SONAR 7 x64 Edition FAQ

The information in this article applies to:

• SONAR 7
• SONAR 6
• SONAR 5
• SONAR Power Studio

What is SONAR 7 x64 Edition?

SONAR 6 x64 Edition is a fully native 64-bit version of SONAR 7, the definitive audio production environment on the Windows platform.

How will SONAR users benefit from 64-bit technology?

SONAR 7 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 7 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 7 x64 Edition sees CPU performance benefits from the increased number of internal registers included with x64 processors.

What do I need to get started with SONAR 7 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 7 x64 Edition is not compatible with Itanium™ based systems.
• Windows XP Professional x64. An evaluation version is available on CD or as a download. Visit Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx for more information.
• 64-bit audio and video drivers (see the next question).

What audio interfaces does SONAR 7 x64 Edition currently support?

SONAR 7 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 preview.creativelabs.com/emu 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 preview.creativelabs.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 www.m-audio.com/audio64beta/ to download a 64-bit driver for your M-Audio interface.
• RME Fireface.
• More to come

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

This is where SONAR 7'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.

The Technology Preview did not support control surfaces. Does SONAR 7 x64 Edition?

Yes. SONAR 7 x64 Edition supports the following control surfaces:

• Mackie Universal.
• Red Rover
• SAC 2K
• Motormix
• Generic Surface
• Joystick Panner
• More Coming!

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.

What features are not supported in SONAR 7 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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