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x64 - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is SONAR x64 Edition?

2) How will I benefit from 64-bit technology?

3) What do I need to get started with SONAR x64 Edition?

4) What audio interfaces does SONAR x64 Edition currently support?

5) What if my favorite plug-in manufacturer does not provide 64-bit versions?

6) What features are not supported in SONAR x64 Edition at this time?

7) What control surfaces are supported under SONAR x64?

8) What Cakewalk programs can I install under a 64 bit OS?


1) What is SONAR x64 Edition?

SONAR x64 Edition is a fully native 64-bit version of SONAR , the definitive audio production environment on the Windows platform. SONAR Studio and Producer include installation packages for both 32bit and 64bit environments. You can only install SONAR x64 under Windows Vista x64 edition.

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2) How will I benefit from 64-bit technology?
Windows x64 combined with 64-bit capable Intel or AMD processor-based workstations provide significant advantages to musicians when running native 64-bit music applications like SONAR 8 x64.
SONAR x64 Edition allows access to 1 terabyte (1024 GB) of RAM, well beyond the current 2 GB limit offered by today's 32-bit applications. This provides users with nearly unlimited potential for working with RAM intensive projects that make extensive use of samplers and numerous audio loops and tracks.

SONAR x64 Edition provides users with the ability to load large sample banks, libraries, and audio clips into RAM, thereby eliminating the latency introduced by disk streaming. SONAR x64 Edition sees CPU performance benefits from the increased number of internal registers included with x64 processors.

The increase in processing performance can result in more simultaneous tracks, realtime effects, and virtual instruments, along with closer to real-time latency for mixing and performance.

Intel and Microsoft have created a special video hosted by Cakewalk's Brandon Ryan that explains the benefits of 64-bit computing for musicians. A highlight of the video is SONAR 5 running an enormous project by film composer Shawn Clement, that utilizes 17 virtual instruments, 42 effects, 150 tracks, and full screen digital video—all running simultaneously on an Intel multicore workstation. Watch the video on the Microsoft site.

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3) What do I need to get started with SONAR x64 Edition?

  • A workstation equipped with an Intel processor with EM64™ technology, such as a Xeon™ "Nocona" processor; or an AMD processor from the Athlon 64 processor family. Note: SONAR x64 Edition is not compatible with Itanium™ based systems.
  • Windows Vista x64. Retail copies of Windows Vista include both 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
  • 64-bit audio and video drivers (see the next question).

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4) What audio interfaces does SONAR x64 Edition currently support?

SONAR x64 Edition requires 64-bit audio drivers, currently available from the following hardware manufacturers:

  • Edirol has 64-bit drivers for the following devices: UA-1000, UA-25, UM-880, UM-1 series, PCR series. Visit www.cakewalk.com/x64/edirolx64.asp to download a 64-bit driver for these devices.
  • E-MU has 64-bit drivers for the E-MU Digital Audio System Series (0404 / 1212M / 1616 / 1616M / 1820 / 1820M). Visit E-MU at http://www.emu.com/support/ to download 64-bit drivers for these devices.
  • Creative Labs has a 64-bit driver for the SoundBlaster Live/Audigy/Audigy 2 Series. Visit Creative Labs at  http://support.creative.com/ to download a 64-bit driver for these sound cards.
  • M-Audio offers a complete set of 64-bit beta drivers for their Delta and FireWire product lines. Visit M-Audio at http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=driver to download a 64-bit driver for your M-Audio interface.
  • RME Fireface.
  • Check out the Cakewalk Audio Hardware Guide for a list of our recommended interfaces.

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5) What if my favorite plug-in manufacturer does not provide 64-bit versions?

This is where SONAR's BitBridge™ comes in. BitBridge enables the use of 32-bit VST effects and instruments in SONAR's 64-bit environment. BitBridge technology extends the viability and use of your favorite VST plug-ins; ensures future compatibility of freeware, even for the most obscure, independently developed shareware plug-ins. In some cases installing the 32bit version of SONAR on your 64bit OS is necessay.

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6) What features are not supported in SONAR x64 Edition at this time?
    • ReWire support for 32-bit clients like Project 5 V2, Reason 2, and Fruity Loops
    • 32-bit DirectX plug-ins
    • DreamStation DXi2
    • VSTi MIDI Output
    • MPEX time/pitch stretching. A 64-bit library is not available for the MPEX time/pitch stretching algorithm, so this feature is not supported in SONAR x64. SONAR's internal time/pitch stretching will be used instead. You can also any AudioSnap features, such as Slip-Stretching as an alternative.
    • Microsoft has yet to provide x64 codecs for the following formats, so they are not yet supported:
      • MP3 import
      • Windows Media Video import/export
    • Apple has yet to release QuickTime for Windows x64, so QuickTime import/export is not yet supported. Note: MPG 1 movie files can be imported.

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7) What control surfaces are supported under SONAR x64?

SONAR 8 - x64 Edition supports the following control surfaces:

  • SONAR V-Studio 700
  • SONAR V-Studio 100
  • Mackie Universal (and XT)
  • Red Rover
  • SAC 2K
  • Motormix
  • Tascam US-428
  • Edirol PCR M30
  • Edirol PCR 300
  • Generic Surface
  • StudioMix
  • Joystick Panner

Please note that if the control surface connects to your system via USB or FireWire it will need 64-bit drivers. This is not the case if it connects via MIDI.


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8) What Cakewalk programs can I install under a 64 bit Operating System?

Any application that is specifically supported under Vista or Windows 7, has also been approved to function under Vista x64 or Windows 7 x64 (in 32-bit emulation mode). This means that if an application such as: Guitar Track Pro 4, Music Creator 5, or SONAR Home Studio 7 does not list 64-bit OS support on he packaging or system requirements, this is only referring to native 64-bit support. Unlike SONAR, the for mentioned programs contain only 32-bit versions of the program, whereas SONAR contains separate 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the disc.

If you are running a 32 bit program under an x64 Operating System you should expect it to work just as well as running under a 32-bit OS; however, you will not see the same benifits as a SONAR x64 user, such as increased RAM utilization. 32-bit applications are still limited to accessing 2-3GB of RAM even in a 64-bit environment.
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