Hi friends.
Just a dummie question, but I'm afraid I can't find out.
Using pitchbend, there is a scale from -8192 via 0 to +8191.
I used to believe that for the pitchbend range, there is an additional controller.
The default range is "a major second lower" equals to the pitchbend value -8192, and "a major second higher" is +8191.
So the values in default setting are for a minor second are -4096 resp. +4095, a quartertone is -2048 resp. +2047, an eighth tone consequently -1024 resp. +1023. And so on.
That is, as far as I know, the default setting.
Which is the controller to change that range, please? For example, I'd wish to have a pitchbend range of a fourth up resp. down.... How to, please? I know there is a solution :-)
Thankx.

The range pitch bend values represent is determined by the synth.

On soft synths like Rapture and Z3TA+ 2 you'll see Bend Up & Bend Down parameters. If you use a soft synth you'll want the controller to match the soft synth ...

Synths, hardware or software, usually have a setting that controls how much effect pitch bend has. The data sent by the wheel can be manipulated to alter the range sent, or, more accurately, it sends the same data but that data can then be scaled once it reaches the computer. But it's far easier to alter the pitch bend range in the synth itself.

Doing it that way also means that the wheel operates exactly the same all the time and sends the same data to every synth. So different synths can respond to the data according to how pitch bend range has been set in the synth and you don't have to keep re-setting MIDI filtering and scaling every time you decide you want a different pitch bend range.

Edited to add -

I use a Qnexus controller quite a lot for mono-synths and that can be programmed in all kinds of ways because each "key" (actually pads) is capable of sending notes, velocity, a continuous controller based on channel or poly aftertouch pressure and another controller when you "tilt" the pad. I sometimes use the main pitch-bend pad as default pitch bend of e.g. an octave, with pad tilt set to another modulation source in the synth that can also change oscillator pitch and set the synth's modulation matrix for "tilt" to three semitones up or down, a typical guitar string bend range.

If you've a spare control on your MIDI controller it might be possible to programme that to produce a pitch bend of a fourth/whatever, depending on the facilities of the controller and the synth in question.

I faintly recall there is something inside Sonar to control the pitch bend range. I jusrt do not find it again. Sorry. Synths: I am only using the soft-synths that came with Sonar, plus Garritan with AriaPlayer, and Modartt Pianoteq. Of course, the latter support import od .scl-files, so there the pitchbend by wheel is not actually needed...

Several CW synths support scala files too (in addition to pitch bend settings).

Thankx for following up, but this I know. (I am waiting for the Cakewalk TTS-1 to handle them as well.)
But there is a pitch bend controller inside Sonar. Actually, it should be a MIDI controller, independent of the DAW you use. I recall having had that in Sonar 4, or 8, way back....
Sorry for insisting, but I need to know that.
Good night from Old Europe.

The official MIDI spec to control pitch bend range is an RPN (Registered Parameter Number) parameter , specifically RPN 0. 

Beware, however, that sending RPN commands to some soft synths (Dimension Pro, Rapture and Rapture pro being some examples) will silence that synth and you'll have to reload the soft synth hear it again. 

I know the Yamaha XG and MU series does indeed respond correctly to RPN commands. I use RPN 0 all the time on those synths to extent the patch bend range on some tracks.

In today's soft synths, the best way to control pitch bend range is to find the setting in that particular soft synth and either set it manually or simply automate the parameter.

Hope tat helps

There is indeed a midi command to change the pitch bend range ... Finale puts it into midi sequences, even if not requested.      It's an "RPN", I believe #00, setting range in semitones.      However, many sequencers/instruments will not respond to it.  
 
I use Kontakt, so setting the pitch bend range for every instrument is done in editing and saving the instrument.