Recording With Sonar Software

[ritz38]

We recently upgraded our mixing console to a Roland M-400 & purchased Sonar X1 Producer. Turns out, X1 is not compatible (yet) with Windows 7 64-bit, so we had to "downgrade to Sonar 8.0.

We didn't realize we needed the Edirol FA-66.
And on top of that we need the REAC Sonar driver disc (another $250).

Does anyone have any insight on where we could get a gently used inexpensive FA-66? Or maybe even a driver disc that's not $250? Or is Roland the only place to get these things?

Thanks for any advice/input. Maritza

[Tim Padrick]

"The following are the minimum recommended system requirements for SONAR X1 Producer.

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 (32-bit)/Vista Service Pack 2 (32- or 64-bit)/Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit)"

[bladeaudio]

From the Roland website....

Up to 40 channels of multi-track audio can be recorded by simply connecting
a Cat5e cable from the REAC Split port on the M-400 V-Mixer to a gigabit
network port on your PC running Cakwalk's SONAR. You can connect the
V-Mixing System to Edirol's video mixers for a completely integrated audio
and video performance solution.

Why do you need the FA-66?

[ritz38]

I don't know. When I called Roland Systems Group, the tech support rep I spoke with told me we HAD to have the FA-66. Part of me hopes you don't tell me I don't need it because I just got one off ebay. This project has been so complicated. Roland also told me we need the driver disc.

I really don't know what the issue is. All I know is that we bought the Sonar X1 & it doesn't work to record & Cakewalk told us we needed 8.0. I would have thought the latest version would be the most compatible, but apparently not.

[bpalermini]

Is your PC running Win 7 Professional? If so you could try running Sonar X1 Producer in XP mode.

[ritz38]

Yes we are running Windows 7 Pro. How do I run in "XP Mode"?

[bpalermini]

Click the link in my post. It will take you to the MS page that explains how to do it. I haven't need to use XP mode but from what I hear it is very good. It is a XP virtual machine running in Windows 7.

[Gracetech]

After dealing with this myself and talking to the techs and trying to get them to update their literature, this is what i have found out.

There is no mention anywhere in any of their manuals or on their webside saying that you have to buy their REAC recording kit. Yet buying the REAC recording Kit is the only way to make this work. By work, i mean get the REAC driver for Sonar Producer. Truth is you could use any version of Sonar with the REAC driver and for that matter any audio interface that you want. Of course without the REAC driver you are sunk so they force you to buy the whole kit to stick you for a little more money. For all the money that was shelled out for our REAC system including the driver disc is the least they should do. If i didn't like the integrated solution so much i would be tempted to trash talk Roland into the dirt.

If you call up to Roland you will be told that you have to have thier REAC recording Kit, which is technically correct. They will also tell you that you need their audio interface, which is a lie. They will also tell you that the driver only works with Sonar Producer, also a lie.

If you are getting a Roland system you would do yourself a favor by bundling the REAC Recording kit with system so save yourself a few dollars.

Right now i'm talking to a couple of friends of mine to see how hard it would be to come up with a Open Source Driver. If anyone comes across any information on someone already working on one let me know.

crt

[lxkev]

Hi, We have the same problem.

I think its really cheap of roland not have the driver available, we bought the m400, already own the sound card. bought sonar........

No driver!!!

The remote software for the desk is free, so why on earth isn't the driver!

Has anybody found a work around for this?

[Gracetech]

I ended up beating up my dealer until i got ahold of the direct distributor and ordered just the driver directly from them. I got it for what seems like a reasonable price but i'm not allowed to post it anywhere. If you would like i can PM you.

I still think the situation is really fowled up and hope they correct this.

crt

[lxkev]

If you could pm me, that would be great.

If they made there diver open to all software recording. Im sure more people would use the desk.

[Gracetech]

Just a note that they are now offering the driver by itself.

http://www.roland.com/products/en/S-RDK/

crt