Hello--
 
Ever since I've switched from Sonar 8.3 32-bit on Windows XP 32-bit to Sonar 8.3 64-bit on Windows 7 64-bit Sonar has been less stable.
 
I get more Sonar freezes and even some Sonar crashes. My computer is stable with everything else as is Windows, but Sonar just was better before. I do all the tweeks that have been suggested and still
 
I'm seriously thinking about upgrading to X2 64-bit but with money being very tight right now, I have to watch the spending.
 
Is there any significant change from 8.3 to X2 that would make Sonar more stable on W7 64-bit?
 
I've watched the videos on new features (which are cool) but I can only justify the expense (barely) if there are stability/compatibility improvements.
 
Looking forward to hearing what you have to say.
 
Thanks

I'd say the stability could be a problem with your computer hardware or device drivers. Run a memory test, disk test on all your disks and a FULL virus/malware scan. The reason Sonar may have more problems than other programs is because it uses more of your CPU, memory and disk than other programs. 

Although without more information as to exactly what types of crashes and instability you are having, my best guess would be bit-bridge crashing on your 32-bit plugins.  If that is the case, then YES, X2 does have better stability than the earlier versions.  But it would still help to have more info as to the types of crashes.

Best,
guitardood

razor

Hello--
 
Is there any significant change from 8.3 to X2 that would make Sonar more stable on W7 64-bit?

No. It's still the same engine as 8.3 ... just tweaked a little. What's changed is the GUI and the workflow.

I think you'd be taking a big chance expecting X2 to improve your situation on an older PC like yours.

Now prepare to be confused by the host of other posts to follow mine telling you that X2 is the best thing since man created DAW's and it works 100% perfectly flawless on not much more than a 486.

Bub

Now prepare to be confused by the host of other posts to follow mine telling you that X2 is the best thing since man created DAW's and it works 100% perfectly flawless on not much more than a 486.

That's pretty hysterical......LOL!




Best,
guitardood

Why not just grab the X2 demo and try it for yourself?

I don't think anyone can give you a definitive answer on this Razor. I would say 8.5 on my machine was very stable but I can't see how I could compare it to X2 now. For one thing I have a different set of plugins. X2 also adds the Pro Channel. X2 is stable but I think it will vary with each machine to some degree. 

If I were you I would do as Daveny suggests and also try the X2 demo.  

Pro Tools 10 is more stable than X2 :D

I just noticed you're talking about v8, not 8.5... Wasn't v8 the first to support Win7?  This might suggest that X2 is more refined and will work better with Win7x64.  Or it might not. 
 
Anyway, some suggestions:
 
- Make sure you do clean installs of Windows and Sonar - not an upgrade.  Some folks have found a world of difference in stability just by reinstalling  (ie.  Having versions 5, 6, and 8 simultaneously installed can work - but can also cause problems).
 
- nVidia cards have caused issues with some Sonar users.  Make sure you have the latest drivers.  (Of course, you should do this with the BIOS and all of your hardware.  In some cases, you might need to "roll back" to more stable versions).
 
- PC optimization.  Do it.  Disabling Speedstep, FW networking and onboard audio in the BIOS has made a difference to some users.

Thanks all. Bitbridge is definitly one of the issues I've been having with freezes and crashes and have been looking into jbridge once I finish the projects I'm working on. I don't want to change anything mid-stream.

NVIDIA and I broke up a long time ago for instability issues--but that's what I've got now. :-(

I thought the engine changed in 8.5. Am I wrong there? I'll give the X2 demo a try once I finish my current projects. I don't want it messing with my 8.3.

Thanks all!