Worth upgrading from Producer 8.5?

I was wondering about upgrading to X1 Producer from 8.5 Producer. It seems the only difference (of course it is a great one) is the interface.
 
Is there anything else different or added to it? I mean there are no new synth plugins or effects, right? 
 
When I jumped from Studio 7 to Producer 8.5 it was a huge difference, especially for the same amount of $$. 
I think my upgrade then was only $99 or something close to that.
 
Thanks ahead of time
-Rob

+1 to everything John said, and I'd add screensets and FX chains as major improvements - maybe more than they seem at first glance. 

Also, the upgrade from 8.5 producer is also only $99. At this point I say go for it, I am personally quite pleased that I did. No doubt others who are not as happy will give their different or opposite opinions, but that's mine. 

John


Yes there are a few neat new add in plugins. The full Studio Instruments is included. The biggest new thing is Pro Channel. This is a built in channel strip on each track. It is not a plugin.

The Browser is much improved. The track Inspector is likewise  much improved. There are a lot of either improved things in X1 or new things.

I do think from all I have seen with X1 it also performs better. Is snappier and more solid feeling.

With the patches X1 is a very solid DAW. On my system I was not having many problems before the patches.

Edit to add.

If you are solid in the way Sonar 8XX works X1 may be at first a bit confounding to you. It does a lot of things very differently. However it has a logic to it that is quick to grasp. The smart tools for example are nothing like what 8 offers. Many here have had problems learning them. Yet I believe its due to them not taking the time and learn them. How they work is outstanding to me.

There are no real missing features in X1 from 8 just accessed differently.  If one studies the manual and comes here and asks questions the learning curve can be a quick and rewarding process.

X1 is at present a truly great DAW but it will be getting better over time. I think it a no brainer to upgrade. 
 
 

For some reason I didn't even notice that the full studio instruments were in there, I need reading glasses 
Also I remember seeing a video showing how the Pro Channel works and also the Smart Tools, both look nice/real useful...and just those 2 almost make the deal by themselves.
 
Thanks,
Rob

For some reason I didn't even notice that the full studio instruments were in there, I need reading glasses

It may not be you. I didn't know until I fell over them by accident. CW for some reason isn't making them much of a big deal.

They are all there but don't look to CW to know that.

There is nothing in SONAR X1 that you haven't got with 8.5.3 except the Pro Channel strip, (and I think some Studio Instrument plugins). 

If this is important to you, that might tip the balance in favor of X1. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Pro Channel is: a) bugs, b) incompatibility issues with projects created in earlier versions, if you have used the built-in Sonitus EQ on tracks/buses (not talking about the FX bin, here).

All the touted advantages of X1 are 100% subjective. Buyer beware.

stickman393


There is nothing in SONAR X1 that you haven't got with 8.5.3 except the Pro Channel strip, (and I think some Studio Instrument plugins). 

If this is important to you, that might tip the balance in favor of X1. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Pro Channel is: a) bugs, b) incompatibility issues with projects created in earlier versions, if you have used the built-in Sonitus EQ on tracks/buses (not talking about the FX bin, here).

All the touted advantages of X1 are 100% subjective. Buyer beware.

What happens when you open an old project if it has used the built-in EQ like you mention? Will it load, but just need some adjustment done to it?

stickman393


There is nothing in SONAR X1 that you haven't got with 8.5.3 except the Pro Channel strip, (and I think some Studio Instrument plugins). 

If this is important to you, that might tip the balance in favor of X1. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Pro Channel is: a) bugs, b) incompatibility issues with projects created in earlier versions, if you have used the built-in Sonitus EQ on tracks/buses (not talking about the FX bin, here).

All the touted advantages of X1 are 100% subjective. Buyer beware.

There are indeed significant new features in X1, if you think they are significant. The browser is GREAT. Screen Sets are amazing. The Inspector is new as is the Multi Dock. And ProChannel.

Sure they're not for everyone but that's quit a bit of 'new' over 8.53. There is a learning curve of course but for me at least the 'new' features in X1 far, far, outweighed the minor (in my case) bugs. YMMV.

rm5700@optonline.net

John

For some reason I didn't even notice that the full studio instruments were in there, I need reading glasses

It may not be you. I didn't know until I fell over them by accident. CW for some reason isn't making them much of a big deal.

They are all there but don't look to CW to know that.

 
Thanks for the info John. 
Did you ever run into issues like what Stickman mentioned on here? He said there can be problems importing if it was an old project from 8.5 and it had used the built-in EQ on tracks/busses.

> Ive had no issues importing/playing old recordings
   from 8.5.3 to X-1b-244 mind you im one of the users
   who has had little or no issues..we can load a song hit
   play.. launch Win TV.. and defrag the os disk all at the
   same time, with out the system glitching. rock solid ..
   here , if your worried go buy 2 sata drives 50.00 and
   load a clean install of X-1, I also suggest the BOX soft
   -ware, hard real copy is hard to beat, feel free to ask
   question, support is free ..jon

HumbleNoise

rm5700@optonline.net

stickman393


There is nothing in SONAR X1 that you haven't got with 8.5.3 except the Pro Channel strip, (and I think some Studio Instrument plugins). 

If this is important to you, that might tip the balance in favor of X1. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Pro Channel is: a) bugs, b) incompatibility issues with projects created in earlier versions, if you have used the built-in Sonitus EQ on tracks/buses (not talking about the FX bin, here).

All the touted advantages of X1 are 100% subjective. Buyer beware.

What happens when you open an old project if it has used the built-in EQ like you mention? Will it load, but just need some adjustment done to it?

There is a warning box and instructions to unload the Sonitus EQ and replace it with Pro Channel. You can still use the Sonitus EQ, it's just not embedded like it was before, you have to insert it like any other FX now.

I'm not sure why people are importing older projects but to each their own. If it were me and I had an important project in 8.53 I would by ALL means finish it there, or at least save a copy to see how it behaves in X1 before committing.

What if down the line you want to re-work/re-mix a song (even if it was "finished") that you made a while back with an older version of Sonar, and want to use the new features in the latest version to help improve it a bit?  I mean, I would work with a copy of the original project, not the actual original one.
  

rm5700@optonline.net

HumbleNoise

rm5700@optonline.net

stickman393


There is nothing in SONAR X1 that you haven't got with 8.5.3 except the Pro Channel strip, (and I think some Studio Instrument plugins). 

If this is important to you, that might tip the balance in favor of X1. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Pro Channel is: a) bugs, b) incompatibility issues with projects created in earlier versions, if you have used the built-in Sonitus EQ on tracks/buses (not talking about the FX bin, here).

All the touted advantages of X1 are 100% subjective. Buyer beware.

What happens when you open an old project if it has used the built-in EQ like you mention? Will it load, but just need some adjustment done to it?

There is a warning box and instructions to unload the Sonitus EQ and replace it with Pro Channel. You can still use the Sonitus EQ, it's just not embedded like it was before, you have to insert it like any other FX now.

I'm not sure why people are importing older projects but to each their own. If it were me and I had an important project in 8.53 I would by ALL means finish it there, or at least save a copy to see how it behaves in X1 before committing.

What if down the line you want to re-work/re-mix a song (even if it was "finished") that you made a while back with an older version of Sonar, and want to use the new features in the latest version to help improve it a bit?  I mean, I would work with a copy of the original project, not the actual original one.
  

Well sure you can just open a copy of the older file in X1 and see how it goes. Not everyone and not every file has a problem but it shouldn't be ignored if that project is extremely valuable..

rm5700@optonline.net


I was wondering about upgrading to X1 Producer from 8.5 Producer. It seems the only difference (of course it is a great one) is the interface.
 
Is there anything else different or added to it? I mean there are no new synth plugins or effects, right? 
 
When I jumped from Studio 7 to Producer 8.5 it was a huge difference, especially for the same amount of $$. 
I think my upgrade then was only $99 or something close to that.
 
Thanks ahead of time
-Rob
 
 

I just uninstalled Sonar X1b because it isn't doing what it should. Went from Sonar 6 to the free Sonar 8.5/X1 upgrade and installed to a new HDD and PC. All the other software I have works the way it did on the old PC without any problems.  But Sonar X1b just won't behave. Installed a trial version of Sonar 8 - works fine! I paid for the Sonar 8.5 upgrade from Sonar 6 but I have been told that I need Sonar 8 in order to upgrade to Sonar 8.5 because Sonar 8.5 is just a patch - so I paid for a patch that isn't a full version????? Huh????  What I can not understand is why the offer to upgrade to 8.5 was given when Cakewalk must have known that I didn't have Sonar 8? I've been a user since Sonar 3 and also go back to the Cakewalk days when Cakewalk was a MIDI scoring only software. I have contacted support, so far nothing. 
 
I can't use Sonar X1 and can't use Sonar 8.5 which I paid for...
If Cakewalk support actually get around to answering my Emails NOW 4+ over a week and I can actually get a physical version of Sonar 8 sent to me, I will use that and will leave Sonar X1 well alone until I upgrade my PC some time in the future. 
 
I should have known.  I didn't jump on Sonar 7 or 8 but Sonar X1 was very hyped and I decided to trust it.  Wrong. 
 
This is my bread and butter and I'm essentially Dead In The Water until I can get a physical version of Sonar 8.
 
Not very happy right now.

post edited by WINYARDPRODUCTIONS - 2011/04/07 06:08:24

WINYARDPRODUCTIONS

rm5700@optonline.net


I was wondering about upgrading to X1 Producer from 8.5 Producer. It seems the only difference (of course it is a great one) is the interface.
 
Is there anything else different or added to it? I mean there are no new synth plugins or effects, right? 
 
When I jumped from Studio 7 to Producer 8.5 it was a huge difference, especially for the same amount of $$. 
I think my upgrade then was only $99 or something close to that.
 
Thanks ahead of time
-Rob

I just uninstalled Sonar X1b because it isn't doing what it should. Went from Sonar 6 to the free Sonar 8.5/X1 upgrade and installed to a new HDD and PC. All the other software I have works the way it did on the old PC without any problems.  But Sonar X1b just won't behave. Installed a trial version of Sonar 8 - works fine! I paid for the Sonar 8.5 upgrade from Sonar 6 but I have been told that I need Sonar 8 in order to upgrade to Sonar 8.5 which I think will work fine.  What I can not understand is why the offer to upgrade to 8.5 was given when Cakewalk must have known that I wouldn't be able to use Sonar 8? I've been a user since Sonar 3 and also go back to the Cakewalk days when Cakewalk was a MIDI scoring only software. I have contacted support, so far nothing. 
 
I can't use Sonar X1 and can't use Sonar 8.5 which I paid for...
If Cakewalk support actually get around to answering my Emails NOW 4+ over a week and I can actually get a physical version of Sonar 8 sent to me, I will use that and will leave Sonar X1 well alone until I upgrade my PC some time in the future. 
 
I should have known.  I didn't jump on Sonar 7 or 8 but Sonar X1 was very hyped and I decided to trust it.  Wrong. 
 
This is my bread and butter and I'm essentially Dead In The Water until I can get a physical version of Sonar 8.
 
Not very happy right now.

What doesn't work right with X1? ...and you can't use 8.5 either? I don't get why 8.5 wouldn't work. Didn't you get a full version?
Also did you try a clean install on that newer PC or did you have 6 on there first?
 
I went from Sonar 7 Studio right up to Sonar Producer 8.5, and it doesn't need version 8.0 on there first for it to work.
 

post edited by rm5700@optonline.net - 2011/04/07 06:10:52

Response from Cakewalk support
 
Re - Sonar 8.5 install:
 
"Yes- 8.5 would only have been successfully installed if there was a version 8 on that system.  The 8.5 download did not have its own installers and it relied on version 8 in order to install itself.  So on a system without SONAR 8, then 8.5 would look like a patch.  However, that is not the case with X1.  It has its own installers and does not rely on any other version to install.  It does however need to be downloaded FIRST, and completely to one location.  Once both pieces of the file are completely downloaded- then the installation can begin.  Also, one only needs to double click on part one to start the process.  No Winzip (or anything like that) is necessary.  The part one file does all the work and it grabs part two when it’s ready for it". 
 
"I was going to put new links here for X1 for you- but in looking in your account, it looks like you already have the physical media.  Which is a good thing- because you have the ability to reinstall more easily with those".  
  
 
Point form:

- I can only go by what Cakewalk have told me - I have Sonar 3, 5 & 6 + Purchased Sonar 8.5 (With free Sonar X1 UG).  See above email extract.

- Forget Sonar X1b doesn't work, forget it - two installs embedded code shows driver issues with ASIO also sluggish, X1b hasn't addressed this perhaps will not? Anyway,  not going to work on my system with Win XP, all work-a-rounds tried.  Demo of  Sonar 8  - no issues looks promising.

- Solution,  Sonar 8 according to Cakewalk!!!???  Sonar 8.5 according to the forum...
 
- Running Win XP SP3 machines in Studio also have Win 7 (Sonar seems fine on Win 7 on notebook) strange?

- I've developed software in the past no problems getting around computers and installs.  

- If it is true that Sonar 8.5 is a full version, well,  I'll get that if Cakewalk answer my Emails and can confirm.  
 
 
Note: Once again as you can see the email clearly states - Sonar 8.5 will only work as patch without Sonar 8 installed, Cakewalk's support response not my words.
 
That's where it stands right now.

WINYARDPRODUCTIONS


Response from Cakewalk support
 
Re - Sonar 8.5 install:
 
"Yes- 8.5 would only have been successfully installed if there was a version 8 on that system.  The 8.5 download did not have its own installers and it relied on version 8 in order to install itself.  So on a system without SONAR 8, then 8.5 would look like a patch.  However, that is not the case with X1.  It has its own installers and does not rely on any other version to install.  It does however need to be downloaded FIRST, and completely to one location.  Once both pieces of the file are completely downloaded- then the installation can begin.  Also, one only needs to double click on part one to start the process.  No Winzip (or anything like that) is necessary.  The part one file does all the work and it grabs part two when it’s ready for it". 
 
"I was going to put new links here for X1 for you- but in looking in your account, it looks like you already have the physical media.  Which is a good thing- because you have the ability to reinstall more easily with those".  
  
 
Point form:

- I can only go by what Cakewalk have told me - I have Sonar 3, 5 & 6 + Purchased Sonar 8.5 (With free Sonar X1 UG).  See above email extract.

- Forget Sonar X1b doesn't work, forget it - two installs embedded code shows driver issues with ASIO also sluggish, X1b hasn't addressed this perhaps will not? Anyway,  not going to work on my system with Win XP, all work-a-rounds tried.  Demo of  Sonar 8  - no issues looks promising.

- Solution,  Sonar 8 according to Cakewalk!!!???  Sonar 8.5 according to the forum...
 
- Running Win XP SP3 machines in Studio also have Win 7 (Sonar seems fine on Win 7 on notebook) strange?

- I've developed software in the past no problems getting around computers and installs.  

- If it is true that Sonar 8.5 is a full version, well,  I'll get that if Cakewalk answer my Emails and can confirm.  
 
 
Note: Once again as you can see the email clearly states - Sonar 8.5 will only work as patch without Sonar 8 installed, Cakewalk's support response not my words.
 
That's where it stands right now.

 
 
not even worth explaining..some users get something in their head and no matter how much you explain to them they just dont get it.

Somerset


I haven't had many issues. Old projects seems to open up fine for me. The Pro Channel works well for me and I think it alone is worth the upgrade price. The screen-sets are also a nice innovation. Make sure you keep 8.5.3 on your system in case you run into issues.

I have a lot of older projects (just the rough tracks) that don't have any Fx added and would like to use the Pro Channel before mxing them down. Are people having issues only when there are Fx used in 8.5 and then re-opening in X1?