Dave,
 
I am collaborating with a group of colegues who are using Pro Tools 11. They've asked me to use it as well. That doesn't mean I can't use Sonar as well of course. But with their work I need to have Pro Tools. Thats just what they want. And they're the ones paying for the work.
 
I've had 24 hours to start learning Pro Tools and I have to say I LOVE SONAR.
 
Pro Tools seems way over complicated and feels like it's missing some great workflow tools, etc. Did you know that if you want to adjust pre-fader gain on a channel IN PT... you have to load a PLUG IN?
 
Now don't get me wrong. I'm also seeing things I love in PT. A lot of things.
 
So I'll have experience with both platforms. Nothing wrong with that. An artist uses more than one brush, more than one paint type, etc.
 
Gavin

PilotGav
Dave,
 
I am collaborating with a group of colegues who are using Pro Tools 11. They've asked me to use it as well. That doesn't mean I can't use Sonar as well of course. But with their work I need to have Pro Tools. Thats just what they want. And they're the ones paying for the work.
 
I've had 24 hours to start learning Pro Tools and I have to say I LOVE SONAR.
 
Pro Tools seems way over complicated and feels like it's missing some great workflow tools, etc. Did you know that if you want to adjust pre-fader gain on a channel IN PT... you have to load a PLUG IN?
 
Now don't get me wrong. I'm also seeing things I love in PT. A lot of things.
 
So I'll have experience with both platforms. Nothing wrong with that. An artist uses more than one brush, more than one paint type, etc.
 
Gavin

I am acutely aware of PT - I got lured down the PT path with the interface I bought (lured away from GT Pro 4) and came back right before X2 was released because of the cost to keep PT current.  If all you are doing are trading stems, your DAW shouldn't matter.
 
But the customer's always right.
 
Good luck with the learning curve.

Something I prepared earlier for X3 (/Steam) ... and generic vs ProTools (which I have no experience with).

I've only tried with Tracktion 4 (DAW) which only seems to only handle 64bit VSTs but it's something like this.

Cakewalk SI Instruments work.
Cakewalk Sound Center should work (but is only 32bit - I can't test with Tracktion).

Most base level Cakewalk FX and Sonitus (Cakewalk) FX are actually DX not VST so you'll need a DAW or wrapper which can process Direct X FX/instruments.

Nomad Factory (Blue Tubes) and Overloud (TH2, Breverb) are restricted to Sonar (at the request/agrreement of the third party companies).

Celemony Melodyne Essential (from Studio edition) works.
XLN Addictive Drums at Producer edition is full product and completely usuable.

Other bits I've tried have worked.