As a side note, Substance Designer 4.1 (release target Feb/March 2014) will include a new AO baker which will be on par with X-normal quality wise (and much faster :))
Normal map bakes are very good overall. You can get really good bakes even without a cage. The cage process is through any 3D program you use. You create your cages inside Maya and export them and use them in the normal bake properties within substance. You do need to explode your mesh at times to get the best results. I…
I know Im late to the party but Im coming up to the same problem here is my opinion so far Ddo:Pros: * easy to pick up and use, since most of us are forced to learn photoshop anyways * very quick to get beautiful uniform results * get very good previews thanks to the power of marmoset toolbag * If anything its great to…