(RESOLVED) incorrect SONAR X3 Studio to SONAR X3 Producer Upgrade prices

[KingMartius]

(edit. 2 August 2014:
The update from Sonar X3 Studio to Sonar X3 Producer seems to cost the same as upgrading from the base version to Producer at a cost of $199.99. There is no sign of the suspected $149.99 upgrade cost for Studio users :/)

The Cakewalk store has a 50% off sale for all SONAR x3 Producer upgrades!
This is huge, as apparently I can now upgrade my Studio version to Producer for far less than the steam upgrade "Upgrade from any SONAR Studio - $149.50".

Now most people like me are probably wondering... can I do this???
The Steam upgrade to Producer currently costs "$399.99 USD", which is a heck load more expensive. How can the Steam upgrade be more than double the 50% off price on Cakewalk, and will a similar sale be possible on the steam store? (any developers for comment???)

I have tried researching this topic, but info is scarce and inconclusive, will I be able to purchase the Producer 50% off for $149.50 on the Cakewalk store for my Steam version of Sonar x3 Studio? As far as I understand, if this is possible, then SONAR x3 Producer will not be running through Steam, which might be acceptable considering the cheap cost. But will I be able to purchase/download from the Cakewalk store and successfully install it so that it knows about my existing Studio license on Steam and properly register my new licenses as an upgrade etc...?

For now Studio is actually sufficient for my uses,I like having my software on steam for the automatic updates and ease of transferring software licenses to other computers, but an upgrade eventually would be desirable for the additional features. Is it worth doing the switch to non-steam (if possible) or can we realistically expect a similar special for the steam upgrade?

[GhanBuriGhan]

You should indeed be able to make use of the Cakewalk offer, but you are correct in assuming that it will then not run as a steam application but standalone. Offers on steam and on the Cakewalk store are not synced, but good special offers come here too (we had several this year so far), so alternatively you can just wait until the next sale starts on steam (when this will happen is anybodys guess, though - but I would be surprised if there wasn't another one until the year ends. I at least will wait).
Regarding updates, it is not clear if another one is planned for X3 - word on the Cakewalk forums seems to be that they are probably already focussing on developing the next installment (X4).

[Juggernaught]

I wish it was more prominent in the searches. Yes, you can upgrade from Steam to Non-steam, but only upgrade. Seth, a Cakewalk representative, has said that you can do this; other steam users stated success too. There is no way to go the other way though.

There are hints that the same sale will be coming to Steam, but I, like you, don't want to miss out. Also, we loose out on the CA-2A free addon by going out of Steam (we pay 40 dollars additional if we want the CA-2A module).

[Aztec]

This is my take only, based on previous threads, and I welcome any correction or update from Cakewalk, real scenario experience ... and of course general input.
I am on Producer, having upgraded through each Steam Sonar X3 edition from an MC6T start ... and lucky enough to have jumped on good Steam deals along the way (last $150 Producer Steam Upgrade deal from Studio late May for 3 days).

It's apparently feasible to Upgrade/Switch to the Cakewalk Store (CWS) during upgrade.
What does this mean? Here's as best as I can fathom pending a clear official statement.
(admittedly it's not necessarily a easy/clear decision due to licensing/use implications - especially if Steam are changing the game(?) with Family Sharing etc ...).
(also, I recognise current issues with 'extras' whether they be DLC or having to be burnt into the Steam build. Easier to be picked up from CWS related account(?)).

CWS:
- Single user, reasonable use 2nd pc/laptop install/use permitted
Cakewalk Product Registration FAQ[www.cakewalk.com]
- Manual updates thereafter
- no 'extras' at this time (July Melodyne Tutorial for new purchases only - and not Steam)
- Assumingly, still able to use up to use the Steam license model up to the version of Steam Cakewalk Product purchased. @Phlosten suggests the SteamPath can remain (for Studio upgrade/switch to CWS), and I'd assume so, as the Producer will largely reinstall under the ProgramFiles path. Shared Content, Plugins and ProgramData will still be common, but I'd expect some double-ups due to the nature of the Steam install.
- Consider turning automatic Steam updates for Sonar off (?) to prevent potential overwrite to SteamPath (at least til you've sorted out where all the bits are being sourced from).

Steam:
- Single Steam Account (user), Multiple PC installs/use permitted
Steam Account use policy
- Auto updates (manual for Addictive Drums 2).
- Current $399 offer (suggested/awaiting for some time to be reduced to $299 for consistency) still includes FREE PC4K Channel Compressor, CA2A Levelling Amplifier (value $149)
- (I haven't worked out Steam Family Sharing yet - But it would appear to go against the intention of Cakewalk/Sonar as a per user license).
Steam Family Sharing FAQ

[GibsonPro-Audio]

Hi Everyone,

Here's a little update. We definitely appreciate the enthusiasm and feedback from everyone on this matter and your continued patience. We're working on getting the promotions in sync with each other, but since the stores are 2 different ecosystems, it's taking a bit of leg work. There's also been a few delays to mention:

• We're in the process of implementing a Single-Sign-On[forum.cakewalk.com] for our own store and forum. Along with this is a massive infrastructure upgrade. Hopefully, in the near future STEAM users will be able to use their STEAM log-in for Tech Support/Customer Service tickets and the Cakewalk Store. We're hoping that this will help "steamline' the customer experience. :)
  
• STEAM has brought a lot of new users on board and swamped our traditional support options a bit. We just hired a few more Support Representatives so response times should be diminishing soon for any Tickets sent into our Website.
  
• The Dota 2 International just took place.
  
• Lastly, there's been a few people away on family vacations (and a few families growing!), so things are moving a bit slower unfortunately.

I'm going to make sure that when everything gets sync'ed up soon, we'll offer an analogous promotion to the one currently available. We always run promotions in August and September, so even if you don't upgrade now, there will be ample opportunities to get cool freebies and such.

[KingMartius]

Thanks for the detailed responses, and thanks Seth for the clear explanations. I am a big fan of the steam way of distribution, so I will certainly stick to the steam versions and wait for a sale :)

[Aztec]

Thanks for the update Seth. Dota 2 big at Cakewalk Towers (?) ;) (I jest - recognizing Steam as the likely constraint in that regard).

Please do all you can to ensure your Support Desk doesn't end up in a faceless overseas Call Center. I'll be first to sign the petition.

[GibsonPro-Audio]

Originally posted by igiBü:

Thanks for the detailed responses, and thanks Seth for the clear explanations. I am a big fan of the steam way of distribution, so I will certainly stick to the steam versions and wait for a sale :)

You're very welcome. I ended up having to move my personal SONAR usage to STEAM for proper testing and I don't have any reservations on making the switch. I've been at Cakewalk for 6 years, but a user of the products for over 15. The turn-key experience is much improved and it's actually pushing innovations through our traditional store and distribution methods.

Originally posted by ShellstaX:

Thanks for the update Seth. Dota 2 big at Cakewalk Towers (?) ;) (I jest - recognizing Steam as the likely constraint in that regard).

Please do all you can to ensure your Support Desk doesn't end up in a faceless overseas Call Center. I'll be first to sign the petition.

My buddies and I actually play pickup games of Dota2 once and a while. I'm horrible though. I do play a good Warlock with the Aghanim's Scepter though.

Don't fear about the faceless overseas call center treatment. Gibson is very adamant about having competent phone support. They already have 24/7 support on guitars and I think we'll likely see some basic 24/7 'setup support' for our products from Gibson. That's on top of the same detailed support we've always offered.

[GibsonPro-Audio]

Hey Everyone,

You should all be seeing some updated pricing. Could you let me know what you're seeing? I can't easily see end user prices, since I have all our products.

[Juggernaught]

I own up to Studio through Steam. Here is what I see.

Percent off: 75, 63, and 55 pecent off the full purchase price off X3, Studio, and Producer respectively.

Also, 60 percent off the CA-2A module if purchased individially.

Just a quick edit: I don't see any update for X3 Producer upgrade being discounted. Just a heads up if that is intentional or not.

[Aztec]

Nice price all - get your wallets out ;).

@Juggernaut - I think upgrades are actually full releases in terms of distribution (esp on Steam). I think Steam terms will mean e.g, you can't then trade/sell your Studio version(?)

Don't forget too ... the Steam releases come with the freebies:
Studio - PC4K Channel Compressor - value $49
Producer - PC4K Channel Compressor and CA-2A Leveling Amplifier - value $149

@Seth - The Sonar discounts are shown within their product pages, and linked from Base Edition. They do not show up on Search/Browse overviews nor the Specials page/tab.
The CA-2A T-Type Leveling Amplifier does.
Thanks.

[Juggernaught]

Hey Shell, do you see the same price points?

[Aztec]

Originally posted by Juggernaught:

Hey Shell, do you see the same price points?

Yes indeed:
Sonar X3: -75% = $25 USD
Sonar X3 Studio: -63% = $74 USD
Sonnar X3 Producer: -55% = $224.99 USD

PS: The Cakewalk Store purchase doesn't come with the Prochannel freebies but do have a Melodyne tutorial video on full purchase. I know what I'd want - you do the math ;)

...but yes, CWS upgrades (Studio to Producer) provide an option to save $75 if you don't want the 'freebie' PC FX (and OK to jump of Steam).

[GhanBuriGhan]

What's a bit weird is that I see Sonar X3 studio as -66% (€60.99), but the Upgrade special Promo to Sonar Studio is €92.99 (no discount) - I own Sonar X3 (basic).
But I guess it doesn't matter if I get the non-upgrade version?

[BlackBart[SLO]]

So, are these prices permanent for people who already own the Creator, or is this esentialy a promo period?

[Aztec]

Originally posted by BlackBartSLO:

So, are these prices permanent for people who already own the Creator, or is this esentialy a promo period?

Although it doesn't say, these will be promo prices. That's not 'official' but my 'market research' over the past 8 months or so would suggest so. What's more ... I wouldn't expect them to stick around past the end of the week aligning with the CA2A promo and Cakewalk Store sales.