.

Hi Mike-
I think the gist of your question has been answered a couple of times in the top thread (Andrew's) - see below, although there were a smattering of similar questions/answers:
Not sure how clear this will be: (sorry my iPad won't let me copy the link):



Re: Introducing the new SONAR: New lineup, new features, plus membership 15 hours ago (permalink)
theheliosequence
Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
theheliosequence
Andrew Rossa [Cakewalk]
rtucker55

So would I be able to use the Pro-Channel FX that I currently have in X3 Pro in the new Sonar if I only had the new Professional version? What about Dimension Pro and Rapture Full and things like Breverb Sonar VST, PK-64, VX-64, TL-64, etc. ? Or will it give me a message that these plugins don't work with this version of Sonar? I don't really every use most of these, but I'm curious for anyone else who would like to know. It certainly makes the Professional version seem like a good deal/value.

Also curious if the Vocal Sync is a plugin or if it's an integrated feature that is simply "grayed out" in the Professional version?



If you go to Professional you won't lose any of those plugins or ProChannel modules. I'll have to check but I do believe POW-r is only in Platinum. So going to Professional is an option. VocalSync is integrated right inside SONAR. That's actually one of the cool things vs. something like Vocalign. It previews real-time and you can open it right in the track view and adjust. Check out the video. It's not greyed out in Professional because it's not there.

Mike, I have not taken a poll or anything, but I suspect drum replacement for most is more of a production technique than a compensation for poor drumming. It is the sound bring replaced and not the technique.  

Mike, ur being disingenuous... what's in the various packages is clearly laid out... If you're like me, you own nearly all the upgrades and prochannel modules... so maybe platinum ain't for you at this time! 
 
It's the perpetual issue... buy early, pay more, regret it later...or don't/accept it. Last year I talked a friend into Sonar and during the flurry of deals he got everything I have for well under half...maybe 10% of what I've paid over the years... BFD!
 
I'll ugrade knowing that if I didn't have all the prochannels it would be a MUCH BETTER DEAL and don't really need another convolution reverb as I love spaces.  AD2 pro pack?  Well, I haven't really used AD1 but this might be nice... Energy spent on these perpetual "darn" or "shoulda coulda woulda" arguments is just flamingly stupid. Or.... obnoxious (which I know you are....as am I at times).
 
I am an early adopter and consider any value loss of this the price I pay for early "fun" and a donation to the "bakers" collective...
 
And... I think part of the ridiculously good deals which were available last year was a sincere attempt to improve Sonar's user base...

If you owned X3 Producer all plugins locked to that will continue to work in SONAR Professional. So you can continue to use those in Professional. 
 
Also From the FAQ:

I bought SONAR Artist, can I jump up to Professional or Platinum?

Sure! If you’ve already begun Monthly payments, you may start a new year of monthly payments for Professional or Platinum at the higher monthly price. If you pay up-front or complete 12+ months of monthly payments, you may purchase a Crossgrade. 
In the FAQ: http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Membership
 
 

mudgel

Also with respect to add ons from 3Rd party companies, we got TH 2 Producer, I upgraded to the full version, now a couple of years later guess what TH2 full version is included. Shortly after getting Addictive drums 1 we were encouraged to upgrade to Addictive Drums 2 and now we get it free with he next Sonar release.

I am pretty sure that TH2 is only the "TH2 Producer" version (not full), and that the AD2 Bundle is not the "upgrade"... it only includes the "AD2 engine," similar to the AD2 "gripe threads" recently.
 
But I am also debating a lot here as well, since each update I get issued new serials for DP, etc. The question of what will be introduced to "Platinum Members only" in the next year is what is unknown. As the Platinum upgrade is what I was anticipating, the first year may become more an evaluation of "what I got" when the 12-month point hits.

.

Each artist or studio business person is going to have a myrid of individual "situations", "loves" and "needs"  which emesh into  a happiness quotient...for a DAW offering...it's like walking a tightrope for any developer endeavoring to speak to the gorge of users below...
 
Dana's Deap DAW thoughts going into Sonar 2015

Just looked again at the comparisons between the versions. I have always gone Producer ( have X3 Producer ). It seems to me that this time around PROFESSIONAL is all I need. Most of the Suites of extras and plugins I already have in X3 & installed. Im wondering will even artist do?
 
WHY - because all the suite stuff never seems to be updated or added to over the X series. Looks the same for the new version too. Nothing really changed. I do not need more versions of the same plugins. 
 
As was mentioned elsewhere a CORE version would be an idea. I thing ARTIST could be the closest to that.

Also most of my work is with external plugins and Kontakt / NI stuff. 
 
Anybody else with the same thought process? Why should I get Platinum?

I notice under Instruments it has:
 
- Z3TA+ Classic 
- Lounge Lizard SONAR
- Strum Acoustic SONAR
- TruePianos Amber
 
I already have these or better with X3 PLUS I own Z3TA+ 2 .. OH and I already have a zillion versions of Rapture and Dimension Pro :D
 
I think it will take some thing special to go for Platinum ..
 

I remember ages ago getting shouted down by fan boi's with regard to re-buying multiple's of the same plugins time and time again... is it 3-4 dim pro's I have ? is it another 3-4 raptures? worst of it.. give US the right to re-gift them to our friends.. if we want!! or even a charity.. it's really a BIG waste.
 
I do the same with humble bundle collection of games , with steam games I have.. obviously the person I gift them to can't re-gift them / transfer them.
 
I do feel sadly that I am paying for bug fixes vs the other things I use , who will / do release a final thorough delayed last patch.