I'm using NI's Session Horns on a Sonar track, which is reading MIDI note data. I have 'write' enabled on both the track and in the NI instrument window. I press 'record,' using Sound on Sound. I change the horn section dynamics throughout the piece, thinking I'm recording them. But during playback, none of the control data has been recorded.
 
I'm able to do this with NI's Vintage Organs, toggling the Leslie speaker (pitchbend wheel). So what am I doing wrong with Session Horns?

The only way I have been able to use Sonar to record Kontakt controller information in real time is to define controls in the synth rack  for your inserted instance of Kontakt and then record the automation.
 
Now, if you already have CC data in PRV,  I think you can convert it to the automation lane info, but not the other way around.
 
It's not the prettiest solution, IMO.  But if you want to enable real time control recording, I don't know of another way presently.
 
https://www.cakewalk.com/...elp=SoftSynths.13.html

The kind of automation you are attempting is not the kind that the R/W buttons are for. To record midi performance changes like you are doing means you are recording midi continuous controller changes (CC).
 
By far, the easiest method is to have a keyboard or midi controller with  a few controllers on it. Then, right click in your instrument (Session Horns) on the item you want to control and select "midi learn", then wiggle a controller on your keyboard or midi controller. Start recording normally and move the controller to capture your changes.
 
If you don't have a hardware controller handy, you can manually add a CC lane in the PRV and map it to your instrument, then use a mouse to draw your controller messages. This is the hard way.
 
Regards,
Dan
 

dcumpian
 
By far, the easiest method is to have a keyboard or midi controller with  a few controllers on it. Then, right click in your instrument (Session Horns) on the item you want to control and select "midi learn", then wiggle a controller on your keyboard or midi controller. Start recording normally and move the controller to capture your changes.
 
 
Regards,
Dan
 

 
Doh, that's a better answer. 
 
For some reason, I automagically assume somebody is going to try to record controller info after the notes are already there.

gbar

dcumpian
 
By far, the easiest method is to have a keyboard or midi controller with  a few controllers on it. Then, right click in your instrument (Session Horns) on the item you want to control and select "midi learn", then wiggle a controller on your keyboard or midi controller. Start recording normally and move the controller to capture your changes.
 
 
Regards,
Dan
 

 
Doh, that's a better answer. 
 
For some reason, I automagically assume somebody is going to try to record controller info after the notes are already there.

That's the beauty of this method. You can record the controller changes after the notes are there.
 
Regards,
Dan

I should have mentioned that it's the velocity info I'm trying to record (FoPiCre, rip, shake, etc). However, this isn't your standard, smack-the-key-harder velocity CC.

Velocity is not a CC so I'm a bit confused. There is one velocity value for each note. It's a note property like pitch is. You can edit velocity in the PRV though.

Velocity = touch sensitivity.

Ricebug
Velocity = touch sensitivity.

Ok, but those are 2 very different things. Aftertouch is a CC. Velocity is not. That's why I was not quite understanding your goal.

Yah, Native Instruments calls it 'velocity.' I have a Roland keyboard with an acoustic guitar sound. Play normal and you get guitar. Bang the keys harder, you get string bending added. In Session Horns, it doesn't matter how hard or soft you play. You pick a horn style from the velocity menu, and away you go. To change, you have to select a different velocity menu item. I'd like to automate that.
 
Their manual stinks, BTW. Doesn't explain the technical stuff; just describes each menu item.