Cakewalk Sonar vs MainStage
Cakewalk Sonar
cakewalk.comMainStage
apple.comSide by side
| Figure | Cakewalk Sonar | MainStage |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 8 |
| Spec score · Audio Editing Software | 8.2 (#35) | 5.8 (#131) |
| Spec score · Digital Audio Workstations | 8.1 (#13) | 6.3 (#39) |
| Spec score · Game Music Software | 8.1 (#9) | 6.2 (#27) |
| Spec score · Music Production Software | 8.1 (#10) | 6.2 (#26) |
Plans
Cakewalk Sonar
- Free TierFree
- BandLab ProPrice not published
- BandLab MaxPrice not published
- Sonar Free TierFree
- BandLab MembershipPrice not published
MainStage
- Apple Creator Studio$12.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio$129 a year
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$2.99 a month
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$2.99 a month
- Apple Creator Studio Educator and student$29.99 a year
- Educator and student Apple Creator Studio$29.99 a year
- MainStage for Mac$29.99, paid once
- Logic Pro for Mac$199.99, paid once
In their own words
Cakewalk Sonar
Cakewalk Sonar is a digital audio workstation for music production on Windows 11 and higher. It records multitrack projects with unlimited tracks, take lanes, and comping. Mixing tools include ProChannel console emulation and modular processing, plus Mix Recall for alternative mix scenes. MIDI features include a multi-track Piano Roll, articulation maps, and a Step Sequencer. VocalSync aligns vocal timing, while AudioSnap provides transient-based quantization and tempo adjustment. Sonar supports third-party plugins and video synchronization. Listed BandLab integrations include FX, instruments, effect chains, Sounds, Project Library, and CXF Project Exchange. Projects created in Cakewalk by BandLab can be opened and edited. Free and premium licenses require periodic online or offline activation renewal, although activated copies can run offline; the free license is currently indefinite subject to renewal. The Free Tier costs nothing and limits Arranger Track, ProChannel modules, and BandLab Sounds access. Suggested specifications are Windows 11 or higher, 16 GB RAM, an 8-core CPU, and ASIO-compatible hardware.