Yeah...the first question I asked on the Toontrack forum when I got the email was...will SD3 open all of my old EZX and SDX packs...and yes it will. Plus, it will also open all the MIDI packs too.
Unlike many other updates, where I'll lay back and wait to see how others are liking it and if it's all stable...etc...
...I think with this SD3 release, I will get it right away.
Looking at the new features and workflow options...the benefits will be immediately felt. I've gotten pretty use to SD2 and can work within some of it's quirks and minor limitations...but SD3 looks like it totally kicks open all the doors for drum track production.
I'm sure with the likes of George Massenburg pimping it for them, and taking a major part in the recording of samples, and providing input on what makes for a good user interface experience...this looks like it's going to be solid from day one...so no need to lay back. I've got some mixing to do, but then I'm planning to start some new tunes and may need to kick out new drum tracks if I ain't got anyone on tap to play my studio kit.
Honestly...I actually enjoy working on MIDI drum grooves. I mean, recording the kit with a live drummer is cool too...but working with SD, I can really experiment and get pretty picky about how I want a groove to be. With a live drummer, you might do a few passes, but you're not going to sit there for days trying out all kinds of grooves and tweaking shit...unless he's motivated and has the time....which is usually neither.
Oh...and really, for $209 upgrade, you get that HUGE new sample library of new kits. You would need like 3-4 SDX packs to get that much...so it's not a bad price for a brand new completely overhauled app plus all those new samples.