John5757
I was wondering about the statement that "SONAR is the first DAW to natively support DSD"  I am not sure what Cakewalk means by "Natively" supports. To my knowledge only Merging Technologies' Pyramix and Sony's Sonoma can natively work on DSD files directly without converting to PCM. From what I heard Sonar transcode the DSD audio to high‑resolution PCM and then back to DSD for final DSD output. Is this assumption correct?

What we mean is that SONAR supports importing and exporting to DSD formats natively within SONAR without relying on external applications or tools. As I mentioned in another thread here, SONAR doesn't support directly *editing* the raw DSD data. 
"Note that today SONAR supports import and export of DSD formats. No DSD editing - depending on interest we may support that in the future. Note - To play DSD files at their native sample rate, you need DSD capable playback equipment such as the TASCAM DA-3000. Otherwise SONAR will downsample to the available sample rate. Users can still export to DSD sample rates without having DSD playback hardware however."
 
We can change the text if its confusing although its fair to say that we're the first mainstream DAW to support this functionality since Pyramix, etc are specialized applications.
 
 

Thank you Beepster! plus scook and mudgel, too.
I didn't get the early CW invite, so I bought my Platinum upgrade from JRR Shop, though I can't download it till they send the link (I assume it will be the 21st). So, this is where I'll be reading and checking out stuff, till then. I really appreciate all of your efforts to compile it all here!
I do want the boxed version, but figure having saved $24, I can get the box later.
 
Just to be specific; the Platinum with AD2 Producers Bundle, is any 3 ADpaks, any 3 ADmidipaks  and any 3 AD Kitpieces.  I've written to xln to see if there are credit/options, for already owning AD2, etc.
 
Michael

This was a very useful thread. Based on a careful comparison it looks like this is a good time to downgrade my Sonar version. I have X3PE so the logical move would be to Sonar Platinum, or so I thought. When I look at the features it really seems like the only new feature exclusive to Platinum is Vocal Sync, plus you can pick a couple extra add packs.
 
The improvements I like the most are available in the Professional version. My only concern is that the added features that are alluded to will only be available to Platinum users. This is a first for me. I have to make a purchase decision that has to include speculation. 
 
Will drum replacement be only for Platinum users? What about other updates and features?

Very Nice! Thanks Beepster.

bumbity bump bump... bumpity bump bump... look at Cakewalk go...