I realize this is probably the wrong forum, but for the V-Studio 700, the full monty (controller, interface, and Fantom VS), it seems like a sweet deal. 
 
My pretty obvious concern is compatibility/usability with X3.  I checked the V-Studio forum and there is some info, but not much.  The 700 is so outdated, but at this price, wouldn't the synth alone be almost worth it (?)
 
I'm just wondering if X3 upgraders are noticing less compatibilities with the 700, especially re: the control surface, i.e., does it really control plugins better than, say, the MCU Pro?  OR is it just another ACT controller?  Does it work with channel strips?
 
I would be using it for my "Studio B," as I have MCUs/XTs on my "Studio A."
 
IS IT WORTH IT?
 
Link:
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VStudio700B 
Thanks!

The link did not work try this one
 
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VStudio700B

I will say that when this was released it cost around $4,700.00. They want 1,500 for this and they are offering a free upgrade to Sonar X3 Professional which retails for $499.00. So really this will wind up costing about 1,000 for the audio interface. That is if you were to buy it separately and you don't already own X3 or an older version of Sonar.
 
I have the VS-100 which is a much more scaled down version of this. I can tell you that the preamps are rock solid and the drivers have always worked well with my system. What you should do is compare this to other audio interfaces that cost around $1000.00 to $1100.00. See if there is anything out there you would like better.
 
This deal is there because this has been discontinued. Cakewalk will still offer support for it. but this product line is not being developed any further. It does work well with Sonar X3. 
 
It's worth is really something that only you can determine. I think it is a good deal. For me it would cost the full $1,500.00 because I already own X3. I am not gaining anything extra. First time Sonar users may find this an exceptional value.

It's working well with X3, and a few bugs have been fixed, which I'm fairly impressed by, given that it's basically discontinued. However, the indications are that Cakewalk aren't going to do much more with it; Noel has been talking about open sourcing the V700 code. So... hmmm. It really is an excellent bit of kit, but what lifespan it will have is anyone's guess.

It's also worth noting that both X1 and X2 broke all kinds of functionality, and while it's more or less back to where it should be with X3, it's hard to feel confident about the future with it. I'm sure it will become less and less of a priority, and I know that internal testing of v700 compatibility is less than rigorous. (Sorry to say, but them's the facts).
 
That price is really a bargain for what you'll get, and as an overall setup it works really well. I'm just not sure how future proof it is. I use mine all day every day, I will say that. It will be painful when and if a Sonar update that doesn't work with it arrives. Indeed, as I say above, that's already happened more than once, and it was indeed painful.

Not trying to put you off, or criticise anyone, but I think it's best you go into it with your eyes open.

At this point in time, it feels like a missed opportunity. A lower price point version, without the spurious video features and the Fantom synth could have really been big, I'm sure.
 

Thank you both, what you've both said is kind of what I figured, but it's good to hear it confirmed.
 
The only other "selling point" for me would be the inclusion of the Fantom VS synth.  However, it's hard (for me anyhow) to judge what it's worth because I can't find a direct price comparison with any other Fantom synths.  Obviously it doesn't come with weighted, full-size keyboard, so that's a factor, but as far a sounds, etc., without knowing more, it would appear that it would add significant value (?) beyond just the interface (I do already own X3).
 
Any thoughts?

Thanks for the up about this offer OP.
 
I have been waiting to buy this for a few years now. I always dream of having one of these, and I'm happy to hear it is working well with X3. This is the best price ever, and I think it might be the push I need to buy it now! I don't need the software, but the control surface and I/O is well worth the price alone, considering some stores still have it for over $4,000!
 
Cheers!

I've never used that Fantom, so really don't have a view. I think there are some issues with 64 bit compatibility, but somebody else will know more than me on that.

John T
I've never used that Fantom, so really don't have a view. I think there are some issues with 64 bit compatibility, but somebody else will know more than me on that.

likewise here.
 
with all the cpu power these days and the zillion of great soft synth, i hardly ever even go to the fantom. i also agree that without the fantom and the whatever-link to video this unit might have sold more often if it had been cheaper when it came out (yet, i'm under the impression that they just threw the fantom in because that technology was fully developed and it didn't cost them much to include it but gave them an excuses to sell it at an higher price ... which may have been poor strategy).
 
anyway, i bought my vs-set discounted a while ago and i'd do it again tomorrow for the price i payed, and would not think long about it at the current offer
 
nothing is ever future proof if it is a digital gadget, no matter what price it comes. one day it will be superseded, one day there will be no more updates. yet, currently i rather stick to vs-700 and x2/x3 as it gives me an incredible environment to work with. i'm sure i'd give x4/x5/x6 a miss if they break the compatibility to the vs-700 (for as long as the vs-700 keeps functioning)
 
my 50c.

Thanks SR!
 
I'm particularly curious about plugin (ACT?) integration.  The I/O, synth, faders, and knobs for X3 basic controls are a given, but I've yet to find a control surface for plugins in Sonar that is easier to use than a mouse.  I've spent countless hours messing with ACT, Generic Control Surface, Automap, MCU, the Axiom protocol (can't recall it), and probably others.
 
Is it more than ACT?  Does it work intuitively with channel strips (or at all)?
 
Thanks!