Funky question it is ... but I recently retired a faulty headphone amp which had talkback functionality build into the hardware. Now I need to use one of the audio interface channels to replicate the feature (which is simple enough to achieve), but I do not want to use the mouse to click somewhere on the screen to engage/disengage talkback to the live room. I need hands free control via footswitch.
 
I do have an option on the VS-700C that allows me to use a footswitch to trigger key combinations, which I could bind to Sonar functionality ... however, I can't e.g. mute/unmute a specific channel ... so what could I do?
 
I saw there are CAL files in the key bindings list - could I create and use one a special CAL file?

PS: I could also try to use the footswitch input of the BCF2000 which is connected via MIDI (not USB in case that makes a difference!) and set up to control Sonar in Mackie mode.

can you assign the mute switch to a CC?

bosone
can you assign the mute switch to a CC?

yes, probably ... but not sure how to send a CC from a footswitch connected to a VS-700C or a BCF2000

understand how to assign a CC to the footpedal and then you're done! :)
or maybe it's already assigned to *some* midi CC!

I do not have either controller. The VS-700 manual suggests there is a VS-700 properties page which lists the functions which can be bound to the foot switches. The BCF2000 has a little more information. It appears to allow MIDI notes, CC, NRPN/NPN and Sysex messages to be sent from the foot switch (although I may have read this wrong). I would not consider CAL for this application. It might be possible to set the track mute to automated mute and use the SONAR remote control feature to toggle it. Remote control can use a variety of MIDI messages. That is where I would start.

Alt+M toggles selected track(s) Mute here.  I *think* that's a default binding as I don't remember setting it, but my memory isn't something to bet $$ on.

thanks, guys, i got it sorted.
 
i was surprisingly simple (so simple I hadn't tried in the first place!): the footswitch sends MIDI notes (well, the VS700 does whenever the footswitch is pressed) which can be mapped to channel mute. all i had to do was disable whatever was mapped to the footswitch in the VS700 so I don't get to functions firing at the same time.

For others looking at footswitches.  I have 2. 
An X keys and an el cheepo brand from amazon. Both work and and be assigned any keystroke or combination of keystroke ( macros)  
Google USB footswitches. 
My trusted friend for over 12 years is my X keys,, solid and reliable after 100's of gigs. A micro swicth finally failed and they replaced it free of charge. 
http://xkeys.com/XkeysFootPedals/index.php
 
I also use a cheepo footswicth for Sonar and scrolling lyrics in power point. 
https://www.amazon.ca/FS3-M-Triple-Switch-Control-Keyboard/dp/B00FWD2S78/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473473232&sr=8-4&keywords=usb+foot+pedal+switch
 
 
 
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/reviews/911117-pcsensor-footswicth.html