Version 5 was exciting because it added V-Vocal and PerfectSpace
Version 6 was exciting because it added AudioSnap
Version 7 was exciting because it added sidechaining and the step sequencer
Version 8 was exciting because it added Dim Pro, Channel Tools and exclusive solo
Version 8.5 was exciting because it improved all of the above, and added a bunch of plugins

Version X1 gave us ProChannel. Sorry, that would have been exciting 5 years ago, don't need it anymore. Ditto for Studio Instruments. UI changes, bleh, nice but not necessary and certainly not exciting. All the keyboard shortcuts you've used since Cakewalk 1.0 have now been randomized - uh, OK. Not exciting.

So what's truly exciting in X2? An automatable spectral editor - that has potential but could also end up a toy that we lose interest in quickly. More ProChannel goodies - still don't need any of it. Full Rapture? Hardly ever used LE in 5 years, so the full version probably won't get used either. Breverb? Nice, but don't need it. Console emulation? Snake oil. That leaves TH2 as the most exciting addition.

It's not that these aren't nice enhancements. They are. Just not particularly exciting.

bitflipper

So what's truly exciting in X2? 

automation lanes

So what's truly exciting in X2?

It's one closer to X8

bapu

bitflipper

So what's truly exciting in X2? 

automation lanes

to fly your brand new Win7 64bit machine at warp speed!!!

bitflipper

So what's truly exciting in X2? 

No more Win XP.

Well... still no updated notation...

Still need restored full color control (for personal RL issues)... or did they give that back?  If so, would consider X2.

Don't need the strings, have much better...

Guess I'll stay with 8.5 for yet another year, unless something unexpected turns up.

I think the best new features have to do with fixing the magnetic strength, snap improvements and the smart zooming in the track view. To me these were clunky and needed improvement. It should make editing tracks easier.

The end of Producer Expanded was welcome. Clearly Expanded was just an improved Pro Channel, so it's good that they are just dealing with the good one now.

Nothing for me with the synth or amp sim. Upgraded long ago and have GR5. 

I like the fact that some of the features are maturing and some of the older X64 plugs are being revived. There's a lot of "improvements" listed that can only be evaluated with time. I'm going to watch very closely as things unfold, it could be good.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I just ordered the X2 producer upgrade. I got X1, then expanded but I can't bring my self to use them. I am still using 8.5. I do however think there are enough goodies in X2 for me to knuckle down and learn and put up with the new interface.

bapu

bitflipper

So what's truly exciting in X2? 

automation lanes

ya!
That's what floats my boat. The lanes in general.
I also see the channel strip looks as if it's the beginning of the end for the FX Bin. I'm sure the bin will stay for a while but now you can drop your VST's right into the strip.
So in a way, the FX Bin is a little larger. 


Mike

timidi

So what's truly exciting in X2?

It's one closer to X8

yeah, X8 will be the shizzle