Howdy All... I just finished reading some extensive testing reports on WIN 8 and SONAR X2. Most folks I know have no immediate plan to upgrade from WIN 7. Current WIN 7 users are highly satisfied with the stable platform, features, etc. It seems WIN 8 is primarily a marketing ploy, however... there seems to be a decided improvement in performance as far as I can determine. What do you think? http://www.gearslutz.com/...awbench-results-2.html

I've just bought a new laptop and bought it now so I could still get Windows 7 on it. Nothing much against moving up to Windows 8 but I'm very happy with Windows 7 so I'm making sure that 8 isn't another Vista (or the experience I had with it anyway).

I did some research on software and driver issues with Win 8 Pro prior to moving to it, and had to perform a reset to defaults step in X2 after installing the latest Presonus AudioBox 1818 VSL audio interface, but other than that everything runs great.

Please do be advised that as of yesterday's site info, DPC Latency Checker reports incorrect latency values due to some internal timer changes with Win 8 that they have to adjust for with the software.

Latency Mon (I think it is what is called) gives correct values, plus a bunch more info.

I happen to like most things about Windows 8, although some things are in the annoying stage -  little things about how to do old familiar stuff.

So, my advice - use either one, but prior to switching, do your homework on your software/hardware environment and its compatibility with Windows 8.

Bob Bone

I've currently got no performance issues at all. Never have to freeze anything, never have drop outs, never get much above 50% CPU usage. So I can't see any particular reason to upgrade. Mainstream support for Windows 7 (ie: bugfixes and patches) runs to 2015, and extended support (ie: security updates) til 2020. So it's just not on my radar as a thing I need to be dealing with.

There are some interesting observations in Martin Walker's 'PC DAW' column in this month's sound on sound.  Eg: ".......These Cubase tests were subsequently repeated by DAW Bench developer Vin Curigliano, who concluded that the performance of Windows 7 and 8 was almost identical when running both Cubase 6.5 and Sonar X1 using an RME HDSPe audio interface (which is generally regarded as having the most efficient drivers available)......"  Martin Walker is now holding back on moving to W8 until the smoke clears.  Same here.

This is based on an old benchmark done by Cakewalk with Win8 release candidate. Cake need to do a review with full release of Win8, they also need to give us graphs to look at. Then the results may be worth looking at... Cheers.

Skyline_UK


There are some interesting observations in Martin Walker's 'PC DAW' column in this month's sound on sound.  Eg: ".......These Cubase tests were subsequently repeated by DAW Bench developer Vin Curigliano, who concluded that the performance of Windows 7 and 8 was almost identical when running both Cubase 6.5 and Sonar X1 using an RME HDSPe audio interface (which is generally regarded as having the most efficient drivers available)......"  Martin Walker is now holding back on moving to W8 until the smoke clears.  Same here.

And same here.
Win7 is great.
Why change at all?
The only benefit to crossgrade to the touch screen enabled OS is if you want a touch screen DAW.
Who would want that?
Our screens are not in front of our nose, there at the back of a desk behind all our control surfaces and other horizontally placed bits of kit, mixers, piano keyboards and what have you.

Microsoft and pc parts stores love it when we pay them some more money, but we prefer to spend it on Mics, Guitars, FX, Lava Lamps etc.

I may be one of the few that would like to upgrade because of the new interface...kind of reminds me of an iGoogle on steroids.
I'm not going to do it cause they don't have drivers for my Saffire Pro 24 yet... and I need to upgrade to 64 bit but I don't want to reload everything.

Sticking with Win 7 here!  If it ain't broke...

I made the leap...it wasn't painless, mostly my fault,
but it has been ROCK SOLID.

Only problem I currently have is with the IK Multimedia Stand Alones...

Amplitube 3.9
T-Racks
All SampleTank Based Synths

None of these will recognize my Win 8 Quad Capture Drive Ver 1.51.

Within X2 I can use any of them without issues.


I have to say I'm QUITE surprised at how stable BOTH Win 8 and X2 are...
it's pretty nice.

If the X2 Win 8 Update improves performance and stability....WOO HOO..
that's all I can say about that!