Hello,
 
I've been away from my DAW for a while and was wondering about the differences between my Sonar X3 Producer and the latest Sonar Platinum version. I was considering the lifetime upgrade, but wanted to learn what's new. However, it seems that Cakewalk removed any comparisons between X3 Producer and the latest offerings some time ago, so I couldn't find them with a web search.
 
Any links or information would be appreciated.
 
thanks,
 
Paul

Generally, the difference is having an old Windows OS, or the current Windows OS.  They both will work, but the Platinum has more features, fixes, continuing support and updates.  There are no fixes/updates coming out for X3.

Hi Jpaul,
 
Basically, the differences are all of the improvements and enhancements made to the product over the past 18 months or so.  Sonar has gone from great to GREAT!!  There have been many "under the hood" tweaks to the speed and efficiency of how Sonar operates and continues to be improved to better handle multitasking.  Then there are all of the "goodies" that have been included and offered.  Many new tools....and very useful tools at that.
 
At the end of the day - the whole thing has been lifted to another level.
 
I KNOW you would favor Platinum over X3.

jpaul
Hello,
 
I've been away from my DAW for a while and was wondering about the differences between my Sonar X3 Producer and the latest Sonar Platinum version. I was considering the lifetime upgrade, but wanted to learn what's new. However, it seems that Cakewalk removed any comparisons between X3 Producer and the latest offerings some time ago, so I couldn't find them with a web search.
 
Any links or information would be appreciated.
 
thanks,
 
Paul

Simple, everything listed on this page:  (except the very few things that have "Only available in " inside the description box)
 
https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Rolling-Updates
 
 

Hi. Since X3, we have gotten Drum Replacer, Vocal Sync, Patch Points, Aux Tracks, (if you did not already have Rapture Pro) Rapture Sessions, a new set of Linear Phase eq and compressor, a new theme (which eventually will allow you to make your own layout / color scheme), TH3 Cakewalk Edition, new help module, Melodyne tempo detection amongst others, and that is without mentioning any "under the hood" improvements mentioned earlier. 
https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Rolling-Updates#start
In my mind, it is a big step up.
All the best.

Cakewalk has greatly improved the speed of adding tracks since X3
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HLkQ-_wuHY
 
 

Check out a really good interview with Craig Anderton:-
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsbVAykvZBg
 
p.s.  I upgraded from X3 Producer to Platinum lifetime 2 weeks ago and have no regrets.

Thanks all, that's all very helpful. I'll likely upgrade before the end of August.
 
Is the license still only for one install? I.e., if we want to ever take it on the road, we can only install on a laptop (no laptop + desktop but limited to 1 session-at-a-time license like Adobe?)

Cakewalk is still one of the best software company's as far as multiple installs go. It's different now with the on line active registration system. But they will still allow you to install on multiple machines within reason. I have X3 on my old DAW and my new one. Then I have Platinum on my main DAW and my Laptop.
What they said is now they can keep an eye on how many installs you do and will possibly inquire if you get carried away...:)  
With the old serial number system it was way to easy to pirate. I bet half the copies of Sonar 8 in use were pirated.  So I like the new system as it gives us legitimate users multiple installs and kills piracy.

The biggest difference is Platinum will continue to evolve and X3 will not.