NeoSoul
It is unclear on what Instruments and Effects are actually included in the demo.  It seems odd that the items that don't take up much space would not be included (obviously the 3rd party things like AD2 wouldn't be included).  Can we get more clarity on this?
 
(it basically only tells you what is included once you buy) 

This is the link from the first post that tells you precisely what's included in any of the three versions available to demo.
http://www.cakewalk.com/P.../SONAR/Try-SONAR#start

And there are further links on that page which take you to pages that tell you exactly what's included in each paid version

I currently have X3 Studio and like it.  What features/functions are gained by going to Professional? Is there a comparison anywhere?

AFAIK, there is no comparison document between the current and previous versions of SONAR. Both versions have comparison tables in their respective help files though:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR%20X3&language=3&help=Comparison.html
http://www.cakewalk.com/D...p;help=Comparison.html

mudgel

NeoSoul
It is unclear on what Instruments and Effects are actually included in the demo.  It seems odd that the items that don't take up much space would not be included (obviously the 3rd party things like AD2 wouldn't be included).  Can we get more clarity on this?
 
(it basically only tells you what is included once you buy) 

This is the link from the first post that tells you precisely what's included in any of the three versions available to demo.
http://www.cakewalk.com/P.../SONAR/Try-SONAR#start

And there are further links on that page which take you to pages that tell you exactly what's included in each paid version

Thanks, I looked at that, which actually is why I raised the question.  The bottom of each section says (and more).  If the Demo only contains what is posted under each section - and the it contains "x" number of audio effects is very vague.  
 
I understand the differences in the paid versions.  Knowing what is in the demos would be helpful to those of us trying to get friends on board with the Sonar DAW.  

The synth included with any of the demos is TTS1
For Artist:
The 12 fx are the first 10 from Artist in the Essential suite plus 2 others. By the listing it's likely TH2 Sonar and Boost 11

Professional has an additional 13 fx the Classic Creative Suite 8, the Sonitus Surround Compressor, and the 4 Engineering Suite.

For Platinum add the included ProChannel plugins to all the above.

If you look at the demo versions and then look at the paid versions you can extrapolate which fx etc are included.

I agree it could have been a little clearer but you can work it out.

is it available without using cccc?

myricklloyd@yahoo.com
I currently have X3 Studio and like it.  What features/functions are gained by going to Professional? Is there a comparison anywhere?

You'll get many of the new workflow features including Mix Recall, Pattern Tool, Updated AudioSnap, New Control Bar and more. In addition you get ReMatrix Solo ProChannel module and Addictive Drums 2 Solo Bundle.

I currently have X3 Studio.
I received a few emails from Cakewalk informing me that I can upgrade to Professional for $79. However when I log into my account the upgrade price is $99. The time period to upgrade for $79 is running out.
I've emailed Support about a week ago enquiring about this - sadly no response to date.
 
So what's the trick or process to upgrade for $79?
 

Did you click the "Buy Now" button? Sometimes the actual price does not display until the product is added to your cart.

Yes I clicked the "Buy Now" button and the amount in the Shopping Cart equates to $99.