Thanks Andrew. I've nothing else to add.

mudgel
BTW Thomas B,
As to the mp3 encoder. I think Cakewalk rename their lame . dll to ttslame. If you download and rename the latest lame dll to that and locate it in the correct folder then Sonar will use it.

I think updating to another LAME version requires that it has to be compiled. Back in SONAR 8.5 days a forum user named jcatena compiled an updated version of the lame mp3 encoder (http://forum.cakewalk.com/Updated-mp3-encoder-3982-m1772420.aspx?high=ttslame,) using the latest LAME version at that time, Lame 3.98.2, and he provided a link to the download for the compiled TTSLAME.dll files for 32bit and 64bit. That was really nice of him. I'm currently using those updated dlls.
 
I would really like to see an included option for Average Bit Rate encoding. SONAR is a Pro app, so I would like to see that option included. There are free mp3 encoders that are more comprehensive than SONAR in options for encoding mp3 files (such as LAME Front End (http://www.pazera-software.com/products/lame-front-end/) , but that means, you have to leave SONAR to use them. I paid $19.99 for the Cakewalk MP3 Encoder, and just think it would be nice if it was at least as comprehensive in encoding options as the free LAME Front End. I mean, how hard can it be to include an option for Average Bit Rate encoding support in the Cakewalk MP3 Encoder? Just wishful thinking. I guess. And whether the Cakewalk MP3 Encoder gets updated or nor, I'm still pro SONAR. :)
 
Thanks for your reply. :)

mettelus
As far as "bait and switch" with Melodyne...
   1) Melodyne Essential will suit many user's needs without the upgrade to Editor.
   2) The upgrade to Editor was a bargain as well ($150 versus $300).
   3) Melodyne released a patch to improve the ARA functionality (with X3) so this partnership is a great one. X3 coming out of the chute with ARA on board and it being as nice as it is is rather impressive to me.

 
+1 on your #1. The version of Melodyne that is included in X3 is fine. It's not like it locks up after 30 days. As for Addictive Drums, I am a new fan. They are amazing. The only thing I upgraded so far was Breverb. 

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
Back to the OP's point or concern. We put a lot of work into core workflow, features and stability. ARA and VST3 were huge undertakings and we are continuing to improve these new features. We also spent a lot of time on comping and tried to not just implement it but make it the very best we could. 
 

Personally I think ARA and VST3 alone are worth the price of the upgrade. After using X3 for a few weeks now I think it is far and away the best X series you've done. While I don't look for Cakewalk to provide additional plugs and think it is great that you do for those that may need them.
 
With regard to SV: I do not read or write music well but I am capable of it. When I first started really using Sonar (around 7) I tried SV and was really hoping that I could use it as a tool to improve my understanding of notation. I was kind of scratching my head to tell the truth and I've never gone back to attempt using it...PRV all the way.
 
So a big plus for SV enhancements.
 
Regards,

The value-for-money thing is always going to vary subjectively, based on what you do and don't need. For me, the new comping method has radically improved my day to day working life, and the Melodyne integration comes just behind that in terms of general usefulness (I never could get along with VVocal). I've also been using Lounge Lizard on a project, and just invoiced for a job with lots of BiFilter2 on it. So it's paid for itself several times over already, for me.
 
There have been less meaningful updates for me in the past; I never use the step sequencer or matrix view for example. So subjectively, they weren't value items for me.
 
Looking at it a bit more objectively though, I think the most anyone can say is "this doesn't offer much for me". I don't think there's ever been a version of Sonar that you could say was poor value in a general sense.

If you've been around a while, you're likely going to have acquired favored virtual instruments and plugins. For these folks, the bundled additions aren't as big a "draw/enticement".  For the beginner... or those without preferred solutions, the bundled additions are incredible value.
 
Very similar to the Komplete bundles.  If you don't have any 3rd party virtual instruments/libraries/plugins, it's hard to beat the value of Komplete 9/Ultimate.  If you already own Komplete 8, Komplete 9 is "much less exciting"... but still worth the investment.
 
I wouldn't base the decision to upgrade to X3 on "additional content"... but rather the improvements/enhancements to Sonar itself.
VST3, ARA, Colors, and Comping are all solid improvements that make hour-to-hour use of Sonar a better experience.  If those things are useful to you, then the $149 upgrade is easily justified.
 
The additional content bundled with X3 certainly isn't a step backwards compared to earlier releases.
You're getting full versions of instruments/plugins.
Some are tied specifically to Sonar (Blue Tubes).  This is due to license issues.  If all versions were unrestricted, the cost would be significantly higher.

Jim Roseberry
 
I wouldn't base the decision to upgrade to X3 on "additional content"... but rather the improvements/enhancements to Sonar itself.
VST3, ARA, Colors, and Comping are all solid improvements that make hour-to-hour use of Sonar a better experience.  If those things are useful to you, then the $149 upgrade is easily justified.

Agreed. Also, consider that it costs twice as much to cross-grade to Studio One 2 Pro for comparable VST3, ARA and Comping features (along with Melodyne Essential) as in the X3 Producer upgrade.

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]

pbognar

Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]

John
I would hope that the Staff View gets an upgrade soon. I think it will add a lot more to the value of the X series. 

I understand. We know this has been requested but there's a lot more involved. We'll discuss it of course.

It's good to hear that it is even being discussed.  

We are always looking for ways to improve the product. The operative word is discussed though. That doesn't mean we will implement it but obviously this has been brought up a time or two :)
 
 

Thanks Andrew,  at least we know where we stand (for the foreseeable future ) with regard to the SV.
 
It would be crazy not assume that the "deciders" have separated the notation issue into the Staff Editing versus the Notation Printing functionality.  There are lot's of options out there for exporting MIDI data into a dedicated printing program.
 
As jsg has shown, anything is possible using just the SV and the Event Viewer (and for others, the combination of the SV and PRV) - with printing left to a dedicated program.  This has to be factored in when looking at Sonar's other unique features and workflow.
 
For those who require a step up in notation editing, there are and probably will be alternatives.  There are of course trade-offs - each program is unique in it's approach, workflow, and audience.  Again, Sonar certainly has it's unique strengths.
 
hmmm... just a thought - is there a way to display a clip or track of MIDI data with both the PRV and SV, one above the other?