Finally ready to upgrade to X1. What do I need to know?

So I've been using S8.5.3 PE for almost a year and I've finished all the projects I was working on in that version.  I am ready to upgrade to X1 PE from the boxed version I bought, lo, all these months ago. I have been perusing the forums to try to get educated on what I may run into while doing the upgrade, but would like to ask everyone what else I need to be aware of as I do this (besides what I list below).  My machine info is listed in my signature - the only thing different is I want to add the Tascam US1800 interface I just bought to use with X1.  I have already downloaded the X1c update to my thumb drive as my audio computer is NOT hooked up to the internet - don't need any headaches with virus protections and random cookies and malware.
 
So, here's what I've researched and read on these forums about upgrading snafus. These are the things I know about or are aware about:
1)Dimension Pro - I have 1.5 (I upgraded this in 8.5.3). May be an issue of downgrading to DP1.2 or running in "administrator mode" to get it to work in X1.
2)I upgraded my Guitar Rig 4LE (that came with 8.5.3) to a full pro version, GR4Pro, from NI's website. It's already an icon on my desktop as a stand alone program - so I should only have to rescan for VSTs after X1 is up and running to get it to work in X1.
3)I upgraded to the full version of Rapture 1.0 while in S8.5.3 and added some expansion packs - X1 should recognize this and ask me before it loads in with X1 - is that correct?
 
Anything else I've missed? 
One big question: Should I do all the X1 stuff before I install the Tascam US1800 drivers or vice versa?
 
FYI - I will NOT need or use any previous projects' files - I plan to basically start from scratch with new projects with this upgrade.
 
Thank you in advance for any info you can offer or point me to the right forum topic.
I am, still, after all, a newbie to this stuff...
--Startngo

Um... you need to know that the program is suck... that pretty much says it all. With that said, good luck.

"There are still things i think I'm faster at in 8.5,  but all in all I'm glad i upgraded."


hi jimbo-am curious why you were glad with the upgrade-was it speed,performance,stability,layout etc or were there more and better tools for you as a composer?
most of my work is live multitracking and i`m struggling to see any benefits for me?
anyone?

vladasyn


Um... you need to know that the program is suck... that pretty much says it all. With that said, good luck.

If you insist on trolling this forum, at least try to do it with cogent English.

webbs hill studio


"There are still things i think I'm faster at in 8.5,  but all in all I'm glad i upgraded."


hi jimbo-am curious why you were glad with the upgrade-was it speed,performance,stability,layout etc or were there more and better tools for you as a composer?
most of my work is live multitracking and i`m struggling to see any benefits for me?
anyone?

My answer is going to be scewed a little because I've been working with Expanded the last week.  Expanded does seem more stable and "tighter".  The MusicXML inclusion helps me out big time.  I work 90% composing and 10% (maybe less) tracking and mixing.  The implimentation of tools in X1 took me a while to get use to,  but i'm getting to really like it.  X1 is more geared towards function keys and keybindings as opposed to using the mouse,  which personally is better for the way I work.  I'm not tracking like you so perhaps I'm not a source for your situation.
 
In defense of Bristol Jonesey,  I'm in his camp.  There have been a bunch a "trolls" who post things like "It sucks" who do not ask for help or mention anything specific.  Just seems to me they are posting just to trash and i'm not convinced they are honest.  Certainly X1 had (has) its issues.

CakeAlexS - Thanks for reprimanding Vladasyn, his comment was indeed unhelpful and uncalled for.  Thanks about the Windows 7/Administrator correction - I missed that it didn't pertain to XP.  I am coming to the party late, but it was mainly to finish my (then) current 8.5.3 projects. I'm starting a new project in Dec and decided it was now time to upgrade, since most people appear to be either happy or tolerant of the new version now that the 'c' upgrade is out.  That gives me a month and a half to get in there and get dirty with it before the band shows up...
 
I marked all the comments that were helpful- so thank you guys who offered suggestions.
 
Webbs Hill Studio - I liked 8.5.3 a lot and bought books and videos to help me learn more about it and be better and quicker at using it.  Ultimately, just getting in there and working on it and trying many things was the best teacher for me to get used to it.  And I'm sure I can do it again in X1. Just like learning a new instrument - you already have the fundamentals, it's just learning how to you shape your fingers, hands, mouth, etc. to get a musical sound out of it and you practice it to get better.  I feel the same way with any new software I install. (Well, maybe not using my mouth to operate it except maybe to curse it from time to time... )  But ultimately, in technology, especially software, you have to upgrade or be left in the dust.  I'm still using XP, but Microsoft doesn't support it any longer and I doubt they will work on any more service packs or upgrades...just general virus protection updates.  When I buy a new computer, I'll upgrade to whatever the current Windows system will be at that time, bugs and all.  Cakewalk no longer makes upgrades, new instruments, new plug-ins, etc. for S8.5 and I am actually excited to try some of the new features in Expanded - can't do that in 8.5.  Technology moves on and we have to move with it or never be able to take advantage of the possibilities of new features and workflow and improved sound. I don't know of ANY software out there in the last 10 years that comes out of the gate without some kind of update to fix or improve the first release - it's the nature of the beast (technology).  So...I just want to be current and I want to take advantage of the new stuff that will be coming out for X1 in the next few years. $99 was actually not that much for such a huge upgrade, in my opinion, and the $49 for each of the most recent upgrades is reasonable, too, I think.  At least they are giving us the option of adding Expanded or Z3TA +2.1 or the PC4-K expander/gate if we want it - that's still cheaper than a lot of plug-ins out there.
Also defending Vladasyn's comment, while noble, doesn't explain the fact that I am a new user ready to upgrade looking for help and instead of giving a list of things he is having trouble with (like you did in your second post), Vladasyn just gave a blanket, hateful, unhelpful opinion. Believe me, I know all the problems that have been stated in the forums and beat to death - another reason I waited to upgrade. But I have also read many, many posts where people love it and don't have the same problems others are facing.  And CW has had 3 upgrade fixes (a,b,c) in less than a year PLUS added new features! I think they are listening and making the effort. If you go to the Protools forums, you will see that it is not perfect either and it is the 'so-called' insdutry standard!  (A 'standard' that had very weak Midi implementation from what I've read.)
 
Gray36 - I am really hoping my experience turns out to be like yours!!  I'll let you know!
 
Bristol-Jonesey - Vladasyn didn't need cogent English to get his point across, I knew what he meant.  Besides, English doesn't make sense compared to a lot of foreign languages. I assume English is not his first language, based on his name, but I could be wrong there. But the hatefulness of the comment was unneeded.
 
Thanks guys - my plan is to upgrade this weekend. 
One question that I only got one answer: Should I install drivers for my Audio interface before I install X1 or after? Anyone have a good/bad experience either way?
 
--Startngo
 

startngo: you can also install along side 8.5.. and i auctualy did it
but.. now only use the drives as i told you with win7 32b both are
near perfect..

as for your NS-10's keep well in mind that they are tracking mointors, not ment to be used as real playback, i use JBL 4412's
for that, do not over boost the bass this will destroy the woofers !!
mine won best rock album years back so i protect them, using a
light bulb as a soft limitor, id be happy to give you info on that!