the functionality in producer and studio versions is the same, it's just the bundled content/plugins that differ - is that correct?

Correct, the only thing that comes to mind "functionally different" is the zoom on the QuadCurve EQ.
 
http://www.cakewalk.com/products/sonar/versions.aspx

tfti :)
eta: is it just the "zoom" in quad eq that's different, the filters are the same?

Thanks Alex for letting me know about enable midi out fix and being very transparent with your plan of record.
 
I can stop obsessing about it now and set my expectations for the next 'next' update.  Overall X3 is a winner, but there are things i want to do in my composition work flow that would be so much easier and less stressful if multiple vsti sequencers could all fire at the same time.   I do not enjoy feeling like I am not getting the music I want,  because I have to keep recording midi tracks over and over one at a time.  
 
Please make sure you fix this in X3d.   I do not think I could handle the disappointment if it slips out again.  I am not quite to Silk Tone's state, but I feel the frustration big time as I have been with this bug for a long time too.
 
JR

lawp
tfti :)
eta: is it just the "zoom" in quad eq that's different, the filters are the same?

I believe so, but not 100% sure on that one. The "zoom" simply give you a larger UI with better resolution.

The filters are identical

I'm not interested in downgrading from Producer to Studio, so Sonar is a no-go for me going forward.
 
At this point I can't even tell if the MIDI Output bug has been fixed in X3c or not. There are conflicting reports in various threads saying it is or isn't fixed in X3c. Some say it works with multiple Jamstix plugins but not with other plugins like Catanya.
 
CW has fooled me enough times into giving them yet more cash for the next version just to find out it is still just as broken and incapable of getting even basic MIDI routing right.

> so Sonar is a no-go for me going forward
 
Surely there is some way to convince you? ;)


 
I have to admit Cake did not handle X2 very well, but they are under new management now and everything we've seen so far with X3 has been the opposite to how it was handled in X2. This is a good thing...