixing tasks across multiple CPU's in multi-processor studio environments.
• Support for any sample rate, with presets for most common sample rates — you can now set SONAR’s project sample rate to any sample rate supported by your hardware. For sample rates not supported by presets simply type in any value supported by your audio device, e.g., 88.2kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz, etc.
• High-quality sample rate conversion when importing and exporting audio — SONAR now utilizes the ultra high quality Windowed Sinc resampler algorithm.
• Placeholders for missing plug-ins — if any plug-ins are detected as missing when loading a project, SONAR will create a temporary "placeholder" plug-in. This allows you to edit projects without losing any references to missing plug-ins, and SONAR will automatically load missing plug-ins the next time they are detected as being installed.
• Adjustable EQ plot resolution — providing more control over how EQ plots are displayed in individual channel strips. New auto-zoom options include the following resolutions via the Plot Show/Hide button in the Console view: Auto (default), +/-6 , +/-12 ,+/-18, (Producer Edition only).
• Increased tempo range — maximum tempo has been increased to 1000 BPM.
• Reset All Meters command — clears meter clips and resets numeric peak values in all views simultaneously for all meters.
• "Fit Tracks to Window” and “Fit Project to Window" commands now work in the Bus pane when it is the active view.
• All toolbars can now be shown/hidden via key bindings.
• StudioMix control surface plug-in.
• Control surfaces can now be assigned to control Channel EQs (Producer Edition only).

SONAR 3 Producer Edition extends creativity with fast, intuitive controls that capture and excite inspiration; precise tools for accurate, effective real-time editing; and unparalleled customization, allowing for the fine-tuning of the studio to match your workflow. SONAR 3 boasts over 100 new features and refinements that include: streamlined UI with all new Track and Console views; Universal Bus Architecture; VST/VSTi support; enhanced MIDI routing and synth layering; MIDI Groove Clips; multi-port MTC/MIDI sync transmission; confidence recording of audio, MIDI, and automation; VSampler 3.0 DXi; Ultrafunk Sonitus:fx Suite; and Lexicon® Pantheon™ Reverb.

SONAR 3 Studio Edition is a special version of SONAR 3 designed for project studios and aspiring professionals. SONAR 3 Studio Edition is built upon the same core engine and feature set of the SONAR 3 Producer Edition and includes the "LE" light version of the Lexicon® Pantheon™ Reverb. The SONAR 3 Studio Edition does not include per-channel EQs, assignable channel FX controls, VSampler 3.0 DXi and additional CDs of sample content, and Ultrafunk Sonitus:fx Suite.

Pricing and Availability

The SONAR 3.1 Update is available now. Registered SONAR 3 users can download the SONAR 3.1 update for free at www.cakewalk.com. SONAR 3 Producer Edition has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $719 U.S.(MSRP); SONAR Studio Edition is $479 U.S. (MSRP). For more information, visit Cakewalk at Winter NAMM Booth 6800; Cakewalk on the web at www.cakewalk.com; or call 888-CAKEWALK (617-423-9004 outside U.S.).

About Cakewalk, Inc.
Cakewalk, Inc. is the world's leading developer of powerful, yet easy to use products for music creation and recording:

• Award-winning Digital Audio Workstations and Sequencers
• Integrated Music Hardware and Software Solutions
• Powered Stereo Monitors
• High-quality Digital Audio and MIDI Interfaces
• MIDI Keyboard Controllers
• Innovative Virtual Instruments and Effects
• Entry-level Consumer Products

Millions of musicians around the world choose Cakewalk products to produce audio for the professional music, film, broadcast, and video game industries. These customers include Grammy® and Emmy®-winning producers, composers, sound designers and engineers. We invite you to learn more about our company and products by visiting www.cakewalk.com.

Cakewalk is a registered trademark and the Cakewalk logo and SONARare trademarks of Cakewalk, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned are held by their respective owners. All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice.