Automation in SONAR

I'm a brand-new Reaktor user (just got it yesterday!), so I'm sure this is a dumb question. If anyone can point me where to look I'll be eternally grateful.

I'm using SONAR Producer Edition 3.1.1, Reaktor as a DXi plugin. So in some of the ensembles (like Carbon 2), the various controls have an "automation id." The Cont/Note entry under "Receive midi" is set to 0. I can change this number and then use midi to "automate" the control. Do I have to assign a controller number to each thing I want to control, or is there some way within SONAR to make use of the automation id that's already set up?

Thanks for any help ---

Bill

 

Welcome

The automation ID is for VST automation, which in Sonar means you're using the wrapper and drawing envelopes- no fun

I've found it's best to set the controllers for everything you want to automate, and check both activate MIDI in and the panel to MIDI box in the knob/fader/button's properties. In Sonar's options menu, check the echo DXi to armed MIDI tracks option. Now, arm your Reaktor MIDI track and move a knob- the knob's movements are written as controller data to the Reaktor MIDI track. Quick and easy- and you don't need a separate control surface.

ew

 

Hey, that works great! Thanks !!!

 

Ok, I've recently switched to Sonar 5. There's no "Echo DXi" option in 5. The thing that looks like it's supposed to accomplish the same function is the Input Echo Off/On, but changing it to On doesn't seem to work - no midi recording of knob movements.

I'm sure I'm overlooking something totally obvious. Any clues?

Thanks,
Bill

 

From what I understand, the latest version of 5 lets you echo MIDI from the VST without any special commands or routing (I still use 2.2 myself- never saw any reason to update).

Load up the VST, turn on all the appropriate activate MIDI ins and panel to MIDIs in the properties and twist away. See if that works...

ew

 

I may be wrong here as I havent updated to v5 of Sonar yet, but I thought VST was supported natively in this version without needing the wrapper? Check it out.

Brian

 

It still needs the wrapper if I remember- it's just better integrated.

The one thing that's really funny, though- native DXi's are stripped of their internal wrapper and then run through the wrapper.

ew

 

Found it!

In the synth rack you have to right click, and then select Enable MIDI output, which apparently is disabled by default.

 

That's good to hear as I'll be upgrading to Sonar 5 this month (to get the free v6 update).

Looking forward to the improved automation and other features!

JP