Hello, I´m thinking of getting Sonar x2 now. I dont need many cakewalk virtual instruments or plugins, I just need an stable x64 workstation.
-Do you recommend me Sonar x2 essential? it´s perfect for my budget but Im not familiar with it...
-Will I miss something from Sonar x2 Producer? Remember I dont need cakewalk "extras", I just want an STABLE (and cheap) workstation to work a lot of waves and NI plugins and VST thats all.
Any one reccommends something?
what about x3 essential?
many thanks 

I would go with x3 essential over x2. Might be hard to find x2 anyway since cakewalk does not sell anymore. No doubt you will be missing some features and I am sure someone will post comparison chart to show you exactly which ones. However, cakewalk has made their product line a lot more uniform so core functions and sound engine are the same.

I would definitely go for the basic X3 version over X2. Dubdisciple is correct about Cakewalk making the core functionality equivalent over the entire X3 line.
 
Here's a comparison chart. The main difference (at least for me) is there's no ProChannel and there are far fewer plug-ins, although it doesn't sound like that matters to you. I don't want to sound too "Cakewalk rah-rah," but I think you'll find X3 gives pretty exceptional value.

thanks a lot, i think i´ll go for Sonar X3 essential as its just 76€, its affordable and plugins and synths mean nothing to me as I use most Waves and NI.
thanks to all

FWIW I use tons of NI virtual instruments and selected Wave plugs, and they work fine with X3.

As a former X2 Essential user and current X3 base version user, I also recommend X3 base version since several irritating bugs have been fixed and some good features have been added, and there's no longer limit on the number of tracks/buses/plugins. Also, if your budget is limited, wait until they do the annual year-end sale. You'll get 20% off everything (or was it 15%?)

I just upgraded to X3 last night..... So tomorrow the 95% off sale should begin.
 

 

I can get X2 Producer for 99$ and X3 Essential for the same price.
Which one would you go for? Is the X3Essential worth vs the X2Producer that I can get for the same price?

That is a good question. X2 Producer has a handy plug-in (R-Mix SONAR) that will not be available again (plus a lot of other goodies if you have not had a Producer Edition before). Please take a look at the X2 comparison chart and check that against X3 Essential. Much of that portion depends on what versions you have owned, but again is more plug-ins. Audiosnap 2.0 is very nice, V-Vocal, etc... so please research that package.
 
As far as "stability" and work flow, I think the general consensus is X3.

Honestly, the only reason to go Producer at this point is "free" plugins and goodies. If you are happy with your fx collection, I'd go for Essential no question. X3 is a lot better than X2 in workflow and stability, in my experience. I'm a sucker for good deals and lots of plugs, but I've been pretty disappointed with the quality of some of the bundled stuff.