I have Sonar 21.9.00 Build 40 Jamaica Plain 64-bit on Windows 7.
 
I can record automation (volume changes) with no problem on an audio track.
 
But with a midi track I haven't had any luck.
 
Through trial and error I've found that I can create an automation lane that controls volume on the relevant midi channel. I did this by adding a lane for "MIDI..." then choosing "Control", "7-Volume" and "Channel 4".
 
I can then use my mouse to add points and make the volume curve go up and down,  and when I play it back the volume of the track goes up and down (if automation read is enabled). So that works as expected, but I've gotta use my mouse to draw the automation curve for the volume.
 
What I'm trying to do is use the volume fader in the console to write this volume automation data during playback, just as I can for an audio channel. In the console in the "C" selection (right below the FX bin) I choose channel 4 for that track. Then I enable automation write and hit play. I move the fader up and down during playback and the volume goes up and down on that track, as expected. But when I hit stop ... there is no automation data ... just a flat line. When I play it back with automation read enabled the volume doesn't change.
 
What could I be doing wrong?
 
Thanks in advance for any help!

Don't know, I have rarely, if ever, attempted to use CC7 for controlling volume, I always use the Audio track.
 
Any reason you can't do this?

Should work. I'm not seeing a problem, but I can't think what would interfere in your case. Am I understanding correctly that it's adding an automation envelope with a single starting node, but not writing any nodes after the first? Have you tried it with a new track or in a new project?
 
P.S. That said, I second Colin's recommendation to automate audio volume instead. Some synths don't change volume smoothly in response to CC7, and all are limited to MIDI resolution of 0-127 across the whole dynamic range making zipper noise is more likely.

NEVER MIND! It only took me about two hours to realize that I had Punch In/Out enabled!!!

Bristol_Jonesey
I have rarely, if ever, attempted to use CC7 for controlling volume, I always use the Audio track.
 
Any reason you can't do this?

I ended up using "Volume (default Ch. 1)" for controlling the volume of the midi track, because the audio track (the track with the midi symbol on top of a keyboard?) is handling multiple midi tracks. The synth I'm using is "ARIA Player (Multi)" and when I use the volume fader on that track it affects a dozen or so midi channels, all with different instruments (but same instance of the ARIA Player (Multi) soft synth) ... At least that's my interpretation of what's going on, but I could be wrong!

Did you insert Aria as a simple instrument track? You should be able to insert an instance of Aria with a separate audio track for each audio output.

DRanck
Did you insert Aria as a simple instrument track? You should be able to insert an instance of Aria with a separate audio track for each audio output.

You're correct, I can do that. When I "Insert/Soft Synth" I have my choice of either "ARIA Player" or "ARIA Player (multi)". I think that if I used a separate "ARIA Player" for each instrument I would have an audio track for each midi instrument/channel. But I think I remember reading that performance was better if I had just one soft synth and used all 16 channels up before inserting a second one. I am using Garritan Personal Orchestra, by the way.
 
In any case using "Volume (default Ch. 1)" for controlling the volume seems to be working fine (even though in this case it's on channel 4 not channel 1 ... I definitely don't completely understand how all this works together!)
 
Thanks for your help and suggestions, by the way - it is appreciated!

The volume fader on MIDI tracks in Sonar controls Velocity. Not volume. Edit: The striked out statement is untrue. The volume fader on a MIDI track controls CC values. The rest of what I posted is still something to consider.
 
vvvvvvvvvv
 
You need to use the "Instrument/Audio" output track of a MIDI track/synth for a proper volume automation.
 
If you are using a SImple Instrument Track I think the fader may be a volume control (not velocity) but I don't use those so I don't know.
 
Using MIDI CC volume is... well unnecessary and likely more convoluted/unreliable than just automating the volume on the track accepting the audio output(s) of your synth.
 
You may also want to consider using the "Gain" knob or an empty FX Chain module's output control instead of your Volume fader. This leaves your fader free of automation and allows you to adjust overall level without mucking with the envelope.
 
I may have misinterpreted the problem but it might point you to some more desirable solutions.
 
Cheers.

Beepster
The volume fader on MIDI tracks in Sonar controls Velocity. Not volume.
 

I'm afraid that's not accurate. MIDI Master Volume, CC7, controls the output level of the synth. The MIDI "Gain" widget (should more correctly be labeled Vel+) is Velocity Offset.

brundlefly

Beepster
The volume fader on MIDI tracks in Sonar controls Velocity. Not volume.
 

I'm afraid that's not accurate. MIDI Master Volume, CC7, controls the output level of the synth. The MIDI "Gain" widget (should more correctly be labeled Vel+) is Velocity Offset.

Ah... ya, sorry. You are correct. I knew that.
 
Still likely better/more reliable to automate the audio/instrument track being fed by the synth instead of the roundabout CC way... n'est ce pas?
 
That way you aren't relying on the variables of various synths. It's just a Sonar track fader each time... every time.