Presonus : "So we are targeting 3-4 "major" feature releases every year..."

[soulata]

I’m not paying for an upgrade, even at 30% off right now.

I’m going forward assuming FenderPreSonus is going to remove the artificial expiration for version 7 licenses. I’ll probably be disappointed. But I’m not going to give them any more money until we have clarity about where they’re going with this, and probably not until there is a real upgrade to version 8. I won’t pay them without getting something real in return.

I'm on v6 and 30% off is just not enough to lure me over to v7.

2024 and 2025 were not great for S1 users. Hope they can change that in 26.

[J Veronica]

I don't trust Presonus at all anymore. They advertised a V7 schedule with regular updates and just gave up half way through.

The next update should be free to everyone with a V7 licence.

[dastewart]

2024 and 2025 were not great for S1 users. Hope they can change that in 26.

This x 100

[trancema]

I still enjoy using Studio One and want it to succeed, but it is getting frustrating watching key features sit unfinished while new ones get added just to keep pace with other DAWs.
If Presonus (Fender) wants to keep its loyal users, some transparency and a gesture of goodwill (like extending subscriptions) would go a long way.
Rather than trying to please every possible user, I’d love to see deeper refinement of what’s already there:
- I'd love to see major overhaul of their samplers, like (Apple) Logic did few years ago.
- Further integration and development of browser(s) would be very welcome.
- Further improvement of FX splitter and instrument groups.
- Improvement of audio and MIDI editing.
- GUI polishing since V7 is in some parts step back, but generally going in good direction.
- Automation clips and some basic modulators for parameters is the only new feature that I feel that S1 is missing.

I miss and remember Presonus from old days when they used to have clever and innovative approach like in V2, V3 and V4.

[thebutler]

I’m not paying for an upgrade, even at 30% off right now.

I’m going forward assuming FenderPreSonus is going to remove the artificial expiration for version 7 licenses. I’ll probably be disappointed. But I’m not going to give them any more money until we have clarity about where they’re going with this, and probably not until there is a real upgrade to version 8. I won’t pay them without getting something real in return.

I'm on v6 and 30% off is just not enough to lure me over to v7.

2024 and 2025 were not great for S1 users. Hope they can change that in 26.

Pretty much agree, from both of you...

I notice there is an extra 10% off currently via AudioDeluxe (making it $94.50 - crossgrade or upgrade), but then there is taxes/delivery to add... Here in the UK that means an overall purchase price of £96 or so. Not unreasonable I guess; I pay £85 for Cubase upgrades for example.

Don't see there's anything I really need in S1 v7 (still with v6).

However, thinking ahead, anyone recall Presonus ever running 'grace period' upgrade promotions in the past.? i.e. buying now may mean a free (or heavily discounted) upgrade to their next main release - which I'm speculating to be within a month or so into the new year. If nothing else, they'll definitely be wanting to at the least launch their 'new' pricing policy pretty soon I'd say...

Any insights/info welcome.

thebutler
(Bob)

[Vocalpoint Studios]

However, thinking ahead, anyone recall Presonus ever running 'grace period' upgrade promotions in the past?

Have never "seen" a grace period promo - or ANY promo from Presonus - ever.

Sales - yes. Promos - no.

These days - these guys are like the CIA - they work, they tinker and then they release. No advance warning, no fanfare, no nothing.

Back in the "ole" days - there used to be YouTube teasers and all kinds of cool hooks - but now after the Fender merger - be thankful for what you do get.

FWIW: While a "Grace Period" may actually exist internally (by the book) - since none of us have any idea when an update is going to drop - and even less of us have any idea what may happen to these "pricing plans" (Subs and Annual Updates) - trying to "game" the system hoping for a "free" update - makes little sense.

Mainly - because ALL users are either in an active sub OR (god forbid ) renewed their Annual Updates and would automatically be entitled to get anything released "soon" anyway.

OR you are on a (No-charge) perpetual license and IF a cool update dropped - you would need to renew your sub OR annual updates to get it.

First thing Presonus needs to address are these lame plans and decide if they are going to revert back to the tried and true 2.5 year cycle with a standard upgrade license (or a new license if one is not yet a customer) OR try to find a way to make these ridiculous plans work.

The only way the plans stay - is if Presonus REALLY reinvents itself - like to the Ableton/Bitwig level of 50-100 enhancements/fixes PER release drop. A possible beta program etc and takes the necessary steps to reclaim their user base.

If not - it is very possible that Studio One does not survive. With too many of us either on (or moving quickly) toward free (perp) licenses - that lack of cash flow will be lethal if a enough time elapses.

VP

[thebutler]

Sales - yes. Promos - no.

Ok, I see.

trying to "game" the system hoping for a "free" update - makes little sense.

Yes, I thought as much, but just wanted to gauge others opinions in case I'd missed a trick. Too used to the Steinberg model...

Anyway, thanks for your response.

[Vocalpoint Studios]

Too used to the Steinberg model...

Steinberg was wise to stick with their model...

VP

[thebutler]

I think Presonus has the opportunity now to bring it round; that Gregor vid basically says they've learnt a hard lesson thus far with their pricing 'experiments'...

[Vocalpoint Studios]

I think Presonus has the opportunity now to bring it round; that Gregor vid basically says they've learnt a hard lesson thus far with their pricing 'experiments'...

The harder lesson they have yet to learn is what happens when you completely kick your devoted base where the sun don't shine.

Not sure about everyone else out there - but i cannot remember a time when Presonus has so much negativity around it's brand and/or core product.

They have really dug themselves a nasty hole after this super lackluster past year. The only way out that I can see is to deliver the goods - and quickly.

VP

[Crossinger]

If not - it is very possible that Studio One does not survive. With too many of us either on (or moving quickly) toward free (perp) licenses - that lack of cash flow will be lethal if a enough time elapses.

Now that my license has expired for a few days, I am pessimistic about the future. Either they deliver something amazing, or they have lost me as a customer. I won't throw any more money at Presonus/Fender for the time being.

EDIT: Even Steinberg/Cubase "delivers" on a yearly basis - worth considering paying the "Annual Steinberg Tax". Not always great, but with acceptable amount and quality.

[Crossinger]

**double post**

[dastewart]

I think Presonus has the opportunity now to bring it round; that Gregor vid basically says they've learnt a hard lesson thus far with their pricing 'experiments'...

The harder lesson they have yet to learn is what happens when you completely kick your devoted base where the sun don't shine.

Not sure about everyone else out there - but i cannot remember a time when Presonus has so much negativity around it's brand and/or core product.

They have really dug themselves a nasty hole after this super lackluster past year. The only way out that I can see is to deliver the goods - and quickly.

VP

I sincerely hope that the lesson they've learnt is that their existing customers are their best customers. As I've said before, I am hoping that enough of their existing customer voted with their wallet and didn't upgrade to make Presonus re-evaluate their strategy of kicking their devoted customer base in the nuts!

But I've no idea what is actually happening so it's just me wishing at the moment.

[Vocalpoint Studios]

I am hoping that enough of their existing customer voted with their wallet and didn't upgrade

Given that recent commentary from Gregor (early December?) - it is clear (to me anyways) that their little plans crashed and burned out fast.

Firstly - given the complete lack of anything new for years now - why anyone would ever go the sub route is beyond me. That plan never made any sense even dating back several years (and iterations) of the name of that plan.

And "Annual Updates" were simply a cash grab that never had a chance to survive without putting your code where your mouth is.

If you really want me to pay annually - for updates - you better serve up meaningful worthwhile updates - in a regular cadence with plenty of meat and potatoes.

If I were to speculate - I would estimate that possibly 60% (or more) of us - who took the v7 plunge back on Oct 9, 2024 - are all running free and clear of any financial obligation to Presonus right now. That is a very dangerous place for them to be in.

2026 will be all or nothing based on whatever these guys cook up in Q1 2026.

VP

[dastewart]

Yup, I wasn't figuring in those people who did decide to upgrade to v7 but are now in the "once bitten, twice shy" camp of waiting for something worthwhile rather than trusting Presonus to deliver the goods.

As you say, if this forum (and some others) are anything to go by then they've done a lot of damage to the Studio One brand over the past year. I just hope (and I'm using that word a lot) they make a good choice about how to put that right.