I can do this upgrade for $49...but as usual it isn't all that obvious whether for a guy like me, who only uses one piano sample with Sonar, plus a lot of audio and midi effects, whether x3 would be any faster, or "better" in some other way.
 
Workflow has always been a little cumbersome in Sonar 8.5: for example, loading a piano sample and effects every time I load a midi file is quite a few keystrokes.
 
Also, I NEVER did find "PERFECT SPACE" convolution in 8.5!!!   Not that there aren't plenty of free convolution packages out there (Like SIR).   Still, I have to wonder (after numerous re-installs and searches in various subdirectories for the .dll file) WHERE "Perfect Space" is hiding!
 
And would it be included in Sonar X3... the non-"studio" edition???

Try the trial version to see if the workflow agrees with you. Here is a list of features for all versions of X3. Perfect Space is not part of the basic version of X3. The SONAR 8.5 advanced install option provides a way to install individual plug-ins.  If Perfect Space was bundled with SONAR 8.5 Studio, it should be in the advanced install plug-in list.

If Perfect Space was bundled with SONAR 8.5 Studio, it should be in the advanced install plug-in list.
 
That's what I can't get the answer to: was it part of the plug-in list?   I THOUGHT it was.  But can't find it.
 
Those "trials":  oddly enough Basic trial actually downloads "Producer"!!!???
 
JG

I did find an article which indicates Perfect Space was a Producer exclusive ( http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/09/15/cakewalk-sonar-8-5-producer-sonar-8-5-studio-now-available/ ). Run the advanced install option, the list of installable plug-in is shown. I would imagine Perfect Space will not be listed. As best I can tell Perfect Space was a Producer exclusive through X2. Here is the a feature comparison of MC6 and the X2 series http://www.cakewalk.com/Documentation/default.aspx?Doc=Music%20Creator%206%20Touch&Lang=EN&Req=Comparison.html.
 
Even though the trial version is the "Producer" version, ignoring the Prochannel the work flow is the same as the basic X3.

Definitely try the demo, the GUI is the biggest difference

scook
 
Even though the trial version is the "Producer" version, ignoring the Prochannel the work flow is the same as the basic X3.

I don't want to sound like I'm dogging CW, bur ain't it a great idea to only offer Producer as the trial demo?

I mean, who's not gonna try all the features? I know I would!!

And once you taste excess, everything else is just bland!!

Grem

scook
 
Even though the trial version is the "Producer" version, ignoring the Prochannel the work flow is the same as the basic X3.

I don't want to sound like I'm dogging CW, bur ain't it a great idea to only offer Producer as the trial demo?

I mean, who's not gonna try all the features? I know I would!!

And once you taste excess, everything else is just bland!!

Marketing.... Sigh...

I did a quick search of all my .dll files and nothing shows up under "perfect" or anything close to it.   So "advanced install" just means that you can pick your own plugs.   Which I do anyway.   And perfect space doesn't show up on any list in 8.5 Studio.   Probably Producer.  Apparently it's not true stereo, anyhow (but can you hear the difference?)  
 
Then again, I've heard some stuff on the net verbed with Bricasti m7--the hardware that is--and I think it's kinda totally spoiled me.   Not sure ANY soft verb compares.... but I'm happy to be proved wrong.

Downloading the trial version as I write.  Delivered special to my mailbox, "use in 48 hours or it dies", they say.
 
Something tells me that I did this a couple of years ago: so I don't think they're giving me extra time (beyond the 30 days it sat on my computer, while I was doing other stuff and never got to it).
 
Convolution software I divide into 2 categories: the one's designed to run real time, if at all possible, and the ones that are post recording effects, where IR file size is pretty much irrelevant.  
 
Wouldn't it be great to have both.... maybe then the software could really compete with the high-end hardward verbs (Bricasti, etc.)