has anybody managed to use this as a controller to Sonar le, when I try to map a button, it doesn't learn it, very confused

Read http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,107.0.html , especially the second post. ACT MIDI is not recognizing all MIDI commands at the moment. Also Chapter 40 in the Sonar Reference guide can be helpful. In general, you should assign all controls to CC MIDI messages first (see Akai documentation).
 
But to use all features (feedback) you need something a bit more powerful (like my plug-in). Unfortunately, there is no ready to use preset yet (but everything is in your hands )
 
 

if that's how hard it is to set up, no wonder music hall died

harryh999
if that's how hard it is to set up, no wonder music hall died

With some dedication, you can manage that in 15-30 minutes. Just compare with the time you need to learn any music instrument. And for "keys", how long it will take for you to tune piano ?

I don't even know what Azc is! I just want to record, not program

harryh999
I don't even know what Azc is! I just want to record, not program

When you work with any Synth (why you need MIDI keyboard otherwise?), you do the same kind of "programming" in the progress of "recording". But if you do not want tweak anything, there are some controllers with native Sonar support. Otherwise wait till someone with your controller find 1 hour of his time to make the preset.

do you know which one is most like it to use as a template, thanks for help

I am currently working on programming the interface using AZSlow for Akai Midimix & MPD232 and there is excellent support by the developer for AZslow who seems to never sleep and once you get into it really opens up the possibilities of what one can achieve.

hi I have got the transport controls to work in cc midi, but now the sliders won't respond, could they need a different setting, is that usual

harryh999
hi I have got the transport controls to work in cc midi, but now the sliders won't respond, could they need a different setting, is that usual

For ACT MIDI plug-in, set faders:
* type: MIDI CC
* mode: absolute
(page 8 in the MAX25 User Guide)
 
Unlike transport buttons, that settings are far from perfect. But for other settings you need to do more on Sonar side.