Non Linear Sequencing

Hi Guys,

I have recently been delving into the matrix view in X1, and whilst the idea is good in principal, I cant help the feeling that it is just an afterthough to become more 'Ableton-Like'. It is pretty limited and there is a ton of other stuff that I either dont know about or isnt there that I think would it improve it exponentially.

I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the standard linear sequencing workflow in Sonar. I am hoping that this is my lack of skill in using Sonar and not the product itself. For example, is it possible to turn an effect send on or off on the fly (no need to draw in automation)? Or loop a section of audio triggered by a key press or something and record all this in real time. I have loads of ideas for songs and I usually get my main beats and riff down and work back from there, but I would prefer if there was a way that I could change the structure on the fly, similar to ableton, but including effects sends, and volumes during the performance.

Is any of this possible or do I need to think about ditching Sonar in favour of some of the more live based applications?

Thanks for any help