Cactus Music
Seems it would be easier just to buy it directly from Cakewalk. Kind of weird a store would be selling a "ticket" for software. Unless they offer a better price. Retail store normally get wholesale pricing on all items. So then they can cut their profit margin a tad, and offer a better deal. Direct purchase from a manufacture is normally at full price. Retailers become piz-ed at manufactures who under cut retail pricing. This is where the term "Street Price" come in to play.
 

When I wanted to purchase x3 online I only had only the option of "find a dealer" which was only the Guitar Center. So when I went to the Guitar center to get x3 they said it would be in in a week or two. I came back and it wasnt there and they dude said he had no idea when it was coming in. So I started calling around to other Guitar Centers and found a box. But he said I didn't have to drive an hour to get it off him, just to go back to my local Guitar Center and get the x3 number from Sonar on my receipt and download it online. So that is how I came to get it in the weirdest way possible. I only posted that link in case some other person gets the same receipt ordeal and cant find where to download it. I spend 4 days trying to figure out how to download it. So thats my story and im sticking to it.

So you actually need create an account where you then enter your serial number. You will then be able to open your account where you'll find your registration number (needed to activate Sonar) once it's installed and also your Download link.

I think maybe CW is doing things differently now that Gibson is involved?

Online Redemption isn't a new topic or procedure. Some retailers sell several SKUs using the same box (such as upgrade pricing depending on previous product ownership). This not only allows vendors to sell different SKUs, but it allows us to verify purchase history. Once verified we provide serial numbers for installing the software.
 
But yes, if you receive a redemption code the method to redeem it is to go to www.cakewalk.com/redeem
 
I'm sorry Guitar Center didn't provide those steps. We've worked with them regarding this process so they know the procedure, but unfortunately all it takes is one sales associate to be out of the loop (I know all to well from my days working at Best Buy).

Thanks Ryan, I think it was only an issue for me because I purchased it on a Friday for the guitar center and by the time I got to where I realized I couldn't just go to "my account" and download it, Cakewalk was closed. So I got on the forums here to see if anyone had an avenue for how to download the software. I posted the website link for redeeming just in case anyone else found themselves in the same boat on a weekend. I marked your comment as best answer as you have the link there and you are more official than i am. Thanks for posting it.