With the ability to record and manipulate both MIDI and digital audio files, Sonar 8 is a complete virtual recording studio. MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a set of standards capable of sending commands such as Note On and Note Off to nearly any synthesizer or sound module. It can be thought of as the digital equivalent of the paper rolls that control old player pianos.
Digital audio files are actual recordings saved in a digital format. Any sound can be "digitized" by Sonar and used in a project.
Sonar is capable of working with many virtual tracks of audio files, including vocals. These are mixed with other audio and/or MIDI files to create a final project.
Sonar also includes audio effects such as reverb, echo and compression. These "plugins" are an indispensable part of any recording studio. Several virtual instruments--created digitally from sound files alone--are included with Sonar 8, allowing users to record entire virtual bands.
A traditional music recording studio is centered on the mixing console, a large audio board with inputs for microphones and instruments. While hardware boards have a fixed number of tracks, Sonar's virtual studio tracks are limited only by your computer's memory. Your studio can be created using any of the included templates or inventing your own virtual spaces.
Sonar also keeps track of your projects, creating folders and sub-folders as necessary to keep your music project files in one place.
The Sonar 8 Manual, located on Disk 1 as a 1500+ page PDF file, is the best place to learn the basics of the program. The manual includes nine tutorials, ranging from "Creating, playing and saving projects" to "Exporting, CD burning and sharing." These tutorials are an easy way to learn the basics of Sonar 8.
Free video tutorials can be found online. Many of these are task specific and explain how to solve particular recording challenges.
When working with new tools in the music field, the ultimate goal is a listenable song, be it pop hit or symphony. Sonar's graphics and new audio gadgets can be distracting. Listen to your mix. Sonar 8 makes it easy to hear each and every step of the recording and mix down processes.
You can "solo" individual tracks, listening to each in isolation. You can also group together sub-mixes within your project and listen to smaller groups of instruments. Effects can be added to these solo or grouped tracks as well. For example, you can add reverb to a group of orchestral string instruments while leaving the trumpet track alone.
Sonar 8's design makes it accessible to most musicians, but it's probably not the best choice for the casual home user who just wants to burn a few CDs. It is a sophisticated platform that's used by professional musicians throughout the world.