Came to X2a after using Sonar Producer 8.3 for years. 8.3 was rock solid and very responsive. X2a seems a bit sluggish. I've also had a few crashes. Not a lot but, more crashes with X2a so far than I had with 8.3 over the several years I used it.
Disappointed in the inability to change colors as completely as in 8.3.
The lack of dedicated icon buttons for "fit Project To Window", "save" Save As", etc. really bugs me. Sure, I'll learn to use the keyboard shortcuts but, I don't like it and don't like that I'm not offered the option to work like I have for years.
Having said all that, I'm overall fairly happy with X2a and HOPE they keep improving it and at least give us a free update or two of "fixes".
BTW
i5 processor, 8 gigs RAM, Dedicated audio drive, Windows 7

Welcome aboard, Rod. X2 does takes some getting used to when switching from 8, but after awhile I think you'll find that the workflow is smoother. More customization options would definitely be nice though.

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
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Thanks Scott, I'm trying. In fact, I just recieved your X2 Power book yesterday in the mail! So, I'm working on it.
I'm sure I can get used to or work around most things that are just unfamiliar to me however...... If I can't get rid of the sluggish feel and the crashes, I may have to go back to 8.3. I actually had not intended to update and leave 8.3, simply because it was so familiar and so solid for me, but then I was tempted by the $99 offer and the promise of a more efficient audio engine.
Well, I'm trying out different tweaks and I'll see what happens.

Hi Rod,

I echo your sentiments. I was seriously considering Pro Tools instead of sticking w/ Sonar but I too fell for the $99 upgrade (made easier due to PT 11's price). I wanted the more efficient (and therefore less latency) audio, and the automation lanes. I was mildly interested in the Pro Channel + console emulation since I've been considering the Slate emulator and X2 upgrade was cheaper than Slate. I'm also anxious to try the native bitbridge with my Waves plugins - the 8.5 bitbridge didn't work and while the jBridge did, it always seems a bit clunky.

I don't care for the new UI much and miss the ability to have smaller buttons and controls that I can customize, like you said, the "fit project to window", a save button, and others. X2 does seem a bit better than X1, which I tried but it was bad enough I didn't take that intermediate step.

So far I haven't found anything in X2 that makes me really happy that I spent the money. I like a few things like the automation lanes, the effects chains, but I don't notice any less latency and the UI is enough of a turn off to make everything a wash for me. I haven't "unwired" my Waves VST's from jBridge yet, and if they work in X2 without jBridge like some have posted, that might be enough to make me start actually using X2 instead of 8.5.

rmorter: I don't HATE the new UI, just wish I could mold it a bit more to my way of working. The sad thing is, I'm missing stuff I had in 8.3 so, why would they have done away with it to begin with. Sure, they could make these things options so people can use them or not but, why drop them.
I'm liking the ProChannel, actually, and also automation lanes. Some of the new FX are pretty nice. I still have my Waves stuff working fine but, I'm still running everything in 32 bit mode, not 64 bit. I've just got too many old plugins that I rely on heavily to attempt 64 bit yet.
I use multiple monitors and have no use for the Multi Dock thing at the bottom and wish I could just make it go away to free up a little more screen real estate. I do like the Browser and Inpector.
Biggest thing is the sluggishness and crashing, for me. THAT is a deal killer here!

AFAIK, you can still run any 32 bit plugins in the 64 bit Sonar... unless I'm mistaken.

dimelives: I was under the impression that once you go 64 bit, your old 32 bit plugs are history. Am I wrong? That would be great to be wrong about this! Ha!

I know that in X1 at least, you can run the 32- OR 64-bit plugins within the 64-bit DAW, as long as you installed said version(s) from the get go. Not POSITIVE it's the same in X2, but I would assume so... Hopefully someone else can confirm.

In general, 32bit plugins will work in all versions 64bit SONAR but not as well as 64bit plugins. 32bit VST plugins will automatically be loaded via BitBridge. Some plugins work better than others in that environment. JBridge is an inexpensive 3rd party alternative to BitBridge that some prefer. 32bit DX plugins are more of a problem. Some report success using a VST wrapper like DXShell. The wrapped plugin will then load with the bridge software.

Switched from WDM to ASIO and much / most of the sluggishness sems to be gone!
Haven't had time to try out 64 bit version yet.
Changed the order of an effect in the FX bin and track suddenly sounded like a chipmunk!! Stopped playback / re-started playback, OK again! Lots of little weird, intermittent oddities!