I've been using SONAR forever, most recently, X3. I never upgraded to Sonar Platinum (or if there was a version before that).
 
I see the Bandlab version, but it is missing a lot of the third party instruments I have with X3.
 
Can I assume that if I install Sonar X3 on my new PC first, and then upgrade to Bandlab's version, that SONAR Platinum will allow me to access all of the third party plug-ins I have come to rely on with X3? Or am I out of luck?
 
I've been such a happy and loyal SONAR user that it pains me to think I have to start all over with something else...
 

Create a BandLab account with the same email address as your Cakewalk account
Install X3
Install BandLab Assistant and CbB. Instructions are here
 
CbB will use all the plug-ins from X3 any other third party plug-ins you have.

DaveR, what scook said is true, as long as you install X3 first, you'll have everything you depend on plus everything new in the latest Cakewalk version.

Just keep in mind that a 64-bit computer is required now, but all your favourite 32-bit plugins still work fine.

And you can customise so much in Cakewalk that you can set it up however you wish.

Dave,  This is indeed the time to do it.  You lose nothing.  X3 will still work as usual, and yet, your new Cakewalk by Bandlab will not only jump you up to 2018 but will let you use anything you had installed with X3.  It will install in the same basic area automatically.  Never before would you have had the opportunity to legally jump up to the state of the art Cakewalk daw without spending a cent or losing what you already use.  There will be some learning curve involved, but much will work like it did in X3.  I'm assuming you have enough computer to run it and enough room on your hard drive.  Thereore, my only question is, what are you waiting for? 

Thanks! All I'm waiting for now is my new computer, an i7-8550U with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD and 2TB hard drive, which I'm pretty sure will be more than enough horsepower.
 
Glad to hear I won't lose any of my plug-ins, and my laziness in upgrading actually saved me some money :)

Here's just one of the numerous improvements you'll enjoy in the latest Cakewalk.

VocalSync: https://youtu.be/ao-wFsWI7qE

Hi DaveR, I advise you that you need to be careful of installing 32bit or 64bit (Cakewalk version.).
I am using all of Sonar versions in my cumputer, 8.5, 3x and Platinum, Bandlab version,
but there are no problem for any plugIns&FXs.
 

I realize my trusty MOTU Ultralite will have to be replaced, since I do not believe there is any viable method to adapt its FireWire interface to USB-C.
 
Any suggestions?

Get a focusrite. I have the 6i6.love it… 

DaveR
I realize my trusty MOTU Ultralite will have to be replaced, since I do not believe there is any viable method to adapt its FireWire interface to USB-C.
 
Any suggestions?

Yes, buy a Firewire card with a Texas Instruments chip. They’re cheap and efficient. I have one for my Focusrite LS 56.

Jerry