I just stumbled across this free offer on the Nektar website.
 
http://www.nektartech.com/bitwig-8track
 
Bitwig Studio v1.3 was just released. The installed user guide is for v1.2. It comes with the Essentials package only, seems fully functional at first glance, but I'm guessing there is a limit of 8 tracks (hope that doesn't include busses).
 
Seems like a good way to try Bitwig Studio for free vs. their demo version (full version, but no Save or Export). Windows, Mac and Linux distros.
 
Also good for a $/€ 40 discount on the full version.
 
Link to Bitwig's page on the 8-Track version.
 
http://www.bitwig.com/en/8-track/nektar

Nice.  I picked up a Nektar controller last year just to use on my office computer (where I also have Sonar installed).  Was not looking at Bitwig, but since it is free, I will try it out.
 
Thanks for posting.  I would not have heard about this without this thread.
 
[Edit:  from the little that I read and watch, this looks like a cross between Abelton Live, Fruity Loops, and a little Cubase.  I am not sure if this will be of use to me or not, but it is free and it might be of some use to have.]

And I kinda love it. Nice alternative.