I've got X2 and when I go to export in mp3 format sonar tells me I have to unlock the mp3 encoder or purchase it - is that the case for X2?  I can turn my wavs into mp3s outside of Cakewalk as I have, but would like to just make mp3s from X2 if I can - does anyone know if I have to purchase something or if there's a fix or download to do it in X2 - thanks.

You can use the LAME mp3 encoder... here is a post on how to go about setting it up in SONAR (there are many threads on that encoder if you search).
 
Edit: Here is another post with setup detail for setting up within SONAR.
 
To unlock the trial version within SONAR is a one-time purchase from CW (currently $9.99) http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cus/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10-CWMA1.00-10E
 
 
Edit2: LOL, scook beat me to that edit!! (as always).

There is a one-time fee to activate the integrated mp3 encoder in SONAR. It is on sale here http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cus/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10-CWMA1.00-10E
Once activated, it will be available in all future SONAR releases.
 
Or use an external encoder with the directions provided in the previous post.

thanks guys, I have the lame so I'll try to hook it up with X2.

one last question - I got the lame to work in X2 - but it asked me if I wanted to use a subformat of signed 8 bit 16 bit or 24 bit - I chose 24 bit but is there a preferable choice?  Thanks again.

I figure that  very few mp3-players, smart phones or car stereos would play anything but 16 bit.
As far as the mp3-encoder which comes with Sonar, the encoder is ok but is should of course be included in the basic version of any DAW. Come on, the world's most used music sound format! It also surprises me that in CW's world the default bitrate is 128 kbit/s - this is easily changed but why this lousy quality as a not adjustable default setting!?

uh the lame mp3 encoder seems to be giving me flac mixdowns - anybody have any idea why?

The first option in the External Encoder Utility is "SoundCloud - FLAC". Could you be using that command line instead of lame?

When you set up the LAME encoder, you need to select "New" prior to configuring it (from the tutorial post above) in that first window that pops up. I just noticed that if you do not do that, the CLSID that defaulted for me was the FLAC file (which already exists).

ok I'll try that - am I going to screw anything up by having hit "save" when I put the original prompt in?  I mean I can still do a normal wave export, right?  Thanks for help.