Can X1 do midi learn on effects?

Have a look at ACT. That's an easy way to control VSTs via a controller. The 'learning' is done via the ACT properties box (ACT learn) which is probably already mapped to your controller, but if it isn't can be set up using MIDI learn.

See this video for more info.

When you say ACT doesn't work what do you mean? You've tried it and it won't do what you want or is that a general observation? I don't know what you mean by the bazooka/fly comment, it's the easiest way to do it AFAIK.

ACT should be capable of that control especially with an A-300. Did you watch the video I linked to? You need to have ACT enabled in the controllers properties. Any VST that has focus should then automatically be mapped to the A-300s controls although you may need to edit the mapping to suit yourself.

To send cc data from the Mod wheel you'll need to assign the message you want to send from the A-PRO first. I'm working from memory so can't remember whether the mod wheel is assignable via ACT or not, but that's only one control. ACT can be used in conjunction with other control methods.

I use ACT & the generic surface for various elements of my ZED-R16 MIDI control surface section for example.

That's exactly what my video explains. How to MIDI learn a control to ACT & then ACT learn the parameter you want. Also how to remap the controls if they aren't assigned how you want them. There's no need to save the assigns once you've made them they are automatically loaded each time.

I haven't tried it but I can't think of a reason why the MOD wheel won't map to one of the ACT cells. Click on a cell until it changes to "MIDI learn..." and then move the Mod wheel, that's it.

I'll try it with my PCR later but it should work.

Thanks to both of you.  I will look into both of these.  I'll try the SONAR solution first.  If I do have to use ACT, I'll have to start from scratch (with a Cakewalk controller!) in order to map the most important controls.  Sheesh!

Cliff, that worked.  I set up the effect (Uhbik Runciter configured as Joe Zawinul's Wah Wah) as a synth.  I opened a midi track, set the input to the same keyboard controller, and the output to the Runciter.  When the softsynth track is selected the Runciter doesn't work, so you have to select the softsynth track and double-click the effect to open it, then switch to highlight the midi track, then you can midi learn the control, in this case, cutoff frequency of a combination band and low pass filter (wah wah).  Ridiculously complex, and yet another example of how things are moving toward programmers who move mice and turn knobs, and away from players who need quick ways to control their wheels, joysticks and pedals on their instruments that just work the same way every time.
 
Thanks to you both, you've made my day!  I can go back to working on a Nubian Sundance-inspired tune...

but because the a-300 pro is designed for everything else as well.. I bet it's got what the normal "CC" sending that your looking for.. how did you get on with ACT learn instead ? that is pretty painless for certain keyboards..  moreso for own brand.

I dunno if this helps at all

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2070124&mpage=1&

have you looked at the roland site and also the contol plugin for it ?

http://www.cakewalk.com/Support/kb/reader.aspx/2007012938#

We're in complete agreement Cliff.
 
Fog, I'm avoiding ACT (or using the sliders and knobs on my A-300Pro) altogether.  I find the sliders and knobs nearly useless for mixing because they always seem to jump values and produce audio glitches no matter how I set them up, which totally sux but that's what happens.  So I still use the mouse for mixing.  Then I just need to set up a few cc's to my mod wheels, touch pads and pedals to play in parts.  I play in most of my parts the old fashioned way.  SOANR makes it nearly impossible to do this most important and basic stuff.  Another thing that really aggravates me is how SONAR interferes with entering text into some vsts when naming presets.  I'm trying to type in text and SONAR is interpreting this as keystrokes to open windows.  There's no way to change this behavior.  Cakewalk has never fixed it - they just tell me to work around it by cutting and pasting text - can you believe it?  I thought for sure they'd issue a fix.  I'm a long-time user but every day I get closer to looking for another DAW.  I might go with a basic cheap or even free one that just takes care of simple needs simply, because that's what I need.  SONAR actually interferes with my workflow, which makes it a poor value in spite of the bells and whistles.