Seems that's going to be the upcoming choice for those that upgraded last year, but may not choose to do so this time around.  Seems negating the install of Essential 4 that's coming up, will need to be the plan, as apparently Melodyne will overwrite previous versions (I'm presuming, even if a different levels).  Otherwise, you'll lose the poly features in Editor 2, in trade for the new version of Essential 4.
As much as I'd like to upgrade, spending another (approx.) $100 for an upgrade above Essential 4, I'm not sure that's in the cards, for various reasons.  Amazing software, but you have to use it, to make the purchase worthwhile...if that makes sense!

In my other thread, I was hoping to see some creative uses, that would "force me"..(!!!) to upgrade, if you know what I mean.  I've used it for creating harmonies, and subtle fixes, but that's as far as I've ventured.  I had hoped to get really crazy with the poly feature, but have been distracted with too many other recording preferences.
 
Oh well...  maybe sell some blood :-)

I would think if you have Editor installed and working, nothing should overwrite it, but I could be wrong. You probably don't have to install Essential 4 via CCC when it comes out, either. I have editor, and intend to upgrade to Studio because the price is right and the features are astounding--I might even use some more of them for a change, lol. But I wouldn't worry about a "downgrade," you should be able to keep out anything from an upgrade that doesn't interest you or you don't need.

My suggestion would be to approach it as an instrument or synth, instead of just a pitch and timing editor.

For example, try recording a couple of notes/chords of guitar and then just literally play around and mangle bits. Click through all the options and see what weirdness you can do the blobs. Then convert it to midi, then slap it on a synth and scroll through some presets to see what your serendipity can become.

Once you have a bit more of a feel for its creative abilities, you can start applying what you learnt during free-form fun, with more direction.

I should also note after getting to have a bit of a play with v4 Studio today, that its creative tools are even more impressive. I think I spent about 3 hours straight just playing around with it.

thepianist53
I would think if you have Editor installed and working, nothing should overwrite it, but I could be wrong. You probably don't have to install Essential 4 via CCC when it comes out, either. I have editor, and intend to upgrade to Studio because the price is right and the features are astounding--I might even use some more of them for a change, lol. But I wouldn't worry about a "downgrade," you should be able to keep out anything from an upgrade that doesn't interest you or you don't need.

Melodyne "ALWAYS" overwrites any installation (and negates the old one).
 
BEWARE. 

Seriously? That's just not fair, Bapu....

thepianist53
Seriously? That's just not fair, Bapu....

Don't shoot me, I'm only the bass player.

As the Father of Bass would say: Gogol Bordello!

Royal Yaksman
My suggestion would be to approach it as an instrument or synth, instead of just a pitch and timing editor.

For example, try recording a couple of notes/chords of guitar and then just literally play around and mangle bits. Click through all the options and see what weirdness you can do the blobs. Then convert it to midi, then slap it on a synth and scroll through some presets to see what your serendipity can become.

Once you have a bit more of a feel for its creative abilities, you can start applying what you learnt during free-form fun, with more direction.

I should also note after getting to have a bit of a play with v4 Studio today, that its creative tools are even more impressive. I think I spent about 3 hours straight just playing around with it.

This is the kind of thinking I like reading about.  My wallet may groan, but it'll have to get over it.  Thx for a great reply