I posted this under the “Recording” category of the forums, but since I was unsure if that was the proper locatation, I’m posting the question here as well. So, my appologies if this is the wrong venue…

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Okay - I like the Cubase AI but am much more familiar with the Cakewalk Sonar interface, but I am at a loss as to how to record ANYTHING using my XF to Sonar X1.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:
1. I have the Firewire setup installed
2. I have the XF set to the SONAR DAW
3. I know that the proprietary Motif Extension VST3 is not compatible with Sonar as this is a marrage between Cubase and Motif.
4. However, I’ve downloaded the Studio Manager and associated Studio VST.
5. I’ve installed the Motif instrument definition files into Sonar.

Now, I’ve heard you have to get the Mackie control (controlling surface) selected and working in Sonar X1 for it to recognize the Motif. Is that true?

At first, I simply want to record MIDI via FW in Sonar from my Motif XF. Then, once that is working, I’ll jump into the audio portion of the mix.

Could someone point me to an article or offer some advice as to how to get the Motif to play nicely with Sonar X1?

Thanks in advance.

Paul

We moved your post here to the SONAR (CAKEWALK) forum heading as you are bound to have other Sonar X1 users here who can help you with some of the Sonar specific issues.

You should use whichever DAW makes you the most comfortable. No apology is necessary about liking what you like.

Now, I’ve heard you have to get the Mackie control (controlling surface) selected and working in Sonar X1 for it to recognize the Motif. Is that true?

Yes the REMOTE CONTROL protocol will work using Mackie Control, set it to PORT 2 for IN/OUT. The Motif XF’s REMOTE mode uses port 2 exclusively for REMOTE CONTROL commands (be sure to keep this port discreet from music communication ports).

At first, I simply want to record MIDI via FW in Sonar from my Motif XF.

When it comes to setting up for MIDI here is what you need to know in your XF:

Press [UTILITY]
Press [F5] CONTROL
Press [SF1] REMOTE (as you know): DAW = SONAR
Press [SF2] MIDI
Set the MIDI INTERFACE > MIDI IN/OUT = FW

When working with an external DAW you will want to work from either SONG or PATTERN mode and use the [MIXING] functions to setup the Motif XF multi-timbrally.

When you press [MIXING] initially there are 16 PARTS set to receive on a corresponding MIDI Channel TR 1-16 set to receive on Channels 1-16. Each set to receive one a separate channel.

While in MIXING mode you can press the [SEQ SETUP] button
Press [F3] QUICK
Select QUICK SETUP #3: Recording on Computer

The parameters that will be setup for you are on the left, the center column shows how these 6 critical parameters are currently set, and the column on the right will be how they are changed when you press [ENTER]

Press [ENTER] to select this template.

This has now prepared the Motif XF to work with an external DAW via FW MIDI.

In order to hear the Motif XF now, you will need to setup a MIDI TRACK in SONAR set to receive MIDI from the Motif XF Port 1 and set to ECHO that signal back to the Motif XF on PORT 1. Because LOCAL CONTROL will be turned OFF, you must complete the MIDI routing. Local Control = off means the XF key presses and controller movement data, travel OUT via MIDI first, and must be directed by your DAW (Sonar) Track to a target destination.

Within SONAR X1, you will need to select the Yamaha Steinberg FW ASIO driver as your audio driver. You need to allow SONAR to receive MIDI from the Motif XF on MIDI ports 1, 2 and 3
Port 1 for the XF itself
Port 2 for the REMOTE Control functions
Port 3 is the MIDI THRU port (allows you to plug in an external device to the XF’s 5-pin MIDI IN and have that arrive in Sonar on PORT 3

I’m sorry I do not know the ins and outs of Sonar any more but setting the MIDI and AUDIO should be pretty straight forward.

When you get ready to routing audio, let us know!

I’m new, just got the XF8 and have Sonar , this posting is very helpful, I’ll try exactly this in the next day or so.. thanks