Dear forum,

I'm currently using MC6, but feel somewhat restricted by its limited export/encoding options.
Does X2 essentials export 24-bit, 48k files? I would love to buy the  higher-end versions, but they are beyond my means at the moment.

I understand that MP3 export has to be done through third-party software unless I pay for Cakewalk's encoder, which really should be included. I mean, free software can do it, why not paid software? I realise it's not an isolated issue though. I would have thought that DAW developers could include a LAME option. Other, cheaper DAWs have included MP3 export capability.

One more question, is there a  noticeable difference between 32 and 64-bit engines?

Thank you,

Lee.

You can view a detailed X2 feature comparison chart at...
http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/SONAR-X2-comp-chart.pdf

Scott

--
Scott R. Garrigus - http://garrigus.com - SONAR X2 Power! - http://garrigus.com/?SonarX2Power
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series: http://garrigus.com/?PowerBooks
* Author of the Cakewalk Sonar ProAudioTutor video tutorial series: http://garrigus.com/?ProAudioTutor
* Publisher of the DigiFreq free music technology newsletter: http://digifreq.com/?DigiFreq
* Publisher of the NewTechReview free consumer technology newsletter: http://newtechreview.com/?NewTechReview

Does X2 essentials export 24-bit, 48k files?

What is your reason for exporting using these settings? A standard CD must be 16 bit 44.1KHz. If you're going to convert it to MP3, you'll lose anything you may have gained by exporting at 24/48. Nonetheless, I'm fairly certain Sonar Essentials can export to 24/48. Check Scott's link to be sure.

Thanks guys.

Garrigus, the comparison list doesn't show the bit depth and sample rate.

Daveny5, I am not exporting to CD. I'll be forwarding to other studios and clients for them to mixdown to what they want, hence the requirement to give them the best quality I can from my equipment.

Some audio will be going into film, so higher than CD quality may be required for that purpose, and I may be required to deliver AIFF, MP3 or WAV.

Thanks again,

Lee.

Lee - watch the specials in the e-store.  A couple of times a year Cakewalk puts on upgrade offers that make it much more reasonable to upgrade to Studio or even producer (usually around the holidays or just before a new release).  Sometimes the offers are rediculious to pass on.  If you are in a hurry, get Essentials now and wait for a deal on Studio or Producer.

The engine for all 3 X2 versions is the same, so it should export 24/48 just fine.

And yes, the mp3 coder is extra.  I, for one, don't mind not paying an extra $10 for the licence.  I have several programs for that.

As colbert says, Cake runs specials frequently.  If money is tight, get Essentials and wait for a good deal on X2.  Cake will get you for X3 soon after.  But you should be getting all the emails Cake sends out for sales.  If not, get on the mail list.

@

@

Thanks for the extra information.
I checked out the store. They have a 15% off everything at the moment. It makes essentials more attractive.

I would expect essentials to be a good upgrade from MC6.

What are the advantages of a 64-bit audio engine over 32-bit?

Thanks,

Lee.

64bit engine info http://www.cakewalk.com/P...ouble-Precision-Engine

scook


64bit engine info http://www.cakewalk.com/P...ouble-Precision-Engine

Thanks for that.


So, it's....better, much better. Glad it's in X2 essentials. Cakewalk have been generous with it compared to X1 essentials.


All the best,


Lee.

I wonder if there's going to be a bigger May bank holiday sale.