.

Something to consider is what's being released is only the starting point. Most likely drum replacement and other upcoming features may be only Platinum exclusives. So keep that in mind when making a decision.
Not trying to sway you one way or the other but there is a lot more coming over the new 12 months. Think of it as the equivalent of a full new release like X5 is still to come as part of your membership. So if you pick professional you will get the features planned only for that product. There is definitely high value in the platinum membership - not just dupes of what you own.

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, 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...

dubdisciple
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.  

Yup.
 
Quantumeffect had given me some excellent drum tracks (played live) but a s a producer of the track I found that occasionally his kick or snare are not "right" for the overall vibe I wanted. Drum replacement was simply faster than spending mucho time to polish his kit piece tone.
 
Disclaimer, overal I like Dave's kit and his playing has never been bad. Just as dub said it was prod tech for tone, not performance.