How I accidentally became Mr. Cakewalk

[@LeanBearMusic]

Cakewalk might just be the most underrated and most unjustly maligned software on the planet.

[@petemurr9822]

I totally agree. I think the Gibson period has left a bad taste. The DAW itself is phenomenal and still very relevant. Cakewalk was in bed with Microsoft, Roland and Gibson. Some of the people that had been developing Cakewalk moved across to start Studio One, after the sour grapes Gibson caused. Bandlab has developed the software and it still ROCKS and has a great workflow.

[@BuddieOLLi]

Agree

[@patrickglaser1560]

Cakewalk was my second DAW after 32bit Adobe Audition, it had a steep learning curve but quickly became a... Cakewalk

[@trevorbayfield4006]

Lots of channels do a reasonable job of cakewalk basics, but your attention to detail, clearly explained for every step is everything you need. My "go to" when I need an explanation and "how to". Absolutely essential.

[@CreativeSauce]

Awesome! Thank you :)

[@10sinbad]

I'll second that, my go to channel. Thanks for the interesting background info Mike.

[@billwright1620]

I have apreciated Mike's tutorials and insights on Cakewalk but, due to the lack of acceptance of Cakewalk as a 'major' DAW, and the ambiguity about it's future, I have jumped ship and bought Cubase and am making the transition. I am older than Mike and I worked with Cakewalk since it was a DOS based product in the old days. I was also a beta tester for their Cakewalk 3.0 and 5.0 for Windows and had a few converstaions with its creator, Greg Hendershot. This has been a hard decision and, at age 72, it is a BIG leap if faith and a learning curve for me. Now that I am retiired from the corporate world, I hope to make this transition in a few short months. Thanks again Mike for all the great information over the years.

[@petemurr9822]

I tried Studio One and couldn't see why I should learn the DAW when Cakewalk was still incredibly a fantastic DAW. People jump ships and find out later that they could have actually jumped the gun. I think people should stick with Cakewalk until it is absolutely proven that it is a dead DAW with no future.

[@andore8639]

You're much more than Mr Cakewalk Mike, your teachings also apply to every other DAW

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you :)

[@jimbarrett5462]

I know that it’s been somewhat challenging very recently, but I wanted to pass along my kudos and congratulate you on constantly providing excellent content. Your production quality is professional and consistent, and you always put forth a great energy!

[@rager-69]

Finally, Mike's origin story! Thanks for sharing.

[@erhanmusician]

A well known person who makes videos on Cubase was recently introducing the new version. He mentioned something like moving busses or switching fx inserts on busses and used the words ecactly: "This is why Cubase is the real DAW, the others are unprofessional and gimmicky". Actually that he mentioned and 90% of the last two Cubase versions' features were implemented by Sonar 20 years ago.

[@davidnayir]

I am a 70+ years old retired engineer and amateur musician. I use cakewalk for my pleasure. I always open one of your relevant tutorials while I am using cakewalk and follow step by step your instructions. They are easy to follow and understand. Thanks mate.

[@ShaileshSharmasolan]

What a wonderful video. I would like to add I am 60 years old, and I learnt Cakewalk from you a couple of years ago. And I really enjoy the time I spend in a small studio that I have made in one of the rooms in my home. Thank you so much 😊

[@keith3696]

Always my go to when it comes to Cakewalk.

[@CreativeSauce]

:)

[@nodaysback1]

*Hey Mike, I hope u'r well!* As a long time Cakewalk user from version X1 all the way thru Sonar Platinum, I am grateful that your collection of Cakewalk feature demonstration videos is available to refer to if I need a primer on one of the many features in the software that I have never used or was previously unaware of. *Thank You! The Community of Cakewalk Users around the world Appreciates You!*

[@Azfun6]

It may have been unintentional Mike, but you are extraordinary at teaching. I have used Cakewalk all ny life, but really knew nothing until I found you. Thank you for all you do, have done and continue to do for everyone.

[@limpet9]

Your kind of content, with its tutorial videos, and general good humoured encouragement is one of the very best parts of the internet. You should be proud that you have been a big part of it and such an enormous help to all of us. It is invaluable. Thanks mate. I hope you`re well.

[@CreativeSauce]

I am indeed. Thank you :)

[@Belgium046]

Something to be proud of !!! I for myself , beeing an older analog musician , started to install and record music with the cakewalk daw , AFTER seeing some video's you've made . Clearly explained and so i took the step in the digital music world , without any regrets . Like i've said before : Forever thankfull for wat you have done for me on my way to Fame and Fortune 🤘🤘🤘

[@martynroach182]

Thanks for everything Mike, and thanks for staying with Cake for the time being....and hoping.....

[@petermurr1397]

I still admire Cakewalk, I believe Bandlab will keep developing the incredible DAW it IS. User since the 90s.

[@HouseMerlot]

Same here.. since the 90s. Still using CWB without a problem. Will most likely move to Sonar if CWB ever stops working

[@joegrint6280]

Surely it should be Sir Cakewalk 🙂

[@eshortsax]

Thanks for sharing this Mike. I must admit, I was a little hesitant to click because of a post I saw recently but I am glad to see you in good spirits 😊 If it wasn’t clear a lot of us, the vast majority of us, appreciate all you do and the FREE HELP you’ve given us 🙏🏽Thanks for sharing with us Mike and A HUGE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE AND CONTINUOUSLY DO!!!! As a wonderful man always say “Thank you, and I hope you’re well” 😊

[@randypulley8783]

Great video. Always good to hear more of your story. It’s really to their detriment that they didn’t make you a part of their paid team. I consider you one of Cakewalk’s biggest supporters and truly thought you had very close contact with the management and developers. This was a big surprise!

[@joibjalla]

Thanks for sharing your story and your knowledge over the years. And you're welcome 😊.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank YOU!

[@doodaman4990]

Mike, I can't tell you how much I've learned and enjoyed your tutorials and videos. I always refer to your channels whenever I'm in need of "how do you do this?" type of questions. Like you, I have drifted away from Cakewalk due in part to what I considered to be mostly poor communication with its users. I now am in the process of learning PreSonus Studio One and find your channel for that very helpful as well. You've earned the respect from those who have benefitted from your knowledge. Thank you for all your hard work from this "Old Timer"!

[@lwd_music]

Inspirational! So glad it's worked out for you. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you, and thanks for listening.

[@Tuckerd-ybp]

Spoken very nicely and truly heart felt. I didn't know anything about your background and how you got to be where you are now. I laugh when people talk about overnight successes. Keep up the great work.

[@thepatzer]

This is SUCH an amazing story, and very inspiring. I’m glad you found your way to sharing your passion for music and enabling production for everyone. Your videos are always supportive, warm, and understanding. Thanks so much for sharing, and congratulations on the success you’ve found doing this!

[@danpettimusic]

I'll always be grateful for discovering Cakewalk during Covid. I had waited until my 30s to finally learn this stuff, having always rejected technology for most of my life. Having Cakewalk for free was incredible and allowed me to learn. Thank YOU Mike for your channel and helping me so much. I have now switched to Cubase, and I kind of miss watching Mike's videos everyday, but there is still great general content as well and I'll always appreciate it!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks man. I'm honoured to have helped get you started. Cubase is also a wonderful DAW

[@danpettimusic]

@CreativeSauce thanks so much! I would not be producing the music I am right now if it wasn't for Cakewalk, and your tutorials got me out of so many late night struggles lol. Looking forward to more of your general content. Happy you're in a better place Now too compared to those earlier years. All the best

[@DavidKlaver]

You're very honest and brave telling about yourself to everyone. I started watching your channel when I got CakeWalk and I was standing on the same carpet when they pulled out from under your feet. There are few threads left to hold onto and they can incinerate them at any time by turning off the server need to log in to run it. Be yourself and say what's going on, let everyone know when there's a great free DAW, it's difficult to pay ancient to plug-ins if there's no way to use them.

[@ChrisM541]

Thanks Mike, really, really appreciate everything you've done for us Cakewalk users. For most of us, it's unlikely we'll be moving onto another DAW for as long as the current versions (free or paid) fit our needs. That means, we'll always be here if you do anything else for Cakewalk. Such a shame that the Bandlab owners (not the Cakewalk developers) have taken this route - I find it difficult to imagine any significant new owners of the paid versions when they fail to even try to market it. However, I also appreciate they are in an unfortunate situation with the full version of Cakewalk (Sonar) having existed for a number of years at no cost to its users. Added to this, we should also remember Bandlab fixed issues and updated Cakewalk on numerous times at no cost to ourselves. How do you market this new paid version, a version that differs little from the free version? If Bandlab do make enough profit from their other/overall endeavours then maybe they can reconsider keeping it as a free product...including those upgrades? Perhaps that's asking too much? Perhaps not?

[@mikeanderson4928]

Great video! Been following nearly from the beginning. Am a loooooong time Cakewalk user and your frustration 1000%. Thanks so much for being THE goto source for all us CW users

[@patrickmcclellan8726]

I started watching you Mike because of your expertise and willingness to share and teach us beginners all about Cakewalk. But I watch you now for you, not the software. You've always been candid with us and we love that about you. And if you never made another Cakewalk video, we'll be ok because of the body of work you already put out there. And I look forward to whatever is next for you as I think you'd even make insurance selling interesting and fun. Meanwhile, thank you for everything so far!

[@d1g1dave]

I'm now 63, you got me back into writing & producing my own music a couple of years ago. I learnt recording on a Tascam 244 40 years ago and then real life stopped me from recording. Without your help a couple of years ago I could never have got to grips with any DAW but with your help I got to grips with CakeWalk! I've transitioned from CW to Reaper - but that is due to the uncertainty regarding CW, not the uncertainly regarding Mike! I will continue to watch your output no matter what because I ALWAYS learn something. Thank you. I hope you are well Mike!

[@michaelscott8992]

This is perhaps the best video you've done, Mike. It was quite evident to me that your audience really matters, not only for the views or likes, but that you genuinely care about what the viewer comes away with. Thank you so much for your background story, as it really humanizes and removes the veiled "I'm just another" KZbin "expert", of which is mostly a tiresome treadmill of clones and clichés for my liking, because no matter how many try to be unique and have some kind of personality, it ends up seeming more disingenuous and phony, no matter the information presented. So glad your KZbin channel is going well for you as it's been a long, challenging road and you deserve it. Thank you for being real because that comes across as much as your expertise, and both together are rare in my book. All the best to you in the coming new year, both on the channel and outside of it 🙂

[@Mark_Rogerson]

Well said, Mike! And loved hearing the backstory! I'm exactly the profile of the 'person' you describe in this video. Through Cakewalk I've rediscovered a thing that brings me genuine JOY. Your channel has been a massive part in getting me started in 2020 to now being pretty 'fluent' with the software. BUT also you provide much more to us listeners in terms of the overall music production process and equipment/gear comment in a sensible and considered way. There's a lot of people making content in this huge music production 'area' and I have often felt I have wasted time on many. So... I have become very selective about who/what I watch and listen to. Creative Sauce is one of only 4 go-to sites for me, regardless of Cakewalk content or not. Mike for PM!

[@joegrint6280]

Hi Mike - Thanks for the clarification on the future of you & Cakewalk (and on filling in a bit more on your backstory - hope you are writing all this down for your memoirs). I think that seems an entirely reasonable approach and, for me at least, there are so many riches in the work you have done already that they will give me the hit whenever I need a fix of Cakewalk tuition! really glad that you are keeping those videos up. I haven't had time (or, to be honest, inspiration) to do much with CbB recently so will be referring back regularly to them I have no doubt! Meanwhile looking forward to future reviews and audio production hints & tips!

[@Angus_Macgregor]

I'm glad you are happy and in a good place with your presence on KZbin. You certainly helped me a lot in the past and I'm sorry that after a number of months, I had to cancel my patreon donation (retired early due to ill health and things got tight). But I still hope that cakewalk continues into the future, though I have switched to Studio one myself. Thanks again! 👍

[@HouseMerlot]

Wow! What a fantastic video! I am exactly like one of those middle aged (old) guys you've described. I can't believe there are so many of us worldwide that it made a positive difference here on your channel. I often feel a little guilty for "looking back fondly" on the Covid pandemic, but in March of 2020 I was sheltered in place, unable to go to my stressful job, and had all the tools and time I needed to kick my home recording skills up a few notches. Could not have done it without this channel! Thank you Mike Enjo! You have a true talent for imparting knowledge.

[@davebops2478]

Thanks for sharing your story, Mike. You're a bloody one-off, mate: massive knowledge and a really friendly guy! Thanks for all the help you've given me and my little band - couldn't have done it without you...

[@tommyjams7403]

STILL using Cakewalk, I never updated it this last time around because I didn't trust it. Glad I didn't!

[@alexn4217]

Yes, Mike. That middle aged user who just wanted to do music again for self fulfillment and pure joy of doing it - that's me. So, I thank you, thank you, thank you for making it easier for us!

[@grammophone1]

I was a Sonar customer before I quit and I restarted recently many years later. I might be still totally failing, but thank you for helping me as I am dreaming.

[@jimfogle184]

Mike, I appreciate your honesty, good humor, teaching skills but most of all your wiliness to share your humanity with us. Watching your videos I feel I've been able to personally get to know you. Thank you for sharing more of your back story with us. Stay well and thank you for all you do.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you so much Jim. You've been an amazing supporter over the years! The journey isn't over yet :)

[@mikescofield]

Mike, 90% of what I know about recording, mixing and mastering I learned from you via your Cakewalk tutorials. You're a fantastic teacher and human being. Unfortunately for Bandlab, I was one of those users who bailed out in the past year because of Cakewalk's uncertain future. I'm now an Ableton Live user, though I haven't found it to be that much more of an upgrade for the kind of music I produce. Thanks for everything and continued success!

[@peoplelikefrank]

Really cool video about your journey. Thanks for your insights. I am not a cakewalk or S1 user but found your videos always helpful and liked your style.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you :)

[@G_handle]

Let me just say.... Thank You Mike!

[@pipercub45]

12 maybe 15 years ago I wanted to get into creating music for fun. I bought Cubase and WaveLab version 4. That's how long ago it was. Getting to the point of explaining how the program works I could never get an answer of how, of all things, how to create more than one track. I read the manual a lot not finding what I wanted. I tried asking newby questions to the forum not knowing what to ask and never got an answer except read the manual. At this time I had a Korg Wavelab EX and a Korg Z1 not really being able to use them properly. 10 years later I discovered Cakewalk. A free DAW! What could I lose. And then the best thing. I discovered Mr. Cakewalk. Creative Sauce! Explaining to me how Cakewalk worked very understandable. There is still a lot to learn and I can re watch the video's until I get them. You and Cakewalk have given me much enjoyment! Thank you very much!

[@multi-sonik3888]

Thanks for all of your hardwork! I cannot agree more with what you're saying here about Cakewalk's marketing/ Messaging (being also a cakewalk user since the 90's). To me, there's two major names related to tutorial production for Cakewalk: CRAIG ANDERTON and then.. "Creative Sauce's Mike"! Bravo!

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you! Craig's stuff is awesome.

[@paulhaullussy8662]

Thanks for your Cakewalk efforts! 4 years ago, I was around the 1,000th member. Look where you're at today! People appreciate your work and obviously like you too! 👏

[@bonylandmarks]

Hey, Mike. You're the guy who taught me enough about Cakewalk that I was able to start actually releasing music with my band! I started the band's Distrokid account using your link, and I was definitely swayed by your opinion when I decided to switch DAWs, cuz I ended up going with Studio One! Thanks for the storytime, thanks for all the Cakewalk tutorials, and I'll definitely keep watching your videos whatever happens! I hope you're well too! Oh, and I don't regret switching to Studio One at all. It's really good, and it was enough like Cakewalk that my head didn't explode switching over.

[@SalvatoreSorice]

As usual, great stuff Mike! You need to do what is best for you, but I'm hoping you do more Cakewalk/Sonar tutorials in the future - you have helped me and so many others understand and make music with this great DAW. I just hope the Bandlab marketing folks realize what a fabulous product they have - and promote it accordingly. And the "Bakers" are a GREAT group of people. They are truly dedicated to this DAW and it shows. The improvements they've made are incredible.

[@RAAF1017]

I can say your videos have been of great help to me, and I still reference them when trying to remember how to do something in CW.... thank you so much for your journey and sharing your experience, insight and technical expertise! You rock, Mike!

[@gtrain6780]

Mike. Your videos over the past years have always been so engaging and helpful. I am so grateful for your Cakewalk educational content and the time you have spent putting it together. Your success is well deserved. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your story. 😊

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

Thank you for this video. No, you did not deliver a rant; you articulated what a lot (almost all?) of us old Cakewalk/Sonar hands have been thinking, and suffering. I can't add any more for a particular reason, even though I would like to.

[@CreativeSauce]

Thank you so much :)

[@franciscorossier4859]

Is your human side what keeps inviting me to your channel, content and knowledge. I wish there were more Mike's out there, not only in KZbin, but also in "real life". Generous people that share their experience for the better of the whole, in a humble way. And if you can make a fair profit out of that, great. I do believe in win-win and I've gotten so much from you channel! Big hugs from Chile!

[@marcbrault]

I started with Cakewalk and, some years ago, switched to Logic Pro as that workflow was better for me. And I agree that Cakewalk dropped the ball quite a few times. But your videos were always crystal clear and most of them can be applied to other DAWs as well. You keep being you and doing what you do best. Peace, my friend !

[@andore8639]

We all appreciate you too Mike, I love your personality, your way of teaching and mostly your philosophy

[@JerrySchneyer]

Thanks for sharing this with us, Mike. I've learned so much about Cakewalk from your channel the past several years, even though I'd been using the program since Version 2 from Twelve Tone. Like you, I grew frustrated with the absolute lack of communication from Bandlab and made the move to Studio One several months ago. So glad I did it, and I'll continue to follow your channel (s) as you put out new material.

[@BelarisRainey]

I'm working with Cakewalk and your videos helped a lot! So, thanks for that! 🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻

[@andrewdavies8328]

Mike - you shared about your journey with RA - I hope your hands/fingers are going okay and you can still play what you want to play. Like many others have said, I am so appreciative of your work to develop deep Cakewalk resources on your channel. I have written songs since I was a young man (now 62) and always wanted to illustrate my song ideas in my head. I started using Cakewalk to record my songs and revived a lot of help from your videos. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis that affects many tendons and joints, and atm, my hands and fingers. It is possible I may not be able to play guitar in the years ahead, so I am on a race against time and disease to write and get as much down of my ‘back catalogue’ as I can while I still can. Thank you Mike for sharing your knowledge and insights that is allowing me to continue to record before it all disappears.

[@palethomas9066]

Great story, Mike ! Keep doing what you do. You are making a real difference.....

[@thestockers5638]

Hi Mike, when I got back into recording a few years ago I used Cakewalk in part because it was free, but also I used it in the early 90’s when it was just a sequencer. The basic functionality was easy but you got me through the deep dives. I’m now using Studio One, mostly because I got some free gear and I have clients who use it. And you’ve got me through some hurdles with that too. When people ask me how best to learn either program I send them links to your videos. You ARE Mr. Cakewalk!!!

[@mikekloepfer7424]

Hi Mike - Once again, I must thank you for all the great videos, information, and help you have provided via Creative Sauce. Thanks to this channel, I was able to start from scratch and build from a newbie to having several songs released, and more on the way. During that time, I became semi-retired. I am happy to say that I am really enjoying being able to spend my days (and nights!) creating, recording, mixing, mastering, and releasing original music. This is how I always wanted to spend my retirement, doing what I truly love. Cakewalk has been a wonderful creative tool, and I have learned so much. Every time I finish a project, release a song, and start a new one, I feel like I have climbed to a whole new level, and I know that there is still so much to learn. That is the good part. I will continue to learn, grow, advance, and find new and interesting and better ways to create music - and to get that music into a format that I can share with others. I am happy, and proud, and fulfilled... and it just keeps getting better. I am glad to hear that this channel has helped you in your journey as well. I hope you continue to make music, make videos, and enjoy your creative endeavors. Thanks for all the time, effort, energy, and resources you have put into Creative Sauce and the Cakewalk community. Mikey

[@sylvainroy9509]

Congrats to you! I have been a long time user and advocate of Cakewalk (do you remember twelvetones?). I discovered your channel around 2020 and thought you had been around for long! I studied and used Protools, Cubase, FL studio and Reason… I always come back to Cakewalk to record something that sounds the best with the least effort. Thanks to you I discovered some new tips, keep up the great work.

[@booskalanka3447]

Wow…what a story and fabulous video Mike. It’s precisely what sets you apart from so many other KZbinrs and musical instructionalists. Similar to your story, I too gave home recording a shot towards the end of the 90s with ProAudio 9, and had to take that giant leap from being a simple musician that could connect some sort of output into a tape deck and maybe tweak the EQ a bit, into the unknown world of computers and audio electronics. Such a steep learning curve that actual creative music almost took a back seat. I managed to learn a bit and focused on what seemed obvious, but I’m still pleased to grow my abilities and have found your approach and focus on basic details to be extremely helpful and informative. I’m sure that most of your viewers would say the same. Thanks for all you have given and I hope to see and hear more from Creative Sauce in the future! Cheers.

[@Ray-um3if]

Hi Mike, thank you for this video. Because I learnt everything I know about Cakewalk from you, when I decided to move to another DAW last year, it was Studio One that I picked. Yes, I researched it, as it would cost me hard-earned money, but knowing that you were producing content and tuition was the overriding reason I moved to Presonus. Thank you for all the hard work you put into helping people like me.

[@polanve]

I can't remember how I first found Cakewalk those many years ago. I think part of the reason that it remained appealing is that the detractors seemed so pretentious. Maybe part of the reason you became Mr. Cakewalk is because you are the opposite of pretentious, just like Cakewalk.

[@raoulbandera]

I started cakewalk on a Windows 95 or 98...and yet it wasn't until I was able to retire from my regular job (2015), find and move into a new house in 2019, that I found a willingness, per se, to learn more about Cakewalk, especially after watching one of your videos. You treated everyone like a normal human being, regardless of how much knowledge they had or didn't have. For this I am deeply greatful. Whatever avenue you choose, I wish you the best.

[@DigiMixAudio]

Guru Mike, I listened to your entire heartfelt discussion, and have several comments to offer for consideration. Firstly, you are a premier teacher, and I'm glad you are focused on the niche of music recording and production. You have the ability to present information in laymen's terms and avoid getting in the weeds with too much detail. Your recent video on The Distressor is a great example of how you show how to get under the hood of a plugin and get good results quickly. I think your dialog is excellent, and much more important than your choice of DAW. I have used Digital Performer since v 2, MixBus since v 3, and also use Logic Pro X and Luna on iMacs and MacBook Pro. You are an excellent spokesman for improving recording and mixing techniques with any DAW, so please keep your options open. You're the Guru!

[@andrewschatz3259]

Thank you for all the informative videos you've created over the years. I was a professional audio engineer in the 70's and 80's and had a business opportunity to change careers in the late 80's, but I still wanted to record music for myself and others. There was this primitive DAW called Cakewalk that allowed midi instruments to talk to each other and I bought it. Fast forward to the late 90's , Cakewalk Sonar was the answer for me since I had bought all the upgrades and I did a lot of work with it, despite the fact that it was the "red headed step child' of the DAW world. Fast forward again to the fiasco with Gibson. I was figuring that Cakewalk was toast, so I searched for info on other DAWs and since I had watched your videos on Cakewalk, your videos on Studio One were instrumental to my conversion to S1 as my go to DAW. There are many good things about Cakewalk which I hope S1 would include in the future, it really is a great DAW. It was interesting to hear your journey, and ultimate success. Your videos convey a great deal of information with humanity which I think is vital to the success of your channel. Thanks again so much for all the great content!

[@_mickmccarthy]

Stumbled across this channel when starting music production as I wasn't sure what DAW to go with (ended up going with FL in the end after trying a bunch), but kept watching your videos as I knew I could rely on this channel for useful info provided by a genuine no-BS guy. Keep up the awesome work Mike!

[@TomMarvan]

I really enjoyed your personal story here, Mike! You are an inspiration. You have overcome so many obstacles and you should be proud of your success. I bought Cakewalk around 1989 when I was at Monash University in Melbourne but, to my horror, my computer did not have the adequate specs to run it (a video card issue, VGA vs SVGA, something like that). I had to put my recording plans on hold until I moved to California as a student where I was able to rent a computer in my dorm and finally use Cakewalk/Sonar. For my day job, was ironically also involved in a ISP/domain name registrar as Director of Training and then a Business Analyst during the 1990’s halcyon days. Around 2018 I finally replaced Cakewalk and its challenges with Melodyne, which I think today has a challenge in getting out its message, incidentally. I am sorry to hear about your struggles with Bandlab. Their attitude towards your wonderful channel clearly was massively disappointing. Still, it was another challenge that you overcame with nobility, skill and, determination, and here you are with 150k subscribers! Thank you for displaying the right way to be professional, both in terms of skill and character. May you have a 150k more followers soon!! Tom - San Diego.

[@bellonwheels726]

Interesting! I started with Cakewalk V3 when it was MIDI only. By the time Cakewalk V4 (with aduio recording) arrived it was about the only PC based DAW available and I, to this day, do not like Apple products. (ProTools had a Windows version, which I considered, but didn't seem ready for prime time.) I stayed with CW, and loved it, until Gibson dropped it. Presonus offered Studio-1 (S1) at an upgrade price and, on the advice of a colleague who'd left ProTools for S1, purchased it. While learning S1, I continued with Cakewalk by Bandlab, but finally switched to S1. All this is to say, CW has always been a stellar feature rich product every bit as capable as any DAW out there. I agree that its marketing has always been dismal which very likely has been quite damaging to its acceptance in the recording world. Thanks, Mike!

[@allancoster1298]

Thank you M8! Great job and the community has always been so supportive!

[@thatfunkyduuude]

You have helped me a so much over the years. I was a Cakewalk user since Sonar 7 and tutorials and HowTos were always scarce. So you were my Cakewalk guy too. I recently switched to Studio One, but that had nothing to do with you, haha.

[@pierrecarter3090]

Hi Mike. For me, I totally understand your point, and agree with it. I'm still using CbB because I have fun recording some music at home, while I'm now retired and have time to do it. I will still follow your channel, as well as Facebook's, for your tutorials that work independant of the DAW. I want to thank you for all the help and concepts you gave us since the beginning of your channel, as well as all your heart. Long Live Creative Sauce !🤗

[@DeeringAmps]

Thanks!

[@mastersystem80]

you save me on lockdown. Years without playing or making music. With only an old line6 interface and old pc and my old ibanez I though it was an oportunitty to begin again. I googled "free daw" and voilà... Cakewalk was my choice. The logical next step was "youtube tutorial" and.. seriously, there was a door for a magical time. Beggining music again, learn a new daw, composing... all was new again. And your channel were on my side in that period. So, thank you, for be there, there was so special. Thank you.

[@funnzie]

I have been running Sonar for 20+ years, never upgraded and still running it on a WIN7 computer. It is the only DAW I have ever used. $99 for 20 years. This year will be buying a M4 MacMini and Logic Pro because the sound has improved over these 20 years to the point it is worth it. 99.9999% of the world doesn't know the difference between my recording quality and a million dollar studio. Skill goes a long way.

[@Chawezi]

Used Cakewalk Pro audio 9, loved it. Used it alongside FL 3. Switched to Cubase, then came back to Cakewalk when i found out it was free. Followed your channel, it was eye opening. That said, when you mentioned RA I was stunned... I was diagnosed this year (I'm 45) and it's been really rough. Hearing you talk about it and seeing you going strong years after initial diagnosis is encouraging for me. Thank you Mike. Thank you.

[@paulcooper5904]

A great story. Glad you made it through the hard times and have happiness now.

[@ironmanbatman686]

You are a legend. You have helped me immensely with Cakewalk. I feel you pain with the RA. I too have suffered with it for over 20 years now....we are about the same age. Unfortunately after getting covid last November I can barely play guitar anymore. Pretty sucky considering I was up in the 'Malmsteen' realm from a skill level anyway. Keep up the great work mate. Always enjoy your video's.

[@CraigFranklinmusic]

Mike, you are Mr. Cakewalk

[@friggsymusic]

Appreciate all the videos Mike, I found cakewalk through your vids and learned how to use it through your vids....Best wishes for all you take on in the future

[@lescomperes8768]

Excellent and very interesting video! You have such a clear voice and wonderful manner of explaining and it's a relief to hear that you've got support from presonus. I moved to studio one a few years ago and, having previously watched loads of your cakewalk videos, I was delighted to discover your studio one series! Hope you remain well 💪

[@geoelectro]

Still using Cakewalk here!

[@HouseMerlot]

Ditto

[@englady]

Love your story Mike, you've come such a long, long way, and I am so very, very proud .

[@SCgroove]

Bless you and your family Mike. Thanks for your transparency and all the awesome tutorials which have really important to me.

[@IanHolwood]

Oh Mr. Creative Sauce, the drama! Re-subbed. The genuine attitude and honesty really came through this video.

[@robarth-meltedcheesehomest4012]

An amazing video Mike just a beautifull personal story! The best cakewalk explainer is you!! Love from the Netherlands

[@chrisdekopoore8483]

thanks so much for all the help mike without u i would have given up years ago on cakewalk sonar. I hope they learn their lesson and improve , i dont mind subscription personally i just think £15 a month is abit much if u pay monthly. but yes a buy outright option should be there and the marketing is teh worse ever!

[@joseterrerosoficial]

you are The best,, thank you for you channel!

[@timothyreynolds6255]

Thanks, Mike. I hope you're doing well. I paid 1 year subscription ($112) for new Sonar. Works great. Some cool new features, but nothing major. The release was very low-key. I believe I received one or two emails. Nothing exciting...just a basic announcement.

[@davidlincolnbrooks]

Bravo, Mike, for being recommended by Chat GPT. deservedly so! I've used Cakewalk since the 1990's.

[@gary4gill]

Love and respect Mike. You are the reason I still make music.

[@colindavis8242]

It's what we've always known 😊😊😊

[@ranajoyshil]

You should make videos about Reaper, it would be an appropriate daw to jump to for ex-cakewalk users, and it's dirt cheap as well.

[@jonathancomer1185]

Great video, Mike.

[@roqueavellaneda]

I still remember the intros where you hit the snare drum with your index (twice). And I started recording bands demos in the early 2000's with CWPA8 too! Cheers Mike! ✌

[@delo_v_muzyke]

Thank you very much Mike!

[@ericgiova1663]

I did indeed follow the path you described, and adopted Cakewalk. The threatening announcements of payments for its use immediately turned me off. So I migrated - learning new software was never a problem - to Waveform by Tracktion. This whole story is, as you say, the result of BandLab's disastrous communication. Clearly, these people don't know how to communicate, or don't want to. Incidentally, I was pleasantly surprised by Waveform's original approach, and by the interface, which is, in my opinion, innovative and healthier for my eyes.

[@CreativeSauce]

As long as you are making music, whatever tool works for you, is a great tool! Thank you.

[@WillKruger]

Thank you for that, Mike. And yes I am well!

[@rjpolancov]

I was a Logic Pro user but I had some early attempts of music I created when I was in high school using Cakewalk. I switched to PC for various non DAW related reasons and I found my mind works similarly with Reaper. It's not the DAW it's how your videos help to produce music.