Active Controller Technology (ACT) is used to control and automate effects, instruments, and do your own mix using any MIDI controller(s). Your MIDI controllers are automatically remapped to whatever control has screen focus. Speaking of mixing, the new interface is easier to use and allows customization of screen views, colors, and toolbars. The mixing console has a Sonitus:fx parametric EQ on each track and access to ten professional audio effects.

Pro features like MIDI Input Quantize that corrects the timing of MIDI performances in real-time as you play and Native and fully integrated support for VST plug-ins (no wrapper required) are included. Another up market feature is called Freeze where tracks, effects and virtual instruments are 'frozen' as is--to free up CPU resources. Sonar Home Studio comes with the DropZone sampler and an extended library of instrument sounds including a Drum Pack and Bass Pack. Are you proud of your music? Cakewalk Publisher lets you present and stream it on the Internet or burn to CD directly within Sonar Home Studio.

Sonar Home Studio XL adds a selection of over one gigabyte of instrument sounds, Boost 11 peak limiter, Session Drummer 2 drum instrument, Dimension LE wavetable synth with over 400 sound programs and the Garritan Pocket Orchestra.