I’m getting to buy a new desktop and going to Vista. If I get the 64bit version will I run into any issues with Sonar 7, Alesis IO 26 audio interface and the USB-MIDI drivers for the Yamaha MO 8? I’d hate to make a big investment like this and then have none of it work correctly.

Re: Windows Vista 64bit and Sonar 7

I’m sure you are aware that is still early in the world of 64-bit functionality. you are not operating 64-bit unless all the components are 64-bit… so on the cutting edge of technology always expect some blood. I’m not trying to scare you but the fact that you asked the questions means you are looking for reassurance that this all works.

All I can tell you is that there is a Yamaha USB-MIDI driver for Windows XP x64 available and there is a Vista compatibility list found here:  [url=http://www.yamahasynth.com/download/win_vista/index.html]http://www.yamahasynth.com/download/win_vista/index.html [/url]

If you are nervous at all, then you should not proceed. But stay in contact with the various manufacturers of the programs you wish to run and proceed with caution. Remember the innovations you find in the computer world are not designed specifically with YOU, as a musician, in mind. The music industry is always playing catch-up. Eventually it does. If you have the pioneering spirit - jump in. But if you are not that kind of user… then wait until you can confirm that all components you wish to use are 64-bit ready.

Re: Windows Vista 64bit and Sonar 7

You very likely will run into issues.

Unless you’re repeatedly constrained by file sizes and/or needing to access more than ~3Gig of RAM, I can’t see what advantage there is to Vista64.

Even parts of Sonar aren’t 64-bit compatible, and aren’t installed if you’re using the 64 bit version.

Many of the plug-ins out there will not work in 64 bit, and the bridging function of Sonar64 to the 32 bit engines is limitted to only certain types of plug-ins.  In other words, none of the 32-bit DirectX plugins will work.

If you haven’t seen this document, it’s worth a read:  [url=http://www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/kb2005282.asp]http://www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/kb2005282.asp [/url]

I don’t know if it’s possible to get Vista64 pre-loaded, but also get the 32-bit option on media.  If it is, then go ahead and get 64 and try it out.  If you don’t like it, wipe the system and re-load it with 32…