Upgrading and Windows 8

Hello, First off let me start by saying I am new to this forum and this is my first post!  ...I've been using cakewalk Home Studio with a Peavey Studio Mix controller for about 8 years and I am very comfortable with it. I have had zero issues but I look forward to visiting this place for assistance in helping make the right decisions with my upgraded PC and choosing new software.

 I'm looking at either X1 or X2 Studio. I've been doing research lately on the differences between the two programs and I haven't quite decided which direction to go. I am a Guitar player-singer and I use Cakewalk in my home studio for writing and recording music. I use BFD drum loops and I play all other instruments. I mic my amps to get the guitar tones I need but I now have two young children and staying up late and cranking my amps is no longer an option. What I'm looking for is a program that will give me the best bang for my buck and include a Guitar Rig Type program, quality plug-ins effects, and great vocal processing including pitch correction. I do have a cheap M Audio keyboard midi controller and I would like to experiment with soft synths but I've never used midi or sequencing (although I've been telling myself for the past 5 years "I'm gonna learn soon")...LOL...

 SO, After reading my use application, I would appreciate any advise/pros/cons you can give between choosing X1 or X2 Studio! I think by staying with Sonar the learning curve ahead of me should be a little easier because of my experience using Cakewalk, but I'm prepared to dive into it! Also, Because of a deal too good to pass up, I have already upgraded to a brand new PC. According to the requirements of Sonar, It's beyond enough.... BUT my new PC has Windows 8...From what I've read, neither of these programs look compatible with 8...Is there a software update available that will allow these programs to work with Windows 8 or am I screwed?


Thanks in advance for any info!

Joe

Joe welcome to the forum.

I have a Studio Mix too. I haven't used it in years because I replaced it with a Mackie Control. I must say the Studio Mix was built like a tank. It will work today with Sonar X2 too.

I would hope you look hard at X2 Producer. I think it will be far better for your use than X2 Studio. As for X2 working with Windows 8? It was made for Windows 8. X1 will work but X2 is the one to get. Further, X1 is not available now. Its 2 years old anyway and things have moved on. 

If you get X2 Studio you will miss out on the greatest advantage of Sonar today which is Pro Channel. This is no gimmick but one of the very best channel strips around. In the past Sonar was only offering a few added plugins with the Producer version. Now the game has changed and the difference is huge between the two. 

That said all you need do is DL the demo and try it out for yourself.

If you have any questions we are here to answer.  

 

garrigus


The Studio Mix still works?? Wow, I may have to drag it out just to give it a try. I packed it away a while ago, but didn't feel like selling it.

Joe -- You might as well get X2, since that's the latest version. Then you can download the free X2a update for complete Windows 8 compatibility.

Scott

Why wouldn't it work Scott? It is still supported by CW and it uses MIDI for connecting so there is no reason why it shouldn't. 

Thanks Guys, GREAT info!