Hi folks:
 
I'm getting back into some recording/producing after a looong haitus (work, family, living in apartments that wouldn't let me blast tunes)...now I've got a house with a studio so I can't do some real work.  So please pardon a few noob questions here.  I've got manuals out and trying to learn a lot of stuff, but I figure going to experts can help shorten searches for some basic stuff.
 
So basic outfitting, I'm running Cakewalk 6LE (yeah a few years old I know) on a PC through an E-MU-0404.  I've got 2 midi synth devices, an old Roland JV-880 module and a much newer Korg X50.  Doing some audio via guitar and voice too. 
 
My question for the moment is on bank/patch changes.  Back, like 15 years ago, when I was doing this a lot, I seem to remember programming bank/patch changes wasn't too difficult.  I have this vague memory (which may be false) that I was able to import the JV-880s patch information into Cakewalk and then assign them pretty easy.  Is it still possible to import the patch info into Cakewalk...and if so, how do I do it?  Right now when I go under insert bank/patch change it's just listing the basic options that come with the program.  Can I get Cakewalk and my two synths to communicate more directly?
 
Thank you for your patience as I fumble with some of this stuff anew!

You need so called Cakewalk Instrument Definition file for each of your synths. Search the internet, when you find it, download, then go to Instruments > Define > Import.

I asked this same question a year ago. I never found a way to program bank / patch changes. You basically just add another instance of the synth with the patch you want.  No real need to change banks.  If you're using hardware synth's, that's a different problem though!  Right now I'm all VST synths.

I just went through the process of setting up a JV-1080, a Kurzweil PC2R, and a Tyros 2.  (The first two synths also had expansion cards.)
 
If I can have a day, I will look in Sonar and try to recall the steps.  Doing it isn't bad if you have the patch lists.  I had to copy them into Excel and reformat them, but you may be lucky enough to find a list in the right format.

http://forum.cakewalk.com/JV880-with-Sonar-8x-m2091505.aspx
http://www.synthzone.com/roland.htm