Right now I have Sonar Platinum on my main computer, the other 3 slaves are running VEPro (not in server mode).  I use midioverlan via ethernet to send midi to the three computers, they each have their own RME audio card, the audio then goes direct out into my mixers.
 
I'm having issues with VEPro (long story) that no one seems able to solve.  I'm wondering, couldn't I just run Sonar instead just as a shell to host Kontakt, Play, Engine, and UVI?  Midi comes in, audio goes out.
 
Two questions:
 
1) What are the licensing issues?  I *think* you're fine to run Sonar on your desktop and your laptop simultaneously, no?  What about on multiple computers that are all in the same setup?
 
2) Would running Sonar as a shell to host VSTs introduce any more latency than VEPro?  I would think it's all dependent on the soundcard, but then again I'm not sure why exactly VEPro is so popular for this.  Each computer has a RME HDSPe AIO card in them.
 
Thanks in advance for any input!

i think you can install and use sonar on multiple computers (2?), but not run more than one simultaneously (legally )

I use rptMidi to send MIDI from my DAW[SONAR] to my Mac and a Laptop. There I have VSTis.
"Midi comes in, audio goes out".. Yes.
 
I have Komplete Audio 6 and Avid Fast Track Duo for Mac and my Laptop. Output of these two goes to Yamaha MG16XU - USB audio for DAW.
 
Regards
Snehankur
 
I am not using Sonar on these two. Just the VSTis.

You need a licence for each copy of Sonar that will be running simulataneously with others.

Running 4 copies at the same time, you need 4 licences.

Install on 4 computers and run on only one, you need 1 licence.

I would contact Cakewalk sales to see if there's some multi licence breaks available.

I guess you could also look at using other versions on the slaves as I am guessing you wouldn't require all the features of Platinum for what you need?

If you upgrade from one version to another, that's like having one licence.

Upgrading just renews the original licence with a product that has new features.

Some companies make you relinquish your previous software so you only have the most recent.

The application you seem to be describing does not require a full featured DAW on each computer. You might look into using a simple VST host instead. There are quite a few of these available, some for free, and you would not have the licensing issue discussed above.

I would contact Cakewalk directly about the licensing question.
They have been known to be flexible and working with their users, especially if that said user is the only one using the software. They might even be interested in your results.
 
About the latency, if you are running platinum with Windows 10. Using the enhanced WASAPI driver mode you might be able to avoid any latency problems all together.

slartabartfast
The application you seem to be describing does not require a full featured DAW on each computer. You might look into using a simple VST host instead. There are quite a few of these available, some for free, and you would not have the licensing issue discussed above.

Yes, I mean that's essentially what VEPro is.  I do need some pretty flexible routing though.  I just think Sonar is convenient because I know it so well it would be a breeze to setup the VSTs and routing.  Yes, it's definitely overkill.
 
Thanks all for the advice, I emailed support.

Myself because I have at least 5 legal versions it would be no problem. 
If all are 64 bit, if all have same plug in installed I can literally run 8.5, X1LE, X3 Studio, Professional, Home studio and Splat.