Upgrade?

Agentcalm
Hi folks.  I'm still using S3 and just have the basic Studio version.   There's lots of bells and whistles that I dont have but the question is do I need them.  i can record vocals, guitars and bass.  I have Session drummer3 and all is working fine.
The higher end Sonars are quite expensive and beyond my budget.   Did anyone out go from the basic setup that I have to a higher version and did you really see any great benefits.   Im not an engineer and dont plan on being one.  Im a songwriter and want to put most of my time and energy into writing better songs and pitching them to publishers.   Just wondering if there like minded folks out there and what did you upgrade to?  
Thanks guys. 

Hi Agentcalm. I know the feeling.
I upgraded to a new computer around one and a half years ago. I am so glad that I did. I upgraded my software and hardware at the same time. Up until then I was using a Intel 6600 quad core processor, MS Vista (32 bit), Sonar X1 Producer. I'd had the computer for around 9 years so it was getting a little long in the tooth. It had a EMU 1212 sound card (not a bad card). I spent so much time getting around the system shortcomings. I wanted to install more RAM so had to go 64 bit. One of my main plugins was Atmosphere (which was 32 bit) so it meant upgrading to Omnisphere 2 etc etc etc. I compose and record my own songs also. I sing, use acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, percussion, various instrument software.
I also am on a very limited budget but I am so glad that I did the upgrade to a new computer (I have a very patient, wonderful wife). I also took advantage of the special offer for Lifetime updates. Sonar Platinum is a world better than X1 Producer and Win 10 64 bit is so much, much better than Vista. I think what helped me a lot was getting most computer things up to date with current versions. Part of my problem before was trying to get out of date software to work with current software.
So we may not have the same gear but there are general principals if you can manage to apply them, e.g. current software helps a lot. My computer is a flyer and no longer gives me problems in running out of steam. I spent so much time trying to be a Techy and get around the Tech limitations of my system when I just wanted to make music.
Hope this helps,
JCB.

Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. Yes indeed I meant X3 studio. The laptop is alright so no real issues there. No this is more a question about upgrading the Sonar. I think either the demo version or leasing it for a while are great suggestions. I'll have a look on the store to see what are the new versions. I might just have to mail cakewalk to ask what the differences are between my old X3 and something newer.

Fantastic tips Abacab. Thank you so much.

Grem
I have Cakewalk's Music Creator. You can get it right now for $19. Great program. Does a lot of what Sonar does in the same way Sonar does it. Just a much lighter version.
 
Check the feature set out:
http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Music-Creator/Features
 
Did I say you can get it for $19? $19! That's a sweet deal for what this program can do and the stuff you get with it.

I'm surprised they are still selling MC.  It appears to be a cut down version of X3.  The OP already has X3, and is looking to upgrade.
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3593995
 
Home Studio should be more up to date with the current version of Sonar.

Hey guys.  Yep went from MC which was the first thing i bought and went to X3.
 
Hi Ab...  I'll log in there and see if I still qualify for upgrade price.   So Artist would be next up and then Professional after that?   

I kept X3 for a looooong while, but finally upgraded when X3 showed itself unworthy of recording/editing the sustain pedal when I was playing piano.
 
My advice is to go for Artist. For someone in your position, you might not need the extensive bloat that comes with Producer. I have Artist, which I think I bought outright for $79 a few years ago. I have never upgraded it from my original purchase, and it still works great.
 
If you go with Artist, you then have to pony up some for the cool VST plugins, but you can pick and choose those that suit your liking. Another idea is to add Kontakt as soon as you can, there are a ton of libraries out there that are just brilliant.
 
I'll admit being utterly confused as to the current Cakewalk purchasing/upgrading systems. If you can still just buy a piece of software and use it, then I'd do that.
 
best of luck!
-Tom

Agentcalm
Hey guys.  Yep went from MC which was the first thing i bought and went to X3.
 
Hi Ab...  I'll log in there and see if I still qualify for upgrade price.   So Artist would be next up and then Professional after that?   

I'm not sure what came with X3 Studio, but if that was a step up from MC, then you probably want to look at Artist or above for unlimited tracks. This appears to be the only cut down core feature in HS as compared to Artist.
 
If you are interested in using ProChannel modules and the new patch points and aux tracks, then Professional and above would be recommended.  Professional also includes the Mixing and Engineering Suites. Plus more instruments.
 
I assume that Cakewalk basically morphed MC into the new Home Studio.  So even if you just went with HS you could still use the plugins that came with X3 and get an updated Sonar core software in HS.  That is maybe all that you need for songwriting, if 64 tracks is enough.  You mentioned Session Drummer3, which you already have.
 
You will get the same core Sonar interface, with the same recording and editing functions in any version.  Other than the few core features mentioned above, the main difference between the current versions is the included plugin bundles, which is really what you are paying extra for. 

Hey guys.  some great tips there.  Tom , Artist might be all I need to be sure. I dont use the pro channels and can use stock EQ, compressor etc. 
Ab did mention that Professional has mixing and engineering suites so they might be worth looking at.  
Yep i agree that a monthly payment would be less painful than forking out full whack in one go.
Kontakt was mentioned earlier.  I dont know what that is but Im heading straight to Google it now.