Scott,

I have XG works but only a very basic Cakewalk sequencer ( Express ). I've demoed Sonar too. There aren't "definition files" for XG works that work in the sameway as they do in Cakewalk, but there are instrument files for the older PSR models plus an update from XG works site that included the newer models. I am not certain whether or not the 2000 has been added. All of the "standard" XG voices patches are recognized. I had not checked for a 2000 update myself, but was using the 740 and 9000 instrument files to call up the panel voices on the 2000 ( They are a virtual match except that the 2000 has a few different voices

Things I like about XG works :

Good midi editing capabilities.

Ability to import and utilize any Yamaha SFF style ( including those properly converted from other manufacturers ). you could step write a song by entering the chords and variations from any style and have it play back in XG works. I no longer have a PSR keyboard, but even though my Motif doesn't read "XG" the style playback from XG works still sounds excellent.

XG edit function. This was very important to me when I had the 740. I was able to edit parameters in an XG midifile that were not available to me on the board including adding and editing an insertion effect for an individual track and editing severl synth paramters. It was less improtant with the 2000 because most of those controls are available on the board itself, but XG edit allows for editing synth parameters in greater detail than the 2000 if it matters.

The midi file importer, which allows you to import any number of midi files and place them at any measure in XG works. ( Great for me for layering and / or adding several mini midifiles of drum and bass patterns made in Jammer Pro )

Things I don't like:

The inability to add / modify custom patch files. I want to ( and still do ) use XG works when working with the PA80 and the Motif, but changing patches is a royal pain because I have to enter the patch and bank data manually in the "list" window. sometimes it's just easier to fire up Cakewalk, change the patches there, and save and reopen the file back in XG works.

The manual is in PDF format and like many other manual's it leaves a bit to be desired. They give a basic written booklet of "how to's", but the booklet is not the manual. The manual is available only as computer PDF document. PDF is fine but it's a pain compared to opening up a book. This is a rather complicated ( but intuitive ) piece of software. I needed to utilize the manual to learn about several of the functions, but instead, more times than not, trial and error was the mode of the day.

Things I really don't care much about:

Limited audio functionality. XG works strength is in it's midi and xg functionality. For audio editing and recording, I use N Track studio and Cool Edit. I have tried Cakewalk and all the other major contenders, but for me N Track shines above all, and is a tremendous value for the price. N track also has a sequencer, but it's strength is audio, just as XG works strength is midi. The two softwares sync perfectly together and with my synths as well.



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 05-29-2002).]