There is a "buy X2 get X3 free" deal going on through the end of the month but it must be the full retail version. Details here http://www.cakewalk.com/p...-free-SONAR-X3-Upgrade

Most of the value of the X series is the Prochannel IMO. If you are on the fence about Producer don't get the basic X3 version (no Prochannel) look at X3 Studio. If you already have all the instruments and plugs you need then Producer doesn't add that much in comparison to Studio.
 
But really... You want the Prochannel. Also studio comes with Melodyne as well. You just lose two new PC modules (the Flyout Quad Curve which is cool but unnecessary and the Tape Sim which again isn't really necessary). The rest is the Nomad plugs which you probably already have covered and Addictive Drums which is nice but if you already have a high end drum sequencer isn't required and I'm pretty sure Studio comes with Session Drummer which is pretty usable on its own for most people's needs.
 
Disclosure: I do not own X3. Just been looking at the options.

Studio will also not run plug-ins locked to the Producer series.

The only thing I would add is that Producer puts you in a better position for future upgrades. 
 

scook
Studio will also not run plug-ins locked to the Producer series.

Hmm... Like the third party stuff or Cakewalk plugs? I know they said that our PC modules would work. This is definitely something that needs to be factor in to my equations. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

scook, thanks for posting that.  I was hoping that maybe there was one that let you upgrade to X2 and get X3 free.  Oh well.  makes me glad I had X2.  R-mix has become very useful to me

Oh... huh. If R-Mix didn't work in X3 Studio that would be a major problem. If that's the case I would definitely have to take a pass.

Beepster
Oh... huh. If R-Mix didn't work in X3 Studio that would be a major problem. If that's the case I would definitely have to take a pass.

R-Mix works in my X3 basic. It also picks up all the Boutique and Engineering Suite items (that existed in my X1 / X2 Pro).

Interesting that is not what CW staff have written. They suggest R-Mix was locked to Producer.

tomixornot

Beepster
Oh... huh. If R-Mix didn't work in X3 Studio that would be a major problem. If that's the case I would definitely have to take a pass.

R-Mix works in my X3 basic. It also picks up all the Boutique and Engineering Suite items (that existed in my X1 / X2 Pro).

scook
Interesting that is not what CW staff have written.

Huh... These two posts are in conflict with each other. If you're correct though, scook, Studio is definitely out of the question for me. It's like they are actively trying to make guys like me not upgrade.
 
I will definitely have to give Cake a good long call to verify exactly what can and cannot be done with Studio before any final decisions are made.
 
Again thank you for bringing this potential problem to my attention. Cheers.