[Little David]

There could be a difference in plugins in the chain, and I've certainly noticed a big difference between using inferior vs. stellar EQs. I've also noticed a difference between using my limiter in 1x vs. 4x oversampling modes, and different plugins have different levels of this built in behind the GUI. So basically, even using the same VIs and recording chains/techniques, etc., what's on the master output?

Film scores etc. are produced entirely in Logic, as is the case I imagine for Cubase, Digital Performer, Pro Tools, etc., and probably Studio One in the near future as it's a new program. Any producer who blames the DAW itself is missing an opportunity to improve at their craft.