The longevity of Cakewalk software, first appearing as Cakewalk and (since 2001) now SONAR, is an indication of the near-universal acceptance of the programs. But while SONAR steams ahead and is now in its 8th version, the buzz among SONAR users these days is not the software.

Instead, for the past few months Cakewalk has been making big noise about its V-Studio 700 control surface/interface, which Cakewalk touts as “The ultimate music production system.” Looking beyond the hype, the V-Studio 700 is a pretty impressive piece of work. It offers tight integration with SONAR software, virtually eliminating the need to use your computer keyboard and mouse. It reflects the coordinated efforts of Roland and Cakewalk (whose logo has read “Cakewalk by Roland” for more than a year), and delivers some heavy-duty features: extensive control of editing and mixing in SONAR, per-channel LED meters, 20 rotary encoders/switches, 70+ lighted buttons, full transport control, etc. Other application-specific worksurfaces, such as Digidesign’s D-Command, for Pro Tools, can’t match some of the V-Studio’s features.

Besides offering a 21-in, 30-out audio interface with eight digitally controlled mic preamps, the V-Studio I/O box has a unique plus: a built-in Roland Fantom VS synth, a variation on Roland’s flagship workstation. It’s pre-loaded with 1,400 patches and operates as a VSTi within SONAR with virtually no CPU drain on your computer.

Of course, all this is very nice, but the ultimate question is, is the V-Studio 700 worth the price – upwards of $4100? While being a dealbreaker for most SONAR users, those who rely on the app for heavy-duty production might be well-served by the system. In fact, SONAR guru and EQ Magazine editor Craig Anderton wrote this in a Keyboard Magazine review: “For hardcore SONAR users, the V-Studio is what you have been waiting for… After working with the system for awhile, I get it: The integration is so tight that given how often I use SONAR, the V-Studio will save me enough billable time to pay for itself in a year or less. Buying similar components separately would cost the same or likely more, and they wouldn’t form this well-oiled a machine right out of the box.”