Hi guys,

I currently use HS7xl but will be getting a new power-house PC and will need to migrate.
However, I am thinking I might upgrade to Sonar 2 to use on my new machine.

Question 1: Can I upgrade from HS7xl to Sonar 2 for a reduced price? 
Question 2: If so, at what stage should I do that? Would i need to install HS7 on my new machine and THEN hit the 'upgrade' button, or should I perform the upgrade on my current machine first and then transfer it over?

I would also prefer to have a box/CD etc instead of just an internet download.

If anyone has any advice or guidance on this confusion I would be very grateful.

Thanks,
Dave

You would qualify for the registered user discount pricing. If you buy the upgrade from the Cakewalk Store, you will need to purchase the DVDs separately. I believe if you buy the upgrade from a music retailer, the DVDs are included.

The upgrade just refers to the price. The product you are purchasing is a complete version of SONAR X2 and does not require anything from a previous Cakewalk product be installed.

But, if you plan to move your projects from your old computer to the new one, there may be some soft synths and effects in the old projects that X2 doesn't have.
So loading SHS 7XL onto the new computer will allow those soft synths and effects to be used in any project you open with X2 and you won't get the "missing or improperly installed plug-ins" message.

Thanks guys - useful information. 

Scook - I wasn't aware that the upgrade is just referring to the price. That makes it easier.

Greg - So would you recommend I install both HS and X2 on my new machine? And the 2 programmes wouldn't fight each other or cause each other problems when it comes to settings/preferences etc?

Also - I wonder if anyone can comment on Windows 8? I am considering having this on the new machine but it strikes me as being geared around staying 'linked in' online - I won't use my new machine for browsing the Internet so don't want to be forever disabling auto feeding features to my Facebook etc... (It will be linked to the web but only for updates/registration etc)

Cheers
Dave

No, there shouldn't be any conflicts.
I have 3 versions of Cakewalk software on my music computer; never any problems.
But I don't know everything.

Having several Cakewalk products installed at a time is common. It can ease the transition from one version to another. On a new machine, you would want to install the older version(s) first because Cakewalk products have some common elements in the "Shared" directories. If you do not want to install all of HS, you can add the parts you want by performing a custom install. WRT Windows 8, SONAR X2 was designed for Win7 & 8 so SONAR itself will work fine. The only issues you may have are with your audio interface. Make sure there are drivers for you audio interface. FYI, should you buy a copy of SONAR on DVD, the updates are only available via download. The patches can get big, the X2a patch for SONAR Producer is over 500MB.

I have done some digging and it looks like there are currently no Windows 8 drivers for my soundcard (Audiophile 192) - Can i assume it's only a matter of time until they make some?

Also, I'm still unclear about how to do the upgrade from HS to X2 in order to both take advantage of the reduced price AND have a CD/Box. I don't trust download-only upgrades or purchases.

As well as finding it exciting, I find the upgrading/migrating PC's business confusing and extremely tiring...(and also very necessary as I've out-grown my current set up) There's just so much to cross reference and research! 

Again, thanks for your help so far...

It may be that the Win7 drivers will work. I have no experience with your soundcard. You least expensive way to buy the upgrade would be to find a local retailer that provides the upgrade for registered Cakewalk users. For example, in the US the upgrade to X2 Studio http://www.sweetwater.com.tore/detail/SONARX2SCWup and the upgrade to X2 Producer http://www.sweetwater.com.tore/detail/SONARX2PCWup both contain the DVDs

If you choose to upgrade from the Cakewalk Store, you would have to purchase the upgrade AND buy the media kit for that upgrade to get the DVDs.

Thanks Scook.

I will see if I can find a UK retailer. 

If anyone reading this knows of any - let me know.

Cheers
Dave

Maybe this will help http://forum.cakewalk.com/fb.ashx?m=2673827 make sure to locate the upgrade for "Registered Cakewalk Users"