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SONAR re-launches as free DAW Cakewalk by BandLab

The change comes off the back of Gibson's closure of Cakewalk last year...

Cakewalk SONAR has re-launched as a free DAW called Cakewalk by BandLab. The popular software was discontinued by owners Gibson last year, but has re-emerged with a new name and a free price tag. The Windows DAW retains all the features of Cakewalk's original SONAR Platinum version, including the channel strips and effects like EQ, convolution reverb, tape emulation and limiters. The GUI also remains the same, making Cakewalk one of the most comprehensive free DAWs available.

So what's the catch? The only one we can see is that you'll need BandLab Assistant – an application front-end for BandLab's services – to install the DAW.

Apart from that everything's included bar a few additional add-ons that were previously available to purchase. It sounds like an amazing opportunity for PC users to get hands-on with a fully-functioning professional DAW for free. It's currently in Early Access so head here to get started. While Cakewalk by BandLab excels at mixing, Live has always been considered more creative. Find out what's new in Live 10 here