You already have the XLN installer so that part of these instructions can be ignored
http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/Knowledge-Base/2007013382/Addictive-Drums-2-Installation-Instructions but the rest applies. This is no different than if you purchased a custom bundle from a reseller. Once you have decided which 3 adpaks, midipaks and instruments you want either enter the product code in your account https://www.xlnaudio.com/myaccount-myproducts or register the product code in the XLN installer. Then make your selections and download/install the products.

Scook,
 
Thanks as always for such quick informative replies. I'm looking forward to putting Platinum to work!
 
Best regards,
Steve

My migration from Xe to Platinum went as smooth as silk. Now, however, when I record a MIDI track there is an audio track created at the same time. If I edit the MIDI, however, the audio does not change. I used to have to bounce the MIDI to create an audio track. How do I stop SONAR from making this audio track? Thanks!

Well I sort of figured it out. If I only enable the MIDI track record button then it only records MIDI and does not produce an audio track. But in my former Xe setup the audio record button was not enabled by default. Is this a case of "it's not a bug it's a feature!"?
 
 

Don't arm the audio track. One of the new features since X3 is soft synth audio recording. It allows you to record audio in addition to MIDI. You may want to review the changes since X3 here http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation?product=SONAR&language=3&help=NewFeatures.001.html
 
Please consider posting questions not related to installation in a new thread.

Ah! Thanks! And I will post anything else in the appropriate thread. 
 

The install went without a hitch!
All seems fine thus far and I've been opening up several saved projects and I'm happy to say that all of them are loading and playing as they should be and all VST'S that are part of the projects are loading as they should as well. And man, do I love the default color scheme and I know I'm going to have fun with changing themes and the various screen elements!
 
When I first opened Platinum I got a Windows task bar prompt stating that Platinum was in demo mode and saving was disabled but after opening up the Command Center and then closing and reopening Platinum, all was operating as normal and saving was then enabled. 
 
Next up is getting my Addictive Drum add ons and THEN start resuming to MAKE MUSIC!
 
One thing I'd like to ask is how often do most users check for updates or will Cakewalk send out an email whenever an update is available?
 
And lastly, I can't thank Scook enough (and initially Rob and John) for replying so quickly with the questions I asked and I will certainly touch base with the good folks in this forum should I need any professional assistance.
 
Regards,
Steve
 
 

There is a release every month. About a week before the official release, an early release version announcement in placed in the sticky section of this forum. The official release is accompanied by an email. Should there be an update to an official release, Cakewalk sends out an email. The official announcement includes a link to an ezine which contains information about the update. There is also a page contain past (including ezine back issues) and future update information here. Do not feel obligated to update every month. All updates are cumulative. The Command Center will show you which installers have been updated.

TrueGrit
 
When I install Platinum, will all of my X3 settings be retained? And will I be able to use X3 if I should need any backwards compatibility? I am a registered user of the full versions of Addictive Drums 2 and TH2 (and numerous other VST's and VSTi's) and will the Platinum install overwrite any of my settings and will I be able to use these full versions within Platinum and not the LE / SE editions?

 
I just did the same a few months ago.
Platinum grabbed all of my settings other than the theme, which was an easy change back to making it look like X3e.
Addictive Drums 2 worked from the gitgo - AND - I got 2 (maybe it was 4? can't remember) more free kits with the upgrade to Platinum - BUT - it wasn't easy to figure out how to actually get them.
See this thread for how to get it done:

http://forum.cakewalk.com/Help-understanding-whats-included-in-Platinum-Addictive-Drums-m3478482.aspx#3478734

One other thing that I needed to do was disable plugin window recycling.
P > VST Settings > uncheck the box.

Steve_Karl

TrueGrit
 
When I install Platinum, will all of my X3 settings be retained? And will I be able to use X3 if I should need any backwards compatibility? I am a registered user of the full versions of Addictive Drums 2 and TH2 (and numerous other VST's and VSTi's) and will the Platinum install overwrite any of my settings and will I be able to use these full versions within Platinum and not the LE / SE editions?

 
I just did the same a few months ago.
Platinum grabbed all of my settings other than the theme, which was an easy change back to making it look like X3e.
Addictive Drums 2 worked from the gitgo - AND - I got 2 (maybe it was 4? can't remember) more free kits with the upgrade to Platinum - BUT - it wasn't easy to figure out how to actually get them.
See this thread for how to get it done:

http://forum.cakewalk.com/Help-understanding-whats-included-in-Platinum-Addictive-Drums-m3478482.aspx#3478734

One other thing that I needed to do was disable plugin window recycling.
P > VST Settings > uncheck the box.

Steve,

Glad to hear that the migration went smoothly for you. And I actuality like the default Platinum theme. To me the black kinda pops out and is easier on my eyes. But I am going to have fun with changing up the themes and elements.

Regarding AD2, Scook was right on with his post. All I had to do was input the serial number that Cakewalk provided me in my account and register it with XLN Audio through the online installer. Once I did that, I was immediately offered a choice of Kits, MIDI paks and kit pieces that I didn't already have.

I have a question for you - What do you mean by 'disable plugin window recycling'?

Regards,
Steve