Here's what I'm betting didn't get put into X2 that I DEFINITELY want (though if somebody who pre-ordered could confirm any of this made the cut, that would be AWESOME):
 
-- Pro Channel implementation that works with the Mackie MCU/C4 such that I can navigate the PC modules using the controller.
 
-- Scalable and Customizable Skylight interface, particularly with the Control Bar.  I'm working with limited screen real estate, so space is at a premium.  I don't want my buttons to be so large, nor do I want them so widely spaced apart.  I also would rather have a tight group of buttons for all tools (akin to the Screen Sets or Markers displays) than have to make a secondary click to access tools from a drop-down menu.  The Smart Tool improvements look good, but sometimes I want discrete tools to avoid accidentally doing the wrong thing.
 
-- If the CB can't be scaled or the modules customized, then I'd want a way to access "hidden" modules reliably and easily (pagination is preferred, but scrollable CB or tabs would work too).
 
-- All MSR buttons (Mute, Solo, Record, Polarity, Interleave, Read/Write Automation) available in Narrow Console Strips again.
 
-- Less bulky knobs/sliders for Input Trim and Panning in Narrow Console Strips.  Also, access to pan controls for Aux Sends in Narrow Strips.
 
-- Scrollable Inspector Window.  Again, my screen is smaller than what Sklight seems to be designed for.
 
-- Detachable/Floatable PC module windows.  This might be messier if you leave your windows open (which I normally don't), but the option would be nice so the user could choose how to view PC modules for themselves.
 
-- Open-ended Autopunch (i.e., you can punch-in, but don't need to specify a punch-out time for it).
 
-- Friendly Names that permit us to customize every distinct Mono Channel AS WELL as stereo pairs or surround groupings.  Ideally, we could create our own customized groupings of channels and also order their presentation in the Input/Output Dialogs within Sonar, too.
 
-- Temporary on/off toggles for Groups (both edit groups and mix parameter groups).  Ideally, we could also put tracks and/or mix parameters into multiple "stacking" groups and set up a hiearchy for those groups, so we can control which group is given priority over others.
 
 
I do like the look of the Automation Modes (hooray!), the new Now Time, Smart Grid, Auto-Zoom in Track View, and FX in the Pro Channel (though that raises some interesting philosophical questions about the Pro Channel).
 

When I lay down a reasonably average guitar track in X3, I want an automated voice to say "Well Done" in a condescending tone.

Is that too much to wish for?

Why X3?

Gonna get at least 3 service packs for x2.

True project import.
    Track Templates with data would suffice.

Intelligent, reasonable, folder structure. Designed for USER's need for easy backup.

Folder option to set default to behave like a group, a BUS
       group: Master fader, pan, sends, PC, EF bin,,... just like a bus

METERs dialog similar to the widgets dialog providing checkboxes for all meter options for all meters, with savable presets.

Auto-save: save-as with date time BEFORE the dot.

Output choices: consistency: check mark identifying selected item, just like inputs. (waiting 10 years for this stupidity to be fixed)

A save-as button

Track spacers:
     small color line
     will show in the track view and in the console view

Bus: selected bus should have a REALLY DIFFERENT COLOR

Sony type scroll bar gadget function: pull on edges of slider to zoom

Clone Buses

Clone Track Folder

"Show Desktop" button to minimize ALL windows except the Trackview

X2: console

This change will use less than 1/2 the screen space, and be more useful:

short fader: 1/2 current height
  move to left
     place meter under fader

  move value, icon, pan to where meter is now

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Option to show/hide section headings: I/O a real waste of space

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Flat PAN gadget instead of knob: as in track view

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choice of what buttons to show: M S R A R W,.... not just 2 choices of multi buttons

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Fix the interleave button: show 1/2 (8.5) when mono.  
       currently blue/grey, with same image, is WAY stupid

SteveStrummerUK


When I lay down a reasonably average guitar track in X3, I want an automated voice to say "Well Done" in a condescending tone.

Is that too much to wish for?

 
Good to know others are also needing this type of positive encouragement.
 
I have been thinkin I would get a bunch of Romney's words to create such a clip.
 
And then place/and move as needed.
 
 

people are taking this fred wayyy to seriously ....
just saying, next they want vari-os .....


who remembers that feature  from roland ...

hey wait seriously.... why not vari-os???

I would like to see some improve on the staff view even if it have to take a short brek on the plug ins and loop.  And I hope it does't bother the others friends here who like the plugs and loops...

Hit Song Algorithm: The user enters a note, and out pops a hit song, lyrics and all.

SteveStrummerUK


When I lay down a reasonably average guitar track in X3, I want an automated voice to say "Well Done" in a condescending tone.

Is that too much to wish for?

1. More advanced routing
2. Single pass bouncing on multi-out VSTi's (instead of bouncing each track at once - do all at once - would be a huge time saver for people working with multi-out VSTi's like BFD2, Kontakt, etc.)
3. Smaller mixer or resizable mixer - it got too big at X1 - bad use of real estate - need a bigger FX bin too
4. Pro Tools Session files import/export (not just OMF - don't expect it to import plugins obviously) 
5. Improved Notation/Staff View (just license an LE version of Notion for use in Sonar already)
6. Improve Instrument Tracks so no separate source MIDI track is required (shouldn't even be an option) - especially with multi-output VSTI's
7. Varispeed
8. Improve navigation from effect to effect a la Logic (you can change the open effect GUI from any effect's interface via the plugin menu - saves a ton of time)
9. Gapless Audio (though I think we'll get this in an X2 enhancement - sounds like they're still actively working on it)
10. More advanced Freeze - a la Studio One v2
11. Integrated Melodyne support 
12. VST3 - the new VST expression options seem useful, never wanted VST3 before   

What I don't want:

1. Anything geared towards looping (you got that covered well enough already)
2. Anything geared towards step sequencing (you got that covered well enough already)
3. Anything geared towards "beat making" (again, we're good here)
4. Anything geared towards being more like "Live" (Matrix view, got it - thanks)
5. More effects/instruments that will go unsupported in no time (I've been a Sonar user since v. 1, got plenty of effects I don't use and are no longer supported - don't need more)
6. More guitar amp sims (does every new version of Sonar need to include a different one? I mean, thanks, but no thanks)
7. Bigger anything (I'm taking about the GUI - make things smaller, not bigger)
8. Taking existing features away (hey, what happened to my staff view?)