What I Love About Sonar X1

So this past week I was in Ontario, helping a fellow TRR reader overhaul his home studio, and I did the unthinkable: I mixed a track in Sonar. I know, it sounds crazy considering I’m a Pro Tools guy who’s never even used Sonar. But as I was stumbling my way through the mix I learned that there is something I like very much about Sonar X1. The ProChannel.

Built In EQ And Compression

Built into every track in Sonar X1 Producer is what they call the ProChannel. It’s basically an EQ, compressor, and tube saturation plugin in one already setup and easy to use interface. You get the choice of either an 1176 type compressor or an SSL bus comp, a simple parametric EQ with knobs only, and a simple three knob saturation effect. Nothing else.

What’s so special about this you might say? Surely you can’t be impressed with a couple of plugins made to look like a console, right? I’ll tell you what’s awesome about this: simplicity and focus, that’s what.
 

Simplicity And Focus

When I was ready to mix a track for these guys, I had no clue what plugins they had available or how they might sound. With unfamiliar interfaces to learn I knew I was doomed before I even started. Then I noticed the ProChannel and I thought to myself, “Why don’t I just use that for the entire mix?!”

That was it, my decision making for 90% of the mix was done. I had EQ, compression, and saturation for each and every track, all at my fingertips, and all with a simple console like view. No more decision making or plugin hunting. Just good ole fashion “analog” mixing. Grab the knobs and create a friggin’ mix.

The Power Of Limitations

In a matter of minutes I was sculpting a clear and punchy mix, using nothing but the ProChannel. It was truly the power of limitations at work. With no more options (a false limitation to be sure), I had to just use the EQ and compression to get my sound. I actually got a better mix faster because I wasn’t searching for something new and fancy looking to insert into my tracks.

Of course you don’t need the ProChannel or Sonar X1 to focus your efforts and churn out a pro sounding mix. It’s just a great example of how you don’t need much more than an EQ and a compressor for a great mix. And the sooner you believe that, the sooner your mixes will start to improve. Trust me.