I was scanning the Softube website and was interested in the new Console 1, but one of the known issues states that it is not recommended to be used with Sonar X3 because of the way VST's are implemented. Softube suggests waiting for the upcoming release of Sonar X4 as these issues will be resolved.
I guess I'm wondering what is different about the way in which Sonar implements VST's that is different to other DAWs. Is it the Pro Channel they are talking about, or there other ways in which Sonar differs from other DAWs in regards its implementation of VSTs.
Also, is there going to be a major overhaul in the implementation of VST's in X4, and what can we expect to be different? I guess it's probably too early for anyone to know the answer to this question, but if Softube has this information then I guess it is out there.

X3 had a major change as VST3 was introduced and Softube are one of a growing number of plugin developers who conform to VST3.

I don't know what specific problems there have been with Softube but there does seem to be some issues with VST3 especially with Virtual Instruments.

There is some anecdotal evidence that perhaps Cakewalks first go at getting VST3 out there is not the greatest.

Softube also make a bundle exclusively for the ProChanel in Sonar but these also have VST3 versions. I've not had issues with any of the Softube version in Sonar.

As to changes in X4, there's beeen no word from Cakewalk on when X4 is likely to be released but there has been plenty of speculation. I don't see how a 3rd party developer would have any special information regarding any more than perhaps a general comment from Cakewalk that we will look into a particular matter at our next release but that would be expected in any case with the next version of any product.

A couple of points.  First, the softube Console is specifically designed to work w/ softube software and is mapped for their stuff.  Esp. the SSL emulations that come w/ the console.  Using it as a genric controller would be a crapshoot, I'd think.  Not a knock on Softube - their software is good and the console is designed to take mapping advantage out of the box.  Other software, well, you would have to map it like any other hardware controller.
 
Cakewalk has ... relationship ... w/ Softube, and tho they haven't (and never really announce stuff early), it wouldn't surprise me if they are working w/ Softube about 4, perhaps in general VST 3 implementation, maybe adding some of their software units, perhaps adapting the Console for SONAR 4.  Who knows?  Peavy did their first hardware console, I think.  Of course Cake has Gibson/Tascam, so that is unlikely.  But working w/ Softube software, yes.  Maybe adding the mix bundle as a Pro feature or something like that.
 
As for the problems w/ working w/ SONAR 3, I expect 4 to be out soon.  I'd wait until then.  But then I try to be a later adaptor for actual work.
 
@

They are offering the Softube bundle on sale this month. Funny it said you will not require an iLok anymore, but the store page said you do. 

mudgel
... I don't see how a 3rd party developer would have any special information regarding any more than perhaps a general comment from Cakewalk that we will look into a particular matter at our next release but that would be expected in any case with the next version of any product.

We work closely with quite a few 3rd party developers. Like [REDACTED], [REDACTED], [REDACTED], and [REDACTED].

I asked Softube about this on their facebook page, and they had this to say:
 
"One thing we have found is that if you load a Console 1 plug-in onto a track in Sonar X3, and then remove the plug-in (or the entire channel), this is not reported to the Console 1 system, which believes the plug-in and channel is still existing. This causes problems for Console 1 if you—after having removed a Console 1 plug-in—instantiate new Sonar tracks and assign Console 1 tracks to these, because the track numbering may get messed up. The workaround is to erase your Undo history in Sonar each time you close a Console 1 plug-in. But of course, then you can't undo anything prior to that point.Another thing is that the internal sound level of a plug-in is only reported when a plug-in window is open. This certainly makes sense for all normal use, but it means the meter bridge in Console 1 will not work properly unless you have all the Console 1 plug-ins open at the same time.Of course, at the time the Sonar developers worked on X3, they weren't aware that we'd put out Console 1 which needs these functions. They are now, and these things will be changed in future Sonar versions. But we have no availability information to share at this point."

So it sounds to me more like quirky behaviour than an actual show-stopper. Credit to Softube for being candid about it though.

mudgel
As to changes in X4, there's beeen no word from Cakewalk on when X4 is likely to be released but there has been plenty of speculation.

I spoke with [REDACTED] at AES last Friday (10/10/14).  He was understandably evasive about what would actually be in X4, but would say that they were expecting it to be released "by the end of the year".  By that, I'll assume that he meant 2014.
 
I also spoke with Tara.
She wouldn't tell me anything.

Wait, is "redacted" what you're typing for funsies or was there actual company names there that got, er, redacted?

I blame the forum Hosts. I bet it was [REDACTED] that did it..

[DACTED]

(This is my first time)