it seems very quiet around here regarding when and if there will be an X4 release anytime soon  ….
this has me wondering ….
I know that creative types in all walks of life often have accpomplishments that set the bar so high it almost seems as if it would be very hard or near impossible to come up with another game changer ...
 
is it even possible to top X 3's performance and features  when X 4 comes out ? ….what would it take .
 
Kenny

In the past, users have expressed a desire for a gapless audio engine and staff view improvements.
 
We shall see what the deal is when X4 is released.

Well...I don't know how people in the Cakewalk mothership would answer, but personally, here is what I would like to see (don't get mad at me, Andrew).
 
Game-changers are cool, but also disruptive - which can be good or bad. There are still aspects of X3 I haven't fully explored. Getting all that stuff at once was great, but a bit overwhelming. I'd rather be overwhelmed than underwhelmed, but I'd also like to feel I've made maximum use of Addictive Drums 
 
A lot of people have expressed the thought that X3 is fine and since they're still learning it, they're in no hurry for X4. Reading between the lines, I interpret that "I don't really want to be disrupted right now." 
 
The X-series framework is quite mature. Sure, there could be many tweaks, but I don't think you're going to see the single-window interface going away, or the browser turning into something completely different. If it ain't broke...
 
In my ideal world, I'd look at X4 and say "Doesn't look that different from X3." But then as I worked with it, I'd find lots of surprises...cool tweaks, new features that didn't get in the way of using old features, faster/alternate ways of doing things, etc. For an example of what I mean, I think Apple did a fantastic job (bugs notwithstanding, of course) with iOS 8. It remained 100% familiar, but if you peeled off a layer, there were a zillion new things, all of them easily accessible. I think you're going to see more of this kind of thinking as platforms become more mature.
 
There's always room for improvement, but it doesn't have to hit you over the head. Actually the Browser is a good example. It was really quite basic at first, but Cakewalk quietly kept improving it. They never made a big deal about it, presumably because it wasn't a "sexy" feature, but those changes have made the difference between "Oh, I guess there's a browser" to "Wow, this is really useful!" That's why I did the browser tip in the Tip of the Week thread: I had a feeling a lot of the improvements went right past people.
 
Now imagine if that happened across an entire program...that's what I'd like to see. Essentially, better and more innovative ways to do what we're doing now that make Sonar even better for music creation. Yeah, and new features too  And a hovercraft...
 

thomasabarnes
In the past, users have expressed a desire for a gapless audio engine and staff view improvements.
 

Frankly, I think the notation train has left the station in general. The more recent programs like Studio One, Live, and Reason don't do it at all. Avid had an opportunity when they bought Sibelius to fold hardcore notation into Pro Tools but did a lighter version instead. Cubase is still heavy on notation and that probably won't go away, given Yamaha's interest in the traditional educational market. But I just can't see a greatly improved staff view in Sonar making much of a difference in terms of attracting new users, and while there are existing users who would love Sonar's gestalt bundled with a great staff view, it seems to be a minority viewpoint compared to the user base as a whole. I could be wrong, of course.

Officer Magic
"I don't really want to be disrupted right now."

 
I myself LOVE being disrupted.

gswitz

Officer Magic
"I don't really want to be disrupted right now."

 
I myself LOVE being disrupted.

Duly note and approved 

I don't know if it's possible, but with more and more doing video, myself included (of course my reply!), having a more fully featured video angle would be really nice, so the audio could stay in Sonar, while being able to edit video as well.  IOW, more than one video tracks, and of course the basic stuff like transitions, basic FX...  like the stuff in Sony's movie suite or a Vegas Lite.  It wouldn't have to be really full featured, but a bit beyond what they have now.

I'm always pleasantly surprised with new versions of Sonar. I have all of them.  It is fantastic that a program as old as Sonar is still bringing smiles to people with each new version. I have a great deal of respect for the developers at CW for the joy they never seem to fail to provide.  
 
X3 is the finest version so far. X4 will have a hard time beating it at the game of being a great DAW. But, lets see what the Bakers come up with. I guarantee it will be fantastic!
 
I do hope Mr. Anderton is wrong about notation, though.  

I agree John.  Certain lack of items like the vari-speed, etc...  are sooo far from being show stoppers, at least for me, I really scratch my head why people use other programs.  Granted there's a ton of features I don't use, probably will never use, and a boatload more of those I don't even know about.  But comparing to other popular "multitrack" programs, it seems like such a winner.  I'd hate to have to be a really *pro* studio and *have* to use ProTools, for instance.  I'm sure many others could point out what else is missing, but the fact that with my new-ish StudioCat computer and X3e, it all works flawless.  I have YET to crash...and am not afraid to say it...or that "knock on wood" stuff.

I'm hoping for a well rounded iterative release. Maybe something that doesn't scream at you buy!!!!, but something after the fullness of light set upon it, is proven to be a quality product. In other words no gimmicks just reliability, great workflow, no BS, and rock and roll. Perhaps if you like an ultra service pack with fairy dust on top, maybe a sensible UI redesign so it looks new.