Ok, the RME Hammerfall HDSP 9652 card is installed and all but a dozen or so EZmix preset packs and Toontrack drum libraries need to be installed and/or authorized lest they pop up with an authorization window in a session and cause me embarrassment. 

I loaded the problem child project up and it played back just fine using a 64 buffer setting with the Waves, Slate and UAD plugs in the project and humming along with Superior Drummer and Dimension Pro.  Maybe I'll have a go with 32 buffers and see if I can create some mischief.
 
I am predicting that I will able to use SONAR X2a without any unpredicted aggravation.  Now all I have to deal with is the SONAR X2a aggravation that is by design. 

Good news!

Ahhhhh... Back to music at last! Congrats Mod Bod!

Sometimes it's tough hanging in there and getting it done... But rewarding once you do. I hope this brings forth some cool new music from you!

Keni

Awesome! Sounds like you dodged the $$ upgrade bullet for a while. 
 
Onward and upward to music making! 

+1 on the Yay!
 
Bob Bone
 

Congratulations on your success Mod Bod!
 
Love love love my RME. ;-)
 
Regards

Mod Bod
Ok, the RME Hammerfall HDSP 9652 card is installed and all but a dozen or so EZmix preset packs and Toontrack drum libraries need to be installed and/or authorized lest they pop up with an authorization window in a session and cause me embarrassment. 

I loaded the problem child project up and it played back just fine using a 64 buffer setting with the Waves, Slate and UAD plugs in the project and humming along with Superior Drummer and Dimension Pro.  Maybe I'll have a go with 32 buffers and see if I can create some mischief.
 
I am predicting that I will able to use SONAR X2a without any unpredicted aggravation.  Now all I have to deal with is the SONAR X2a aggravation that is by design. 

Great news.  Glad you're problem is sorted.  If your RME HDSP 9652 experience is anything like mine it should be smooth sailing for you.

Keni
Ahhhhh... Back to music at last! Congrats Mod Bod!

Sometimes it's tough hanging in there and getting it done... But rewarding once you do. I hope this brings forth some cool new music from you!

Keni

Oh, Keni.  Except for these three days, the music never stops at Gatortraks.  I ported the problem project over to a download demo of Studio One 2.5, completed the tracking and mixed it.  I liked S1 so much I bought it as well.  I've since tracked and mixed a second project for the same client and he is very happy with the outcome.

I also have Samplitude Pro X which is what I've been using for my Rapper's tracks.  I've got one particular client that has SONAR X2 so I have that platform for him in case he wants to do a little work on his own.

So, if SONAR starts misbehaving, I don't gripe and come to a stand still.  I go around the problem.    However, if Windows pukes, well.... what can you do but fix it?  Haha.

Applause from another RME user here.  Mine has performed really well.  I may do the same thing on really low buffers just to see what happens.  128 feels fine for me, 64 kicked up the CPU meter a little more in Sonar.  I'll try 32 when I get home this evening.

eric_peterson
Awesome! Sounds like you dodged the $$ upgrade bullet for a while. 
 
Onward and upward to music making! 

I'm talking to Jim Roseberry.  I think I've got some bidniz with Mr. Purrfect Audio coming in the near future.  I'm thinking of building a second system.