Go for Producer if you can get it.  It's well worth the money IMHO.  The Melodyne ARA integration is worth the price of admission alone not to mention all of the other stuff (Addictive Drums, etc.).

I am getting ready to upgrade from 8.5 finally.  Is there a holiday deal on upgrading to producer or do I have to pay the full $199.  I have moved a few times and I no longer get Sonar postcards with deals. :(      looking forward to getting the upgrade and having some Holiday Fun!!!