If you're using X2a today, here's what I recommend to do to help your upgrade go smoothly:
1) Download the 4-part install and go through those instead of ordering media (as I hear the download is a later build). Register the serial # as normal during the install.
2) Open Sonar X3, let it run driver/interface tests, and go to Edit/Preferences. Go to VST Settings and
uncheck replace VST2 plug-ins with similar VST3 (not perfectly sure on the wording).
3) Scan your plugins through the Plug-In Manager, but make
sure you've added any custom folders to X2 in this as well.
4) Scan your plug-ins as usual, and you should be ready.
5) Open a session you know you have backed up elsewhere.
6) Fool around! ...with X3.
NOTE: I had to re-install my Waves plug-ins, but I used the same version, so I didn't have issues after that.
I personally found the process was painless. I'm also glad to say that my install didn't have the loud, obnoxious intro music this time. I didn't mind it at first, but when you're re-installing Sonar because something has gone bad, it's not a welcome thing.
I also had a major gripe regarding Take Lanes in X2, but this looks to be given a new existence in X3: Take Lanes! The way it's done in X3 is pretty well thought out. The gripes I had from X2 in Take Lanes is covered up by the new comping method, the new vertical scrolling, and the color coding you can do. I also like the comp'd result is what shows up in the
Track! Even better than I would have thought.
So, for right now, moving to X3 was a hit. I've so far gotten my wishes (certainly not all of them) for what I deem most important for now and I can just keep working. Hopefully this opinion will not change. We'll see how the next recording session goes. Otherwise, I'm good for now!