Wow,

  I thought I'd sit for a while and try and really get into the Step Sequencer and make some simple drum parts but WOW. I remember why I've always stayed away from it.

So, if I take the time to name all my drums like Kick hat and the such and save it, I have to load that file every time I create a new SS program? Seriously? Why does it seem that you have to continue your entire project with the same SS in focus? I don't want to add and subtract notes to create a project, I just need a few instances that I can layer or lay over. I'm sure I'm not understanding how to use this properly but, I've seen several videos and there just isn't anything that I can find that shows what I want it to do.

I don't need to see every unused row I'm not using every time I open an instance of the SS. Why can't I just configure it the I'm currently using it until I load a different layout or kit set up?

Or am I on to something and the SS really is a useless pain in the ass?

I don't remember Reason or Fruity Loops being so persnickety?  OMG shoot me in the head please.

midi track -> DrumMap-> then insert SS

What do you usually use to make drums instead?

I've used Reason in the past. Basically because it's easy to use. Fruity loops was easy also.  Or, I inter midi events directly in the piano role.  I'm not good at recording them on the fly so my beats are usually very simple and inarticulate.

I'm trying really hard to try and learn what Sonar can do without using Reason.
But, since I upgraded to X1 and have experienced all the bugs and issues that prohibit me from making music I'm becoming very impatient with Sonar. I'm looking into Record TM. as well as the new Reason. Seems like they actually made some upgrades with Reason 5. From what I've seen from using Sonar 8.5 and X1 the layout seems less cluttered with Skylight but any other improvements I've yet to see.  But, I'm trying really hard to like it! Really hard.

midi track -> DrumMap-> then insert SS

Can you give a little bit more detail. I did this, and I'm not getting what I should do. I'm thumbing through all the youtube videos trying to understand right now.  Thanks!

OK, I created a drum map for a Battery 3 patch. I can see the map at the bottom.  But, I don't understand "insert SS"  The Step Sequencer is grayed out in the main menu. How do I insert it? 

Almost there red leader!

if you investigated it properly / looked at seth's excellent video about drums and SS then I think you wouldn't have said that

http://www.youtube.com/us.../user/249B20A0F1C21B77

heck , even grab the drum maps made for battery... ultima boy did the "3" kits.. and I did the 2 kits that weren't done.

http://www.harmoniccycle....13-drum_maps_SONAR.htm

(and yes, I use reason and a few other programs before you comment about.." oh but you only use sonar"  ;-) )

Ok, I made a drum map for a Battery 3 kit like I stated before no problem.
The answer I was looking for that I discovered is that the SS is dependent
on each track. So, I made a little kick drum, them created another track with another instance of SS and made a little bit off hi hat, then snare and so on. That's basically what I was wanting to do.

So, I see from one video that when using the Session Drummer there is a button that lets you add another instance of the Step Sequencer right on top of the previous one no problem.  Battery doesn't appear to have that function. Or does it? I don't have anything against the Session Drummer other than the sound content but I like Battery for that reason.  I suppose that creating a general pattern set in SD and then laying whatever Battery tracks I have that would point to that midi data would be a way to go. Or am I over thinking this approach?

Battery doesn't but the synth track should.