Hi all,
 
I bought a new computer - my old one was a simple set up (SoundBlaster card and cheap mixer), but I had an old version of Sonar Producer that I loved! I think it was version 4, if I am not mistaken.  Anyway, I can't find the CD and it wouldn't work on Win7 anyway, so it is time to upgrade.  I will eventually need to buy an audio interface as my new computer only has onboard sound.  I only record trumpet and some electric guitar. (The rest is all midi, VST) I figured I would start my new setup with the software, so I am looking at Studio or Producer.  If I understand the promotion correctly, I could purchase X1 and get a free upgrade to X2.  Is Sonar Studio equipped to take a piece to the finished master or can that only be done in Producer?  I read the list of differences, but they seem to be mostly effects .  Is it just that Producer has more tools? Can you do the same with Studio with just less effects at your disposal?   I don't know how to use a lot of fancy things, especially since I only record 1 track at a time, but I also don't want to be frustrated if Studio cannot do what my old version of Producer did.
 
Thanks in advance for your help,
 
Greg

I don't think you can buy X1 with the free upgrade to X2 anymore. X2 has been out for several months now. 

The "Buy X1 get X2 free" deal is good through the end of the year. http://www.cakewalk.com/p.../Free-SONAR-X2-upgrade

You are correct, effects/synths are the major difference between Studio and Producer. Some the effects included with Producer are very nice though.

I stand corrected. Sorry. 

You should go for the basic version which you can also upgrade later. If your into simple basic recording the Studio versions of Sonar are plenty. 
Your right that most of the extra cost for the Producer version is the fancy stuff that when I look at the list I would never use it. 
By the way there is also an X1-2 forum now which the majority of members here now post on, this is the old forum and is pretty quiet now. 

Your going to want to buy the audio interface at the same time as Sonar just does not work properly at all with out one and  ASIO drivers.  

Good news is I think most Roland interfaces also come with Sonar. Might be the way to go, they make a decent interface. 

Thank you to all.  I will go for Studio, it should be more than enough.  I appreciae it!