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I have Sonar 8.5.3 Studio and it looks like I can upgrade to SONAR X1 Producer for $99 (they had the same deal last December but I went for the BIAB upgrade instead!).
I have the waves plugins, so I am not sure I need the extra power of sonar producer -- but for $99, it might be doable (the upgrade is almost always $199).
Convince me I need it (ha, ha).
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You need it.... NOT! LOL!
It's up to you. If 8.5 does all you need for your purposes, skip it.
I gave up after 8 ... does all I need and more.
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Kevin,
Don't know your $$$ in the pocket, but remember next couple of weeks
the mid-year BIAB goodies should be out.....
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I upgraded from 8.5 Producer to X1 Producer. I'm at X1d now and don't plan on taking it any further. Not much extra in the way that I use it, although I feel that the workflow and the GUI is a bit better. Other than that, BIAB would be a better upgrade path in my opinion.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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I upgraded to X1d Expanded. I agree with Mountainside.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Kevin, Quote:
I have Sonar 8.5.3 Studio and it looks like I can upgrade to SONAR X1 Producer for $99 (they had the same deal last December but I went for the BIAB upgrade instead!).
I have the waves plugins, so I am not sure I need the extra power of sonar producer -- but for $99, it might be doable (the upgrade is almost always $199).
Convince me I need it (ha, ha).
Sounds like you’ve already decided, so I won’t try to convince you either way. If you can afford it and you want it, get it.
I have Sonar 4 PE 32bit, and it has more features than I’d ever want, need or use. My only drawback is that I’d have to go back to a dual boot system with XP 32 to install it, since it won’t even install on Win 7 64.
So have fun with the upgrade and let us know when you’ve finished your first project on it so we can listen.
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Apprentice
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Quote:
I upgraded to X1d Expanded. I agree with Mountainside.
+ 1.
I use to upgrade just because. I may not upgrade any further until they introduce features that I feel like I must have.
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Just wondering if the new X1 interface and producer features make an upgrade from 8.5.3 Studio attractive.
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Quote:
Just wondering if the new X1 interface and producer features make an upgrade from 8.5.3 Studio attractive.
Kevin,
IMO, $99 is a good upgrade price for any program that you use regularly. Upgrades don't just buy you the latest greatest iteration of the product, they also position you to buy future enhancements at a reduced price. So the real question is whether or not you use Sonar regularly. If you do, then go for it.
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Journeyman
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Quote:
Just wondering if the new X1 interface and producer features make an upgrade from 8.5.3 Studio attractive.
Kevin I bought that upgrade last month and also went with the X1 producer expanded for an extra deal they had at the time. I love the skylight interface and new features. If you have not watched the videos on it at cakewalk you might want to check them out to see if this attracts you.
They also threw in the two Advanced Workshop Videos by Craig Anderton for free, which are excellent tutorials.
As far as interfaces go I wish someday BIAB would clean up the clutter and that is exactly what the Skylight interface did. I think it is so much easier to get around now.
Brian
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 7 Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
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Quote:
Quote:
I upgraded to X1d Expanded. I agree with Mountainside.
+ 1.
I use to upgrade just because. I may not upgrade any further until they introduce features that I feel like I must have.
+ 1
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Pat makes a good point. I upgraded mostly because Cakewalk will be updating X1 and not 8.5. It's more about being positioned for the future.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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I really don't care for the "convince me to buy this" thread. (sorry, JMO). I'm NOT a salesman and I never will be because I will not try to convince anyone they really need something. If you ask my opinion on which item to buy, I have definite answers for you. I would certainly recommend X1 over other DAWs because that's what I think is best for the money. Or I might recommend this soundcard/interface over that one because of problems I know that exist with integration, drivers, etc. But it all boils down to what is best for ME is not necessarily best for YOU and therefore the "convince me" thing will never be something I am comfortable with. having said that, I LOVE X1. I have had my share of problems with it and it still causes problems from time to time. probably more so than any previous version. but I still love it and think it's the best value of any DAW on the market currently. I also agree with the above that if you've invested in Sonar then continuing to support the company and keep yourself in line with the current product for future functionality is always a key ingredient to better usage for your needs. so, having said all that - if I were you, I'd buy the upgrade! But I'm not you, so you decide! 
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Personally I think the best answer to this question is download the Sonar demo and decide for yourself if it is something that you like or don’t like.
I myself used Sonar 5.2 ever since it came out years ago until last year. I keep running out of ram with my seven-year-old XP 32 bit system so I invested in a new 64 bit Win7 computer. 5.2 did not run on Win 7 so I got Sonar X1 Studio for the $99 upgrade and I’m glad I did. The interface is totally different so there will be a learning curve but I do like it.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Quote:
I myself used Sonar 5.2 ever since it came out years ago until last year. I keep running out of ram with my seven-year-old XP 32 bit system so I invested in a new 64 bit Win7 computer. 5.2 did not run on Win 7 so I got Sonar X1 Studio for the $99 upgrade and I’m glad I did. The interface is totally different so there will be a learning curve but I do like it.
you went from 5.2 to X1 for $99? I got the mailer about a year ago, but when I researched the upgrade it looked like only versions newer than my 6.0 got the $99 upgrade. Likewise, the current deal is a $99 upgrade from ver 8.(5?) but for earlier versions its $199. I like reduced price upgrades, but when it hits $199 that puts me out of the game.
These low upgrades are almost certainly a reaction to Reaper's low introductory price and their generous upgrade policy. I could buy Reaper new and upgrade it for 5 years for less than I could upgrade Sonar for a year (as an established user!) Considering how similar the products are, its got to be hurting them.
Likewise, FL Studio's policy of an introductory price that is the same as my REDUCED annual upgrade price to Sonar, (BUT INCLUDES LIFETIME FREE UPGRADES!) ... that's pretty tough competition for the upgrade dollar. People are asking why pay more for approximately the same functionality.
With BIAB/RT there is undeniable added functionality with every single upgrade. I like that.
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Yes. Back in July 2011 I purchased a download version of Sonar X1 Studio for $99. I just checked and that deal is still available: http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cus/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=10-CXSR1.00-20EPs- you did make me go back and double check myself 
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Mario -- that deal is only if you have a previous version of Sonar Studio or Producer.
Can't help but be picky about that, because I'm planning to upgrade myself. I got the $19.99 Sonar LE Starter kit, and have been pretty happy with it, but found its limitations quickly. The easiest way to surpass those limitations is to upgrade... and the cheapest way to upgrade seems to be taking advantage of their June upgrade deal, wherein if you bump up to Studio, they kick you further up to Producer (which means the ultimate price would be $179.98).
If you plan to upgrade only to Studio, getting Essential (with the automatic bump to Studio) will do very well, and for only $79.99.
(If you plan to continue on to Producer, though, that's actually the worst way to do it. The upgrade pricing gives no advantage for going to Essential over LE, and you'd basically throw away eighty bucks.)
And, as I don't need their mastering tools, I can pick up the Production Suite addon later.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2025 • Reaper 7 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
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Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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