I have been a Cakewalk/Sonar user since ver3 of Cakewalk (pre-audio capabilities). Owned and operated a professional studio for many years. Now I just want something to enjoy as a hobby at home. The VS-700 looks quite good. I have thoroughly read many user comments [on this board] regarding incompatibilities with post 8.5 versions of Sonar - BUT, I think I am willing to work with it.   I notice that 1/4" and XLR inputs cannot be used simultaneously. However, may instruments/mics be plugged into both inputs and then the input source selected from VS-700/Sonar - or must one plug and unplug sources as needed? [I looked for the answer in the on-line manual, but didn't see it. I apologize if I've overlooked it.]   Also, if veteran VS-700 users really feel that I am making a BIG mistake, I'd appreciate hearing it. Thank you so much... -Bruce

Hey BBell, I really don't know what to tell you. I'd contact Cakewalk by phone if I were you. I feel the same the way, I'm getting ready to upgrade the DAW computer with a new unit which is much more modern in terms of tech and change from 8.5.3 PE to X1 Expanded PE in the software range. I'm sure you've read that 8.5.3 works seamlessly with the VS700 system, and that's pretty much true in my assessment. There is quite a bit of "angst" in the VS700 forum from some of the posters. I've never had many of those problems.  ??? Different protocals of use I guess. I like the VS700 for the hardware Fantom Synth and  ease of use. I pretty much use the VS700 Set as a compositional instrument and small home studio.

It is currently not fully functional with x2. The snap button behaves oddly, the channel strip control section isn't working properly, and a few other oddities here and there. It's more or less fine with x1. Support for new releases has been, frankly, very poor (it took a couple of updates to get it straight with X1). I would say if it's not working with the first X2 patch, I wouldn't go anywhere near it. A shame, because it's a great unit, but the support for it is unimpressive, to say the very least. If it doesn't get fixed by the end of the year, I'm going to cut my losses and try to sell mine off.

If you are a long time user of cakewalk products.... remember when you used to be able to call them in Mass. talk to a tech and get answers, solutions and if was a new concern they actually went to work on it trying to find a fix for you?  pre roland days.... things were so much better then.