Currently using my Roland Fantom FX as a MIDI keyboard, and then using various virtual synths to produce sounds in Sonar.  This works well but I have some sounds in my Fantom that I would like to use in Sonar. How do I connect  my Fantom sounds to the midi notes I produce in Sonar?  Probably a simple explanation but I am in the dark.
Midi and analog connections from Roland FX external synth connected to Tascam 1884, then to computer.  Tascam firewire to computer.  

You will need to have/create an instrument definition file (.ins). Then in Sonar you add the Fantom as a MIDI instrument with it's .ins file. All the Fantom patches will be available in Sonar to select as output of the MIDI track.

As noted above with a midi track set to output to your Fantom and an Audio track set to receive audio from the Tascam.
 
The quickest way would be to create as above then put in to a track folder and save as a template.

You actually don't need an instrument definition file. They help to make selecting patches slightly easier but you can also just select the patch you want on the synth itself or include the necessary MIDI commands to select the patch in the MIDI track that's connected to the synth.

You do need a MIDI track with its input pointing at whatever is controlling the Fantom (e.g. the Fantom's MIDI output) and outputting to the Fantom via the MIDI interface built into the Tascam (or another MIDI intertace connected to the Fantom). Also an audio track to receive the audio the Fantom sends to the Tascam.

The MIDI track can be monitored live (as can the audio) via Sonar's track echo buttons. If you do that though you'll also need to turn off local control on the synth if you're using it's keyboard or on-board controls otherwise all the MIDI will be doubled as the Fantom responds to its own controls then the incoming identical MIDI from Sonar a few milliseconds later.

I did load a .ins file into sonar, but it seems to be invisible to Sonar. How do I get Sonar to show all the possible sounds?
Sorry about these basic questions.

What is the difference in function with the local control on or off? Thanks.

Its uncertain the level of complexity you are operating at so, without making any assumption, I will answer your exact question, which was to get sounds from the Fantom x from a midi track in Sonar..
 
1. You need to direct the Sonar Midi track to the Fantom X. ...I assume that you have the Fantom X input port enabled in Sonar>Preferences>midi>devices>input as you are playing softsynths, so enable the Fantom X in Sonar>preferences>midi>devices>output.
2. Direct the midi track output to the Fantom X midi port, ch 1.
3. Whatever patch you have selected in patch mode of the Fantom should sound.
 
If you wish to record that into the project then insert an audio track and record the Fantom X output.
 
Good advice above is to create a track folder, and if you are using performance mode, use one midi track per Fantom Channel... Add one audio track per channel (though you will need to record one audio track per run-through) then save this as a track template... go nuts and find a bmp of the Fantom X and create a track icon :)
 
You have 3 choices for saving projects..
1. record everything as audio and be done with it.. downside is that you cannot edit the data as you will not have recorded the patch assignments..unless you make paper notes.
2. save the patch/edit settings in a performance on the Fantom X.. load this performance when you open the Sonar project.
3. Save any user/edited patches in the Fantom X, and save the locations in the individual midi tracks as PC (program change) information.
4. Do 2. above and recall the performance setup in the sonar project.
 
To get fancy, and recall the preset sounds by name (doesnt work for user sounds) the ins file referred above is a script with these names so that you can select the patches via a mouse... personally (I have Fantom G) its quicker to dial them in on the synth, but the file for the fantom X is here.. http://www.roland.com/sup...8/updates_drivers/1744
 
 
 
 

vads11
Currently using my Roland Fantom FX as a MIDI keyboard, and then using various virtual synths to produce sounds in Sonar.  This works well but I have some sounds in my Fantom that I would like to use in Sonar. How do I connect  my Fantom sounds to the midi notes I produce in Sonar?  Probably a simple explanation but I am in the dark.
Midi and analog connections from Roland FX external synth connected to Tascam 1884, then to computer.  Tascam firewire to computer.  

Vads11,
 
I asked the same question about my Korg TR a week ago and was given the same speech about the .ins file. 
 
The answer is in the post below in the second page which was answered by Ifm.  It's all about Midi in and Midi out.
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/I-want-to-use-the-sounds-from-my-Korg-Workstation-in-Sonar-as-a-Synth-m3233624.aspx
 
Peace
 
Jesse G.

vads11
What is the difference in function with the local control on or off? Thanks.

If you are referring to "Local Control" as a setting on the Fantom, it should be off.
"Local Control" refers to what is controlling the Fantom. It's LOCAL keyboard or an external device.
In your case Sonar is an external device controlling the Fantom.
HTH
 
Jesse is correct. It is all about wrapping your head around MIDI routing. (Ins and Outs)

I think the posts above explain this, but if you have trouble, let us know.  I use external synths a lot.  It takes a bit more set-up than a soft synth, but from a performance standpoint, it's a good deal.  Also, you can more easily play notes, bends, and other things into the MIDI track.