Can you upgrade from Sonar X1 LE to a higher version? (Is it worth it?)

Yes and yes. X1 isn't available directly from Cakewalk anymore though so if that is the route you are thinking of taking you'll have to get X2. You might be able to still find retail box versions of X1 but I don't think you'd qualify for an upgrade path from LE that way BUT you might still save money anyway because upgrading from LE to X2 Producer is still pretty pricy so you if you find a deal on the X1 boxed set then followed the upgrade path to X2 ($99) you'd probably break even... maybe even save some cash.

That... is a lot of speculation and hypotheticals though but if you are serious about using Sonar for quality production you kind of want the tools that come with Producer such as Pro Channel and the LP series effects. They make a big difference. Cheers. 

http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X2-Producer/

http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X2-Studio/

http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X2-Essential/

The above links give you the info you want...

fwiw, although studio and producer may seem more expensive by comparison, you will see that the set of bundled products becomes increasingly attractive... such that studio is a better bang/buck than essentials and Producer is even more value for money..

but only you can decide which is better for you...

Nathymoore,

To your question of X1 or X2 : I would recommend X2 directly, because for me, X2 is really an updated X1 with more/updated features. 

Because it's new, it also has some new (and old) bugs to be updated. But none of these are going to stop you from using X2 effectively.

If budget is your concern and you're not in a hurry, keep using your LE first, and see what special offers you may get during the holiday season ? At this moment, all pricing at the Cake store seems to be at it's regular top.

Beepster


If he gets X1 though he'll get GR4 LE then he can upgrade to X2 and get TH2. Then he has both as well as their upgrade paths. That may not be important if OP isn't much into strings though.

Yup.. agreed! If the OP is into guitars.. this is exactly the right thing to do. Is the X2 free upgrade for X1 still on ?

And I'm not sure if X2 comes with the full version of Zeta. It comes with full Rapture but that would be another good thing about finding the X1 Suite. Zeta... and that One ProChannel module. The LC2A Limiter something or other. I forget what it's called. They make all this stuff so darned confusing. :-/

Hey, I'm interested in getting the package that offers the most instruments. With LE you do get quite a nice variety, but I feel it's lacking in keyboards and other solid instruments that can play a nice tune. Sorry that I'm not being specific, I'm still newish with music so my terminology isn't all that great when describing music, haha. Also, I've found this. I'm figuring it's best to get Sonar X1 Producer (With the possibility of upgrading to Sonar X2 Producer). For now, Sonar X1 Producer is good enough for me (I'm guessing this provides the most instruments and such?) I found one for the price of £175. A bit pricy, but is this cheap or way expensive?

Hey, Thanks for your insight. I understand that this is a lot of money so I just want to get things right. 1) If I buy the X1 Producer that means I get a free upgrade to X2 Producer (If I buy it before the end of the year?) 2) Will I have to buy additional sound packs when I get the upgraded software, or will there already be a variety of sounds and such (Like Sonar X1 LE for example). I know I'm being a pain at the moment, but I'm sure you'll understand that I just want to be absolutely sure before I spend quite a bit of money. Hope you're all well.

As @scook mentioned :
--
The "buy X1 get X2 free" deal goes through the end of the year http://www.cakewalk.com/p.../Free-SONAR-X2-upgrade 
--

All the included soft synts come with some sounds (enough for you to do some projects), and there will be more to include to your collection :
http://www.store.cakewalk...tegoryID=59&cat=59

While at the store, check out more Pro Channel modules as well.

Also, check out the Software section often, as you may find regular posting on offers. I spend my first 9 months or so learning X1, and using the stocked sounds.

Understood. So if I buy Sonar X1 Producer (Via another website) does that entitle me to X2 Producer? Or do I have to buy Sonar X1 Producer via the link that Cakewalk provides? By this I mean, if I buy the cheaper version of Sonar X1 Producer on Ebay or Amazon, can I still get the offer? Edit - Production SUITE? I've heard of it before, but I'm guessing this offers slightly more than X1 Production?

Thank you, and thanks to everyone else for your patience and knowledge. I shall let you know how I get on :)

You can only buy SONAR X1 Producer from a retail outlet. It is no longer sold at the Cakewalk Store. Make sure that you are purchasing a new in the box version of SONAR X1 Producer (i.e. it has not been previously registered). The SONAR X1 Production Suite was a bundle that contains a version of SONAR X1 Producer with a few more addons, detailed in my post above.

Yes Beep, it is not unusual for third party stuff to gone on and off sale just like Cakewalk stuff. This one did come back fast. At least the cutoff date for this sale is much clearer.

Yeah... don't buy used. It's illegal and you won't be able to register it.

Bump (I know it's wrong, but I just want people's opinion on the product and price. I'd hate to spend such money on the wrong thing). I found this and I'm wondering whether you think it is appropriately priced? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm...hash=item51a292cc10I'm super paranoid that I've misread it (after all it's a lot of money), but I'm convinced that it's Sonar X1 Production and a free upgrade to Sonar X2 Production.

Sorry, I updated the link. Apparently he is a 'safe' and respected seller. I'm not sure of music stores that would sell the software cheaply. I'll have a look though.