Karl what a fantastic straight forward, easy to understand tutorial. I was banging my head on my computer desk but luckily found your video. It's great to find someone explaining it from zero to "so that's how you do it". I've learnt more in five minutes of your video than in 5 days of Cakewalk tutorials which are tutored by people that have been doing this stuff for years and have no idea of what it's like to not even understand the bleeding obvious. Thanks that man!!
Thanks for all your help! I'm getting my home studio up and running after sitting dormant for 4 years. My P4 PC died in 2010, and my MOTU PCI card wasn't compatible withe the Win 7 64 bit replacement. I bought the 424 PCIe card, and received the President's upgrade rip from Sonar 7.3 PE to X2 PE. I also picked up an original MCU. I'm spending so many hours listening to you teachings, I feel as though we could be sitting at a pub having a pint! Hope that didn't sound too weird.
God bless you! I've been out of MIDI recording for quite a while and kept the audio stuff only. Many things were changed since then. I had a number of external sound generators, all obsolete now. On the other hand I'm stucked in the middle of a recording production and have upgraded to Sonar 8.5. Now you can imagine the mass up. Thank you so much. I'm from Rio, Brasil, SA.
Great video. I've watched a lot of tutorials, but this is the best I've seen for gaining an understanding of setting up audio & midi routing in X1 & X2, actually getting some sound out, and how to get the TTS up and running by routing back through audio. Easy once you know how. Wish I'd seen this one first as it would have saved me a lot of time. Thanks muchly
Thank sooo much!! Easy and Quick guide....I wish I had saw this first before spending an hr trying to use the help guide in Sonar!! You got me up and running in no time!!
Massive thanks! I got SONAR Steam Edition as my first DAW but I've never played music on a computer, only live. Your advice is really helpful. Words can't describe how much I appreciate this. It's a real life saver.
I am pleasantly not unsurprised that you actually took time to answer my comments. I knew you were cool. I am in the process of recording a demo for one of the bands I play in. After which, I intend to start writing. I now that I've revealed this, I will be forced to get my arse and complete a project. If and when I get a song completed, it would be awesome to share my work with you for review. Thanks for taking time to inspire me!
I also updated the Layla to a MOTU 1224. My P4 Win XP died and that's when my studio was down to a hand me down Lexicon Omega. Now I finally have time,gear and motivation, but the back and neck pain diminished stamina. The MOTU 1224 with the 424 PCIe sounds great. I use a 1604 VLZ3 for mic pre's. you are a great teacher, I just wish I were a better student. I have a good ear, but learned by what does this button do method. I know FX, so that helps. I also did live sound for years. Cheers!
Oh, thanks for the keyboard tip. It's actually a Yamaha DX 11 that was given to me a couple of months ago. It's in great condition, and I disabled the internal sound/midi. I am blown away using it to control Dimension and Rapture Pro. I started with keyboard at age 14 before I heard Reeling In The Years, and had to know how to play that lead solo and get that tone. It lead me to Dwayne Allman, Clapton, The Beatles, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritnour, Dimiola, Haldsworth, Steve Howe, Alvin Lee,etc...
Thanks Nigel. Glad you found it useful. I'm hoping to capture some more freebies covering some of the more basic topics at some point. Watch this space...... just got to find the time.
i'm a sonar x2 user and I really wish i had seen your video before wasting time calling cakewalk support. this was incredibly helpful. i thought the A-500Pro i just bought was broken, thanks, brotha!!! i'll check for more of your videos going forward.
Thanks. Glad you found it helpful. Be sure to check out my SWA Complete X2 video available from streamworksaudio.com/products/swaCompleteSonarX2 or the Cakewalk store www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cgbp/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=30-SASX2.00-20E - nine hours of in depth X2 tutorials.
Thanks for the support. One things for sure - life is never dull in the world of digital recording and there's always something more to want as well, unsurprisingly.. ;-)
Hi - you may be better posting this question on the Sonar forum where I can make a longer reply but..... to hear the sounds from your GW8 you assign the MIDI track output to the GW8 and then monitor the output of that from outside of Sonar. You can of course record that output as audio into Sonar in the same way you do any other instrument. The only way of generating synth sounds within Sonar is via a softsynth. Some hardware does have a software equivalent but I have no idea about the gw8. HTH.
This has been very helpful. After about six or seven viewings. I just purchased a Arturia MiniLab Universal MIDI USB Controller. It comes with Arturia AnalogLab which I'm hoping I can trigger within Sonar.
If you mean synths, there are soft synths included with Sonar and others available for free on the web. If you mean input devices you can always draw the data in in the Piano Roll View or Staff view and play that back. The principle for playback is the same but the MIDI clip becomes the input source.
I'm bummed that you scooted right past the Alesis SR 16 in one of the SWA videos. I recently acquired a pristine MCU (not pro). Sadly there isn't much support for using it with X2. I have only 1 midi I/O port. Having trouble using keyboard midi controller, SR 16 and MCU to play together. Do I need a multi port midi interface? Thanks again for getting me going in the studio after all these years!
thats so nice of you. I was thinking i can produce gw8 sounds within Sonar using my sound car output. What probably i should do is give the midi out to midi in of my keyboard and enjoy rich roland sounds. By no means you can playback non GM patches in Sonar ? You cant simulate professional synths within Sonar ? If so , why one should use sequencer softwares when same can be done in hardware synths as well ?
One key I found very helpful is realizing that you have to enable "within the audio track" the input from the softsynth. You don't assign where the softsynth sound is sent to from "within the midi" track. It is, allow in from audio, not send to from midi. Send midi to, from midi track, allow audio in from audio track. Redundant I know. There are a lot of dense people like me. Thanks to Karl!
Yes - you need to either find the INS (Instrument) file for it or write your own. There'll probably be one on the web somewhere, perhaps even included in the Sonar package. HTH
Not sure I understand what you mean but if you are asking how to show the Roland Keyboards patch list in Sonar you need to find or create the "INS" file for it. You may well find one on the web or it is relatively straightforward to write your own. You then assign that file to the port that the keyboard is attached to. That's done in preferences==>MIDI==>Instruments.
Hi. Outboard synths will need to be monitored from their audio outs. For example my outboard synths all plug into my mixer channels so that I can hear them. There's no other way to do that, to hear them from within Sonar you'll need to record the synths audio output or it can be added to the mix at bounce down time using the "live input" option in the export dialogue. Only soft synths will be audible from within Sonar. HTH
Very nice video sir , i have created a midi file in roland gw 8 and imported in sonar , however i dont hear the exact sounds which i hear in roland gw8 . Can you explain how exactly reproduce the original roland sounds in sonar ? I will be greatful to you.
Heyy, great video! but i'm having some problems and i guess you can help me with them: i recently got a roland quad capture interface with which came the sonar X1 LE and i have have a roland GW8 workstation and a pair of monitors. Now heres the thing i installed everything correctly the interface is connected via usb to the computer, the monitors are connected to the interface, the keyboard is connected via usb to the computer which transmits midi as well.
Learnt a few things but still having trouble setting up some of my outboard synths. I have a Roland GAIA SH-01 synth, cant get any sound through from the track. Also a JV-1080 Synth module attached to an AKAI MPK49 and still can't get any sound. Any idea what I am doing wrong? They all appear in the Preferences Window but silent on playback.
No matter what version of Sonar you have you should have TTS-1 that can play GM drums back. I also think that SI-Drums comes with most versions as well. You can set them up to play drum sounds back, either from a clip or using a controller. HTH
Speaking of which, I'm ordering a MOTU Micro Lite. That should simplify things. FYI I have been a semi pro guitar player for 38 phew years. I survived three decades and sadly lots of former band mates didn't. I was crashed into while slowing for stopped traffic 1 1/2 years ago. I was doing 20 mph and the other car 60 mph. I was propelled into the stopped car. 10 years ago I started a home studio using an Event Layla into CW 9. I kept upgrading until Sonar 7 PE. President's upgrade to X2.
Dear , thnx for the reply. I think i could not explain my question properly. 1. I created a MIDI fine in GW8 , saved it through USB drive and saved on my pc. 2. I opened the midi file in SONAR. I can see 12 tracks with midi data. 3. The output is set to GM wavesynth. 4. the tone banks and patches are as per roland gw 8 , as i have loaded .ins file of gw8 in sonar and routed it correctly. 5. When i play i only hear track 10 and track 6 and nothing else. where am i wrong ? how to use TTS1 here ?
also there is a delay between the time i hit the note on the keyboard and the time the sound plays from the speakers. On the other hand, when i connect the speakers directly to the keyboard without the quad capture, very good sound quality comes out as i select the output to be my roland keyboard and no delay. i would have used this method of connection but the problem is that the onboard sound of the keyboard plays at the same time as the sound chosen from sonar
Babbling a bit, sorry for that. I wish there was some way of repaying you for the lessons, besides telling anyone and everyone how awesome your videos are. I've done a fair amount of teaching myself, and can't help but smile every time you use the phrase "and unsurprisingly". Brilliant.
Sorry about the SR-16. Time wasn't on my side. You might be able to get them all playing nicely together but a multi port MIDI interface would be easier. It depends on the keyboard. Some of them connect via USB and also have a MIDI port on them that can be configured to pass MIDI thru them to the computer. If it has that you can use that for one of the devices but there's probably some configuration to do on the keyboard - check its manual as a starting point look for "MIDI thru".
You can enter MIDI notes via either the PRV or Staff views, although it's hardly 'recording'. I believe there is also software available that will allow you to use the computer keyboard as a musical keyboard but I haven't had any experience with them so I don't know how successful they are. Sorry.
Sorry for my English, but I have to ask you something: I want to use my keyboard sound, I configured MIDI instruments and everything about it, I recorded my first track and all is well, but when I add a second or third MIDI track, I can not hear, also assign a different channel for each track, different bank, I think I do it well, but it does not work, does not play sound.Could help me, please?
i dont understand what im doing wrong, i have an akai MPD 18 connected, and the meter is jumping when i press a pad but when i select an instrument i am getting no sound out of my speakers, its showing that the midi is being activated and played and when i place a loop in sonar in an audio track it plays it out of my speakers. help please!!!
After i opened sonar i followed all of your steps i set my input to the roland and the output to the quad capture but no sound is coming out of the speakers :( but when i select the windows wave option very pour quality sound comes out of the speakers. the other problem is that when i select the keyboard no sound banks appear :? if you can answer me i would be thankful as i am a noobie to this. Thank you in advance
Hi Karl, perhaps you can help me. I've purchased a Samson mic and got Sonar X1 with it. I want to use my (old) MIDI keyboard in Sonar, but the following happens. When i start Sonar and play on my keyboard it makes sound. However, after about a minute, it stops responding and you won't hear any sound anymore. If i restart my computer, it does the same, so first i get sound and then it stops. Is this a setting i should change? Or could this be a problem with my TargetLine MK-149? Hope you can help
ah okay, the other problem i had is when i connected my keyboard which has midi capability to my audio interface, i would select my interface and be able to then play my keyboard, but not all he presets works for some reasont, the cakewalke ts worked but not things like cyclone, why is that? and lastly when i was making a song and adding loops, the loops would change tempo and not let me change them back. can you help me with this please.
hey man i have a problem, somehow my voice sounds like a chipmunk, i just got the program i dont know what is wrong, my mic isnt the problem since i tried with audacity and it worked
@Nadia Sings - Try saving as a CWP (Cakewalk Project) file. It sounds like you might be saving it as a MIDI file which doesn't save as much data such as patch info etc. I am not familiar with your Yamaha but I would guess that it is playing back the file with whatever patch sounds happen to be loaded into each channel hence the unexpected sounds. HTH
No, the only way you'll get the gw8 sounds is from the gw8 unless someone produces a software version. You can play non GM patches in Sonar but they are the non GM patches from other softsynths such as Rapture. I use several pieces of hardware but I also have a mixer interface (a ZED-R16) I guess without one hardware is probably harder to integrate with Sonar. You can use the GW8 but you'll need to eventually record the audio to include it in any final mixdown. That's a limitation of hardware
+theolonius I have done under the SWA banner...Have a look at these. Many relate to X1, X2, X3 and the latest Sonar 2015.......th-cam.com/video/TR1DLE2UIfM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the help, but I'm really confused on how to save it! I've tried dragging the piano recording to my desktop, but when I play it back, the volume is REALLY low and the sound of the keyboard sounds so strange and distorted! I have a Yamaha NP 11! Please help! Thanks :)
Not sure about cyclone, I haven't used it much. The loops I'm guessing are following the project, try changing project tempo. I don't use loops so I don't know whether there's a way of over riding that behaviour. Again someone on the Cakewalk Forums will know the answer to that.
I understand audio tracks and softsynth tracks. What I don't understand is why even use the midi track? When you open a new softsynth track it can be edited manually or with a midi controller so what is the purpose of a Midi track selection? Ok, third viewing question. The TTS 1 could have been selected in the beginning correct? Selecting TTS1 without selection "simple audio track" or "midi" track allows a current midi data to be routed to a new set of instruments. Hmmmm I'll try this later..
A softsynth track is just an audio track with a softsynth as its input as opposed to a physical hardware input. If you mean a simple instrument track (SIT) then the separate MIDI and audio tracks allow greater control. For example you can't re-route to a different synth if using the SIT which hides some of the complexity of the separate tracks at the expense of being less flexible. It is possible to split and re-join them though via the right click track header context menu. HTH
So physical hardware is an external device, like the drum machine in this example, not a softsynth within Sonar? A SIT would be used for mic input or an existing audio file like loops ? Echoed allows data to be sent out. What type of data, midi or audio? Sent to where, another track? Thanks for your assistance.
Billy Barton Yes physical hardware is an external device. That might be output such as a drum module which receives the MIDI data to produce audio or input MIDI data with such as a keyboard. Many of course can be both. No SITs are purely softsynth so require MIDI input or MIDI loop not audio. They do output audio however. The echo button allows you to hear the track processing and can either be FX for audio tracks or the synth for MIDI tracks or SITs . Without it lit on a MIDI track or SIT you won't hear any output. No worries.
Howdy. I use Sonar X1 LE and its a little different from what you are using. I am trying to run a Samson Graphite M25 through Midi but was unsuccesful. Please Advise.
+PRO-GRAMZ Hi - You'll need to select the M25 as an input in the MIDI track. If you can't see it as a source open preferences and navigate to MIDI-->Devices. You'll be able to "check" it there as an input device. If you don't see it in preferences then it isn't installed correctly. You'll also need to assign the MIDI track output to a synth of some sort, TT-S 1 or one of the other soft synths that come with X1. HTH.
+Karl Rose I did as you told me and yes it did show up on the midi track however I do not hear anything. Maybe I'm missing plug-ins? Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I'm still not getting any sound. I'm using an AKAI MPD32, I followed all the instructions in the first four minutes. I tried matching the outputs, patches and channels, and the meter shoots up whenever I hit one of the pads but still have no sound generating. Am I missing a step? It's plugged in via USB, does that have anything to do with it?
Hi. A few things to check. First - if you play an audio clip in Sonar can you hear it? What are you using as an output from the MIDI track - a soft synth or hardware synth? The first four minutes concentrates on hardware. If you are using a "real" hardware synth the output will come from that not from within Sonar so make sure that the hardware is audible. ie. turned on, volume up and/or connected to an amplifier if need be. If you are using a softsynth make sure that the output for the softsynth is routed correctly, which is to an "instrument" track (explained later in the video). If it is routed correctly make sure that the softsynth has a patch loaded.
I want to change the velocity of my midi... is there a way to copy and paste the velocity of previous midi... (to make ezdrummer or other drum pluggins sound "realistic")?
+David Rozo AFAIK there's no way to copy and paste just the velocity. Velocity isn't a "proper" CC so it isn't possible to copy and paste it like you can other CCs. You can of course draw it in quite quickly using the velocity lane in the PRV combined with the smart or draw tools. If you are after random velocity between a low and high limit use a CAL script. Select the notes you want to change, Select "Run CAL..." from the process menu, then choose VARYVEL. You set a lower and upper limit the script does the rest. Existing velocity can be scaled using the "Event Inspector" (Module in the tool bar) or in the latest Sonar by selecting notes hold ctrl key and click drag over the velocity hotspot of one of the notes. HTH
Hi Karl, how do I then record the midi file as a stereo audio track. When you change the audio input on track 1 the record button to arm that track changes to a wave symbol? Do I have to use the File > Export Audio option and then re-import? Thanks!
+Steve Cranley Hi. It depends on which version of Sonar you are using.In versions up to X3 and early versions of Sonar 2015 you can export and re-import but much easier to "Bounce" the tracks down to audio. Basically select the tracks and then choose "Bounce to Tracks" from the track menu. In the most recent version you can record it live in the same way as any other audio track by activating the record widget on the track you wish to record. HTH.
+Karl Rose Hi and thanks for the speedy reply, I'm using X1 and that bounce option is much handier, thank you! It's been doing my head in for 2 days! Easy when you know how :) Could you help me with this also? Is there an option similar to scale velocity in midi settings that will allow you adjust the velocity but make them random (between 2 values say 100 - 115) so as to not sound too robotic. This is for a snare track. I can go in an adjust individually but it's very time consuming. Thanks again :)
+Steve Cranley Best option for that is probably to use a Cal program. You'll find that at the bottom of the process menu. Select the clip(s)/track first then select the "Run Cal.." option. "VaryVel"will allow you to set a lower and upper limit then randomise notes between those two limits. If they are already varied and you just want to scale them the "Event inspector" can do that on a percentage scale.
Hi, the video is very useful. Thanks! I noticed while watching that you have a Boss GT6 in the settings so hopefully you can help me with my task. I am new to Sonar and I am currently transmitting patch changes in the Events section to a Roland GR55. This works when the GR55 is set to receive fixed patch changes but there is also a midi map that requires a Bank number. I can see that you have a long number in the bank section but I don't understand where this number is derived from. If you can help you will fast track my aching brain! Regards, Darrell
Hi. The bank number will be in the MIDI implementation notes of the GR55. The bank number (the long one) is derived from the "bank change" figure. For example I have a Roland Sonic Cell and Bank A has a bank change message number of 87. It's bank number is 11200. The formula for finding the bank change number is ------- Bank Change # = (bank # - 64) / 128 -------. So for my Sonic Cell 87 = (11200 - 64) / 128. Going the other way where you know the bank change number and want to find the bank number it is --------- Bank # = (Bank Change # * 128) + 64 ------- Again for my Sonic cell ---------- 11200 = (87 * 128) + 64. Hope that helps.
Karl Rose Apologies but I have one last question. I can't enter a value in the Bank part of the Bank/Patch section. I can enter a patch number. Any ideas?
Darrell Eaden Not at my system at the moment but my best guess would be that there is no instrument definition set up. If you go to Preferences-->MIDI-->Instruments you can assign an instrument definition file to your MIDI device. If there is no INS file for your device you can try searching the web or it is possible to write your one but that's a whole different video....
@@KarlRose_1 so you really really 100% saying its Netherlanders than Sonar Cakewalk Platinum Bandlab doesn't have all the plugins and as bigg as library loop content plz let me know because im bout to purchase the platinum DAW everyone saying it's Free by bandlab I done a lil research about it some say platinum is not comparing to the bandlab because it stil doesn't have 100% all features ????is this true
@@ziggyteesha8800 Hi. You are correct that the free Cakewalk by Bandlab (CbB) doesn't ship with all the extras that came with Platinum versions of Sonar. I'm not entirely sure what is missing butI think it's mainly the higher end plugins and instruments. The software itself though has all the features of Sonar Platinum and more. There has been plenty of bug fixes too. I'm not aware that Platinum is still available to buy but fwiw any of the extras that come with Platinum work seamlessly with CbB which is Sonar Platinum updated. Only difference is that the program is now free, but missing all the extras mentioned earlier. HTH
@@KarlRose_1 its missing the massive loop library compared to Sonar Platinum & Plugins that are the best in this DAW which I think personally chitts all over Bandlab but for A free DAW its a great choice I look at it like this you Got Logic Pro were its features are Greatness and then yiu hit its lil brother DAW called Garage band just mi opinion by all means if there want Sonar cakewalk I would Use Bandlab Cakewalk da Sky Light interface is beitifull
+tehran21tir Hi. You'll need to connect the outputs of your keyboard to the inputs of your audio device or soundcard and then record that as an audio track in Sonar. Depending on your keyboard it might have line outs or a headphone output. Take a lead from there to the input on your soundcard. In Sonar on an audio track select the soundcard input, arm track for recording and press record. HTH.
+tehran21tir Hi. Sorry I assumed you were referring to external hardware not a soft synth. To record a softsynth assuming it is already inserted choose it's output from an audio track, arm the track for recording and then click "Record". You can choose to record the MIDI in a MIDI track at the same time should you wish. That method applies to the later versions of Sonar. If you are using X3 or earlier you'll need to record the MIDI and then bounce it down to audio. Same effect just not as convenient. HTH
no no.I am recording my keyboard.sonar can send and receive / communicate with/to/from it.why can't it record it?why must I use external injection box or interface?and what is with all the white noise from sonar and interface/box?
+tehran21tir OK, not sure what the problem is. I'll need to ask a few questions to help me answer your question. How is the keyboard set up? Is it attached to your computer via MIDI cables or USB so Sonar can send and receive MIDI data ok? How are you monitoring the keyboard? Does it play its output either through its own speakers or connected amp and speakers? Can you record MIDI okay? What is the interface/box you are using?
That sounds like the synth isn't assigned correctly either the output of the MIDI track to the synth, or the synth to an audio track. Best place to get help for using Sonar is the Cakewalk forum where replies can be longer. Sign up there if you need more help. You'll find myself and others that can help there.
I need help, My superior drummer keep on triggering other midi instrument. i tried everything but it still run like crazy... anybody can help?? please!! thank you
I don't have superior drummer but it sounds like it is outputting midi data. You can stop that from happening by unchecking that option in the synth rack menu. You'll find the synth rack in the browser. YYou can also turn off input echo on the tracks you don't want triggered. The button for that is found in the track header and track inspector. hth
Ok, it won't let me add a link. Invaluable Sonar MCU info can be found using buzz words solid state logic downloads Matrix profiles SonarMatrix Sonar profile. May need to add forward slashes, and underscores. Good luck!
Hi there, given the limitations of youtube's comment system, the best thing to do is go to the cakewalk forum and join there assuming you don't have an account already. I'm on there as FastBikerBoy (FBB) and there are plenty of other helpful, knowledgeable people who can help. Sounds possibly like a routing issue. The delay is latency but there are ways of minimising that. Anyway sign up there (it's free) and I can help better. I can't seem to post a link. Just google cakewalk forum.
I would guess that you are using non GM patches then. The GM standard defines certain patches in certain positions within a synth. of course most synths have many more patches than the GM standard ones. If you choose a non-GM patch it'll probably only be available within that synth. So if you have assigned banks & patches from your GW8 and then try to play them in another synth such as TTS-1, it cannot find the bank patches and number you have specified so doesn't play anything. HTH
Karl what a fantastic straight forward, easy to understand tutorial. I was banging my head on my computer desk but luckily found your video. It's great to find someone explaining it from zero to "so that's how you do it". I've learnt more in five minutes of your video than in 5 days of Cakewalk tutorials which are tutored by people that have been doing this stuff for years and have no idea of what it's like to not even understand the bleeding obvious. Thanks that man!!
Thanks for all your help! I'm getting my home studio up and running after sitting dormant for 4 years. My P4 PC died in 2010, and my MOTU PCI card wasn't compatible withe the Win 7 64 bit replacement. I bought the 424 PCIe card, and received the President's upgrade rip from Sonar 7.3 PE to X2 PE. I also picked up an original MCU. I'm spending so many hours listening to you teachings, I feel as though we could be sitting at a pub having a pint! Hope that didn't sound too weird.
God bless you! I've been out of MIDI recording for quite a while and kept the audio stuff only. Many things were changed since then. I had a number of external sound generators, all obsolete now. On the other hand I'm stucked in the middle of a recording production and have upgraded to Sonar 8.5. Now you can imagine the mass up. Thank you so much. I'm from Rio, Brasil, SA.
Great video. I've watched a lot of tutorials, but this is the best I've seen for gaining an understanding of setting up audio & midi routing in X1 & X2, actually getting some sound out, and how to get the TTS up and running by routing back through audio. Easy once you know how. Wish I'd seen this one first as it would have saved me a lot of time. Thanks muchly
Thank sooo much!! Easy and Quick guide....I wish I had saw this first before spending an hr trying to use the help guide in Sonar!! You got me up and running in no time!!
Massive thanks!
I got SONAR Steam Edition as my first DAW but I've never played music on a computer, only live.
Your advice is really helpful. Words can't describe how much I appreciate this. It's a real life saver.
+BrokenMoonStudios Thanks. Glad you found it helpful.
I am pleasantly not unsurprised that you actually took time to answer my comments. I knew you were cool. I am in the process of recording a demo for one of the bands I play in. After which, I intend to start writing. I now that I've revealed this, I will be forced to get my arse and complete a project. If and when I get a song completed, it would be awesome to share my work with you for review. Thanks for taking time to inspire me!
I also updated the Layla to a MOTU 1224. My P4 Win XP died and that's when my studio was down to a hand me down Lexicon Omega. Now I finally have time,gear and motivation, but the back and neck pain diminished stamina. The MOTU 1224 with the 424 PCIe sounds great. I use a 1604 VLZ3 for mic pre's. you are a great teacher, I just wish I were a better student. I have a good ear, but learned by what does this button do method. I know FX, so that helps. I also did live sound for years. Cheers!
Oh, thanks for the keyboard tip. It's actually a Yamaha DX 11 that was given to me a couple of months ago. It's in great condition, and I disabled the internal sound/midi. I am blown away using it to control Dimension and Rapture Pro. I started with keyboard at age 14 before I heard Reeling In The Years, and had to know how to play that lead solo and get that tone. It lead me to Dwayne Allman, Clapton, The Beatles, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritnour, Dimiola, Haldsworth, Steve Howe, Alvin Lee,etc...
Thank you for making this tutorial, it has explained a lot of things that were causing me a lot of confusion.
Thanks Nigel. Glad you found it useful. I'm hoping to capture some more freebies covering some of the more basic topics at some point. Watch this space...... just got to find the time.
Nice video. Saved me heaps of time. Thanks.
Thank you!!! I was so stuck, this have help me a lot. Greeting from spain.
i'm a sonar x2 user and I really wish i had seen your video before wasting time calling cakewalk support. this was incredibly helpful. i thought the A-500Pro i just bought was broken, thanks, brotha!!! i'll check for more of your videos going forward.
Thanks. Glad you found it helpful. Be sure to check out my SWA Complete X2 video available from streamworksaudio.com/products/swaCompleteSonarX2 or the Cakewalk store www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cgbp/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=30-SASX2.00-20E - nine hours of in depth X2 tutorials.
I can't thank you enough for this understandable video.
Hanx!
Great videos Biker! We appreciate them!
Thanks I'll check. I didn't see any in the sonar package. maybe I'll check the forums real quick too. Thanks a bunch!
No worries. Glad you found it useful.
Thanks for the support. One things for sure - life is never dull in the world of digital recording and there's always something more to want as well, unsurprisingly.. ;-)
Thank you very much sir for this easy-to-understand tutorial.
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Hi - you may be better posting this question on the Sonar forum where I can make a longer reply but..... to hear the sounds from your GW8 you assign the MIDI track output to the GW8 and then monitor the output of that from outside of Sonar. You can of course record that output as audio into Sonar in the same way you do any other instrument. The only way of generating synth sounds within Sonar is via a softsynth. Some hardware does have a software equivalent but I have no idea about the gw8. HTH.
This has been very helpful. After about six or seven viewings. I just purchased a Arturia MiniLab Universal MIDI USB Controller. It comes with Arturia AnalogLab which I'm hoping I can trigger within Sonar.
If you mean synths, there are soft synths included with Sonar and others available for free on the web.
If you mean input devices you can always draw the data in in the Piano Roll View or Staff view and play that back. The principle for playback is the same but the MIDI clip becomes the input source.
very thank you much!
greetz from the Netherlands
I'm bummed that you scooted right past the Alesis SR 16 in one of the SWA videos. I recently acquired a pristine MCU (not pro). Sadly there isn't much support for using it with X2. I have only 1 midi I/O port. Having trouble using keyboard midi controller, SR 16 and MCU to play together. Do I need a multi port midi interface? Thanks again for getting me going in the studio after all these years!
thats so nice of you. I was thinking i can produce gw8 sounds within Sonar using my sound car output. What probably i should do is give the midi out to midi in of my keyboard and enjoy rich roland sounds. By no means you can playback non GM patches in Sonar ? You cant simulate professional synths within Sonar ? If so , why one should use sequencer softwares when same can be done in hardware synths as well ?
One key I found very helpful is realizing that you have to enable "within the audio track" the input from the softsynth. You don't assign where the softsynth sound is sent to from "within the midi" track. It is, allow in from audio, not send to from midi. Send midi to, from midi track, allow audio in from audio track. Redundant I know. There are a lot of dense people like me. Thanks to Karl!
Thanks. Glad you found it useful
Yes - you need to either find the INS (Instrument) file for it or write your own. There'll probably be one on the web somewhere, perhaps even included in the Sonar package. HTH
Not sure I understand what you mean but if you are asking how to show the Roland Keyboards patch list in Sonar you need to find or create the "INS" file for it.
You may well find one on the web or it is relatively straightforward to write your own. You then assign that file to the port that the keyboard is attached to.
That's done in preferences==>MIDI==>Instruments.
@WalidMadrid - Glad you found it helpful.
Hi. Outboard synths will need to be monitored from their audio outs. For example my outboard synths all plug into my mixer channels so that I can hear them. There's no other way to do that, to hear them from within Sonar you'll need to record the synths audio output or it can be added to the mix at bounce down time using the "live input" option in the export dialogue.
Only soft synths will be audible from within Sonar. HTH
Very helpful. Thanks.
Thanksvery much. Glad you found it useful
Very nice video sir , i have created a midi file in roland gw 8 and imported in sonar , however i dont hear the exact sounds which i hear in roland gw8 . Can you explain how exactly reproduce the original roland sounds in sonar ? I will be greatful to you.
Heyy, great video! but i'm having some problems and i guess you can help me with them:
i recently got a roland quad capture interface with which came the sonar X1 LE and i have have a roland GW8 workstation and a pair of monitors. Now heres the thing i installed everything correctly the interface is connected via usb to the computer, the monitors are connected to the interface, the keyboard is connected via usb to the computer which transmits midi as well.
No sitting in a pub having a pint is my preferred environment. :-) Thanks.
Learnt a few things but still having trouble setting up some of my outboard synths. I have a Roland GAIA SH-01 synth, cant get any sound through from the track. Also a JV-1080 Synth module attached to an AKAI MPK49 and still can't get any sound. Any idea what I am doing wrong? They all appear in the Preferences Window but silent on playback.
Thanks - Glad you found in useful.
No matter what version of Sonar you have you should have TTS-1 that can play GM drums back. I also think that SI-Drums comes with most versions as well.
You can set them up to play drum sounds back, either from a clip or using a controller.
HTH
Does it show in Preferences--->MIDI---->Devices? If so it needs to be checked there. If it doesn't show there it isn't installed correctly.
Speaking of which, I'm ordering a MOTU Micro Lite. That should simplify things. FYI I have been a semi pro guitar player for 38 phew years. I survived three decades and sadly lots of former band mates didn't. I was crashed into while slowing for stopped traffic 1 1/2 years ago. I was doing 20 mph and the other car 60 mph. I was propelled into the stopped car. 10 years ago I started a home studio using an Event Layla into CW 9. I kept upgrading until Sonar 7 PE. President's upgrade to X2.
Dear , thnx for the reply. I think i could not explain my question properly.
1. I created a MIDI fine in GW8 , saved it through USB drive and saved on my pc.
2. I opened the midi file in SONAR. I can see 12 tracks with midi data.
3. The output is set to GM wavesynth.
4. the tone banks and patches are as per roland gw 8 , as i have loaded .ins file of gw8 in sonar and routed it correctly.
5. When i play i only hear track 10 and track 6 and nothing else. where am i wrong ? how to use TTS1 here ?
also there is a delay between the time i hit the note on the keyboard and the time the sound plays from the speakers. On the other hand, when i connect the speakers directly to the keyboard without the quad capture, very good sound quality comes out as i select the output to be my roland keyboard and no delay. i would have used this method of connection but the problem is that the onboard sound of the keyboard plays at the same time as the sound chosen from sonar
Babbling a bit, sorry for that. I wish there was some way of repaying you for the lessons, besides telling anyone and everyone how awesome your videos are. I've done a fair amount of teaching myself, and can't help but smile every time you use the phrase "and unsurprisingly". Brilliant.
Sorry about the SR-16. Time wasn't on my side. You might be able to get them all playing nicely together but a multi port MIDI interface would be easier. It depends on the keyboard. Some of them connect via USB and also have a MIDI port on them that can be configured to pass MIDI thru them to the computer. If it has that you can use that for one of the devices but there's probably some configuration to do on the keyboard - check its manual as a starting point look for "MIDI thru".
You can enter MIDI notes via either the PRV or Staff views, although it's hardly 'recording'.
I believe there is also software available that will allow you to use the computer keyboard as a musical keyboard but I haven't had any experience with them so I don't know how successful they are. Sorry.
hey man. do you know how to get all the patch names from a hardware synth? I am trying to get the names from my Access Virus C...
Glad you found it useful. If you haven't already you may like to check out the Cakewalk forums for even more help. Enjoy X1.
Sorry for my English, but I have to ask you something: I want to use my keyboard sound, I configured MIDI instruments and everything about it, I recorded my first track and all is well, but when I add a second or third MIDI track, I can not hear, also assign a different channel for each track, different bank, I think I do it well, but it does not work, does not play sound.Could help me, please?
i dont understand what im doing wrong, i have an akai MPD 18 connected, and the meter is jumping when i press a pad but when i select an instrument i am getting no sound out of my speakers, its showing that the midi is being activated and played and when i place a loop in sonar in an audio track it plays it out of my speakers. help please!!!
Is it possible to record MIDI in sonar without an external physical MIDI controller? If it is possible can you tell me how?
Very helpful. Thanks
After i opened sonar i followed all of your steps i set my input to the roland and the output to the quad capture but no sound is coming out of the speakers :( but when i select the windows wave option very pour quality sound comes out of the speakers. the other problem is that when i select the keyboard no sound banks appear :? if you can answer me i would be thankful as i am a noobie to this. Thank you in advance
HI. how do you load a roland keyboard to the midi patches in sonar so it will recognize it???. thx.
Hi Karl, perhaps you can help me. I've purchased a Samson mic and got Sonar X1 with it. I want to use my (old) MIDI keyboard in Sonar, but the following happens. When i start Sonar and play on my keyboard it makes sound. However, after about a minute, it stops responding and you won't hear any sound anymore. If i restart my computer, it does the same, so first i get sound and then it stops. Is this a setting i should change? Or could this be a problem with my TargetLine MK-149? Hope you can help
Very very GOOD,thank a lot from CANARIAS_SPAIN
Very helpful. Thanks
ah okay, the other problem i had is when i connected my keyboard which has midi capability to my audio interface, i would select my interface and be able to then play my keyboard, but not all he presets works for some reasont, the cakewalke ts worked but not things like cyclone, why is that?
and lastly when i was making a song and adding loops, the loops would change tempo and not let me change them back. can you help me with this please.
hey man i have a problem, somehow my voice sounds like a chipmunk, i just got the program i dont know what is wrong, my mic isnt the problem since i tried with audacity and it worked
@Nadia Sings - Try saving as a CWP (Cakewalk Project) file. It sounds like you might be saving it as a MIDI file which doesn't save as much data such as patch info etc.
I am not familiar with your Yamaha but I would guess that it is playing back the file with whatever patch sounds happen to be loaded into each channel hence the unexpected sounds.
HTH
It's the preferences window, press P or select Edit--->Preferences.
No, the only way you'll get the gw8 sounds is from the gw8 unless someone produces a software version. You can play non GM patches in Sonar but they are the non GM patches from other softsynths such as Rapture.
I use several pieces of hardware but I also have a mixer interface (a ZED-R16) I guess without one hardware is probably harder to integrate with Sonar. You can use the GW8 but you'll need to eventually record the audio to include it in any final mixdown. That's a limitation of hardware
thank you very very very much.
+theolonius No worries and thank you. Glad you found it useful.
Karl Rose thank you, I wish you many other tutorial because I have difficulty
+theolonius I have done under the SWA banner...Have a look at these. Many relate to X1, X2, X3 and the latest Sonar 2015.......th-cam.com/video/TR1DLE2UIfM/w-d-xo.html
How do you Export in midi,for to do a karaoke song???? thank you !!! Very mmuch for yout time.
I dont have a (viritual) "Drum machiene" what do I do???
My MasterKey 49 won't show up in SonarX2 Studio, plz help!
Thanks for the help, but I'm really confused on how to save it! I've tried dragging the piano recording to my desktop, but when I play it back, the volume is REALLY low and the sound of the keyboard sounds so strange and distorted! I have a Yamaha NP 11! Please help! Thanks :)
hello 1:24 what botton a have to press to show me that window!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not sure about cyclone, I haven't used it much.
The loops I'm guessing are following the project, try changing project tempo. I don't use loops so I don't know whether there's a way of over riding that behaviour.
Again someone on the Cakewalk Forums will know the answer to that.
Click on "File->Save As". Select "MIDI" from the file type save drop down, then click save. Hope that helps
I understand audio tracks and softsynth tracks. What I don't understand is why even use the midi track? When you open a new softsynth track it can be edited manually or with a midi controller so what is the purpose of a Midi track selection? Ok, third viewing question. The TTS 1 could have been selected in the beginning correct? Selecting TTS1 without selection "simple audio track" or "midi" track allows a current midi data to be routed to a new set of instruments. Hmmmm I'll try this later..
A softsynth track is just an audio track with a softsynth as its input as opposed to a physical hardware input. If you mean a simple instrument track (SIT) then the separate MIDI and audio tracks allow greater control. For example you can't re-route to a different synth if using the SIT which hides some of the complexity of the separate tracks at the expense of being less flexible.
It is possible to split and re-join them though via the right click track header context menu.
HTH
So physical hardware is an external device, like the drum machine in this example, not a softsynth within Sonar? A SIT would be used for mic input or an existing audio file like loops ? Echoed allows data to be sent out. What type of data, midi or audio? Sent to where, another track? Thanks for your assistance.
Billy Barton
Yes physical hardware is an external device. That might be output such as a drum module which receives the MIDI data to produce audio or input MIDI data with such as a keyboard. Many of course can be both.
No SITs are purely softsynth so require MIDI input or MIDI loop not audio. They do output audio however.
The echo button allows you to hear the track processing and can either be FX for audio tracks or the synth for MIDI tracks or SITs . Without it lit on a MIDI track or SIT you won't hear any output.
No worries.
I have a MidiSportUno Usb Interface, Im trying to sync my MPC1000 to Sonar x1...It shows up in the Devices but its not responding
Howdy. I use Sonar X1 LE and its a little different from what you are using. I am trying to run a Samson Graphite M25 through Midi but was unsuccesful. Please Advise.
+PRO-GRAMZ Hi - You'll need to select the M25 as an input in the MIDI track. If you can't see it as a source open preferences and navigate to MIDI-->Devices. You'll be able to "check" it there as an input device. If you don't see it in preferences then it isn't installed correctly. You'll also need to assign the MIDI track output to a synth of some sort, TT-S 1 or one of the other soft synths that come with X1. HTH.
+Karl Rose I did as you told me and yes it did show up on the midi track however I do not hear anything. Maybe I'm missing plug-ins? Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I'm still not getting any sound. I'm using an AKAI MPD32, I followed all the instructions in the first four minutes. I tried matching the outputs, patches and channels, and the meter shoots up whenever I hit one of the pads but still have no sound generating. Am I missing a step? It's plugged in via USB, does that have anything to do with it?
Hi. A few things to check. First - if you play an audio clip in Sonar can you hear it? What are you using as an output from the MIDI track - a soft synth or hardware synth? The first four minutes concentrates on hardware. If you are using a "real" hardware synth the output will come from that not from within Sonar so make sure that the hardware is audible. ie. turned on, volume up and/or connected to an amplifier if need be. If you are using a softsynth make sure that the output for the softsynth is routed correctly, which is to an "instrument" track (explained later in the video). If it is routed correctly make sure that the softsynth has a patch loaded.
Thanks....
I want to change the velocity of my midi... is there a way to copy and paste the velocity of previous midi... (to make ezdrummer or other drum pluggins sound "realistic")?
+David Rozo AFAIK there's no way to copy and paste just the velocity. Velocity isn't a "proper" CC so it isn't possible to copy and paste it like you can other CCs. You can of course draw it in quite quickly using the velocity lane in the PRV combined with the smart or draw tools. If you are after random velocity between a low and high limit use a CAL script. Select the notes you want to change, Select "Run CAL..." from the process menu, then choose VARYVEL. You set a lower and upper limit the script does the rest. Existing velocity can be scaled using the "Event Inspector" (Module in the tool bar) or in the latest Sonar by selecting notes hold ctrl key and click drag over the velocity hotspot of one of the notes. HTH
thanks for the info! :)
Hi Karl, how do I then record the midi file as a stereo audio track. When you change the audio input on track 1 the record button to arm that track changes to a wave symbol? Do I have to use the File > Export Audio option and then re-import? Thanks!
+Steve Cranley Hi. It depends on which version of Sonar you are using.In versions up to X3 and early versions of Sonar 2015 you can export and re-import but much easier to "Bounce" the tracks down to audio. Basically select the tracks and then choose "Bounce to Tracks" from the track menu.
In the most recent version you can record it live in the same way as any other audio track by activating the record widget on the track you wish to record.
HTH.
+Karl Rose Hi and thanks for the speedy reply, I'm using X1 and that bounce option is much handier, thank you! It's been doing my head in for 2 days! Easy when you know how :) Could you help me with this also? Is there an option similar to scale velocity in midi settings that will allow you adjust the velocity but make them random (between 2 values say 100 - 115) so as to not sound too robotic. This is for a snare track. I can go in an adjust individually but it's very time consuming. Thanks again :)
+Steve Cranley Best option for that is probably to use a Cal program. You'll find that at the bottom of the process menu. Select the clip(s)/track first then select the "Run Cal.." option. "VaryVel"will allow you to set a lower and upper limit then randomise notes between those two limits. If they are already varied and you just want to scale them the "Event inspector" can do that on a percentage scale.
+Karl Rose Thanks, I'll try that. Much appreciate your help.
Hi, the video is very useful. Thanks!
I noticed while watching that you have a Boss GT6 in the settings so hopefully you can help me with my task. I am new to Sonar and I am currently transmitting patch changes in the Events section to a Roland GR55. This works when the GR55 is set to receive fixed patch changes but there is also a midi map that requires a Bank number. I can see that you have a long number in the bank section but I don't understand where this number is derived from. If you can help you will fast track my aching brain!
Regards,
Darrell
Hi. The bank number will be in the MIDI implementation notes of the GR55. The bank number (the long one) is derived from the "bank change" figure. For example I have a Roland Sonic Cell and Bank A has a bank change message number of 87. It's bank number is 11200. The formula for finding the bank change number is ------- Bank Change # = (bank # - 64) / 128 -------. So for my Sonic Cell 87 = (11200 - 64) / 128. Going the other way where you know the bank change number and want to find the bank number it is --------- Bank # = (Bank Change # * 128) + 64 ------- Again for my Sonic cell ---------- 11200 = (87 * 128) + 64. Hope that helps.
That's deep but I will give it a go!
Thanks for the assistance
Karl Rose
Apologies but I have one last question. I can't enter a value in the Bank part of the Bank/Patch section. I can enter a patch number. Any ideas?
Darrell Eaden Not at my system at the moment but my best guess would be that there is no instrument definition set up. If you go to Preferences-->MIDI-->Instruments you can assign an instrument definition file to your MIDI device. If there is no INS file for your device you can try searching the web or it is possible to write your one but that's a whole different video....
Hey bro you stil Youse this DAW??
Hi. I'm using the latest incarnation which is called Cakewalk by Bandlab. It's even better than it was and also free.
@@KarlRose_1 so you really really 100% saying its Netherlanders than Sonar Cakewalk Platinum Bandlab doesn't have all the plugins and as bigg as library loop content plz let me know because im bout to purchase the platinum DAW everyone saying it's Free by bandlab I done a lil research about it some say platinum is not comparing to the bandlab because it stil doesn't have 100% all features ????is this true
@@ziggyteesha8800 Hi. You are correct that the free Cakewalk by Bandlab (CbB) doesn't ship with all the extras that came with Platinum versions of Sonar. I'm not entirely sure what is missing butI think it's mainly the higher end plugins and instruments.
The software itself though has all the features of Sonar Platinum and more. There has been plenty of bug fixes too. I'm not aware that Platinum is still available to buy but fwiw any of the extras that come with Platinum work seamlessly with CbB which is Sonar Platinum updated. Only difference is that the program is now free, but missing all the extras mentioned earlier.
HTH
@@KarlRose_1 its missing the massive loop library compared to Sonar Platinum & Plugins that are the best in this DAW which I think personally chitts all over Bandlab but for A free DAW its a great choice I look at it like this you Got
Logic Pro were its features are Greatness and then yiu hit its lil brother DAW called Garage band just mi opinion by all means if there want Sonar cakewalk I would Use Bandlab Cakewalk da Sky Light interface is beitifull
now that my midi track is playing my keyboard sounds,how do I record it?
+tehran21tir Hi. You'll need to connect the outputs of your keyboard to the inputs of your audio device or soundcard and then record that as an audio track in Sonar. Depending on your keyboard it might have line outs or a headphone output. Take a lead from there to the input on your soundcard. In Sonar on an audio track select the soundcard input, arm track for recording and press record. HTH.
hi.thanks.but why shouldn't I be able to record without audio device when I can hear it from sonar already?
+tehran21tir Hi. Sorry I assumed you were referring to external hardware not a soft synth. To record a softsynth assuming it is already inserted choose it's output from an audio track, arm the track for recording and then click "Record". You can choose to record the MIDI in a MIDI track at the same time should you wish. That method applies to the later versions of Sonar. If you are using X3 or earlier you'll need to record the MIDI and then bounce it down to audio. Same effect just not as convenient. HTH
no no.I am recording my keyboard.sonar can send and receive / communicate with/to/from it.why can't it record it?why must I use external injection box or interface?and what is with all the white noise from sonar and interface/box?
+tehran21tir OK, not sure what the problem is. I'll need to ask a few questions to help me answer your question. How is the keyboard set up? Is it attached to your computer via MIDI cables or USB so Sonar can send and receive MIDI data ok? How are you monitoring the keyboard? Does it play its output either through its own speakers or connected amp and speakers? Can you record MIDI okay? What is the interface/box you are using?
thanks
That sounds like the synth isn't assigned correctly either the output of the MIDI track to the synth, or the synth to an audio track. Best place to get help for using Sonar is the Cakewalk forum where replies can be longer.
Sign up there if you need more help. You'll find myself and others that can help there.
I need help, My superior drummer keep on triggering other midi instrument. i tried everything but it still run like crazy... anybody can help?? please!! thank you
I don't have superior drummer but it sounds like it is outputting midi data. You can stop that from happening by unchecking that option in the synth rack menu. You'll find the synth rack in the browser. YYou can also turn off input echo on the tracks you don't want triggered. The button for that is found in the track header and track inspector. hth
Ok, it won't let me add a link. Invaluable Sonar MCU info can be found using buzz words solid state logic downloads Matrix profiles SonarMatrix Sonar profile. May need to add forward slashes, and underscores. Good luck!
Hi there, given the limitations of youtube's comment system, the best thing to do is go to the cakewalk forum and join there assuming you don't have an account already. I'm on there as FastBikerBoy (FBB) and there are plenty of other helpful, knowledgeable people who can help. Sounds possibly like a routing issue. The delay is latency but there are ways of minimising that. Anyway sign up there (it's free) and I can help better. I can't seem to post a link. Just google cakewalk forum.
I would guess that you are using non GM patches then. The GM standard defines certain patches in certain positions within a synth. of course most synths have many more patches than the GM standard ones.
If you choose a non-GM patch it'll probably only be available within that synth. So if you have assigned banks & patches from your GW8 and then try to play them in another synth such as TTS-1, it cannot find the bank patches and number you have specified so doesn't play anything.
HTH
I don't have any MIDI devices.
I can't add comments!
Get off my arse that is ;0)