DRAWING IN CC DATA WITH PENCIL TOOL

Calazzus
When in PRV I add CC1 modulation so that I can draw in data with the pencil tool instead of using the mod wheel because I'm not a one handed player. When I draw sometimes there are larger gaps than others between some of the nodes which isn't a big issue for me but I was wondering if there was anything I can do to change that.

 
Is there a reason you don't want to smooth automation in Track View? For me, the concave/convex/linear/jump options offer a more flexible way to shape controllers entered in real time or a pencil too. I generally prefer the Track View for controller management, especially if there are a lot of controllers in the track (and I don't necessarily mean using Automation Lanes).
 
However note that even if you draw a curve in SONAR (or any program), the underlying data is quantized to 127 steps unless MIDI is using a high-res controller, which is pretty much used only for pitch bend. The PRV does a very literal translation of controller data, which is inherently quantized. 
 
The graphic representation in Track View is like the smoothing filter at the output of a D/A converter...except it doesn't actually smooth the stairsteps because it can't, it just draws a smoother line. Smoothing the quantizing is usually a task left up to the target being driven, e.g., that's the "Smooth" parameter in Rapture Pro's modulation matrix.
 
Historical footnote: When the Panasonic DA7 digital mixer came out, I couldn't understand how the faders could produce such a smooth volume change with no audible stairstepping. It turned out there was interpolation between each MIDI value, and so the fader ended up with the equivalent of 1,024 steps instead of 127.
 

Bonus question: I've notice that I can see the automation data overtop of the midi note data in the track view. Is that a new feature that can be turned off or has it always been that way? I wouldn't know because I've never used automation until now and that can be why I never noticed.

 
Go View > Display and check or uncheck "Display Ghosted Data."

When the controller value is not changing, SONAR won't draw a controller because the effect of the previous one will pertain until the value needs to change. This will happen regardless of whether you quantize controller positions by drawing with snap enabled.

Calazzus
... When in PRV I add CC1 modulation so that I can draw in data with the pencil tool instead of using the mod wheel because I'm not a one handed player...

I got a Tec breath and bite controller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQpSDph_c4k for Christmas from my wife. It's made in Sweden which is also my wife's country of origin. You can control up to 4 parameters at a time. I've tried it and like the fact that you can modulate pitch, volume, vibrato, etc. while playing as opposed to drawing in a CC, listening to it, and then editing it for taste.
 
Walt
 

Calazzus

Anderton

Go View > Display and check or uncheck "Display Ghosted Data."

I think I tried that and it made everything disappear. I want to be able to see the chords and notes but not the velocity and automation curves.

If the Edit Filter is set to Clips and you uncheck  "Display Ghosted Data," you will see notes but no velocity or automation curves.
 
If the Edit Filter is set to Notes and you uncheck  "Display Ghosted Data," you will see notes but no automation curves. Velocity will still be visible.
 
You know about "Convert MIDI Controllers to Envelopes," yes?

Not really. Do tell.

WallyG

Calazzus
... When in PRV I add CC1 modulation so that I can draw in data with the pencil tool instead of using the mod wheel because I'm not a one handed player...

I got a Tec breath and bite controller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQpSDph_c4k for Christmas from my wife. It's made in Sweden which is also my wife's country of origin. You can control up to 4 parameters at a time. I've tried it and like the fact that you can modulate pitch, volume, vibrato, etc. while playing as opposed to drawing in a CC, listening to it, and then editing it for taste.
 
Walt
 

It looks pretty cool!

Calazzus

Bristol_Jonesey

Calazzus
I'm not sure if there is a current thread discussing this topic so I am starting this one. When in PRV I add CC1 modulation so that I can draw in data with the pencil tool instead of using the mod wheel because I'm not a one handed player.

One way around this is to record your note data, then go back in and just record your mod wheel movements.
Make sure Sound on Sound is checked in Preferences > Project > Record > Recording Mode

I know about this method just feel like I would have more control drawing it in.

I use the mod wheel to record whatever events I'm controlling, THEN go in and hand edit if/when necessary.