Hi,  I'd like to use an old midi foot controller (Art X-11 MIDI Mastercontrol) to start and stop cakewalk sonar x3 projects (for live performance).  I'm connecting the controller via an old Cakewalk "music connector 1" (usb to midi connection).  I can get my computer (pc with win 7 pro) and sonar to recognize the controller as a device but that's about it.  I'd guess I need to reroute the midi messages to do this as the default messages are for patch changes.  I'm not super sharp on midi.  Does anyone here have any experience doing something like this? -Mark

I have no experience in what you are asking (MIDI to keystroke translation - e.g, [space] = stop/play) ... but it looked interesting so I did a quick web search.
 
Looks like the primary Windows solution is Bome's MIDI Translator (Classic). There's also PRO and a hardware solution. BMT Classic is sort of free - postcardware (weird/hassle - might be easier just paying!)
 
I saw another mention of MIDI-OX in conjunction with AutoHotkey.
 
I know Sonar is Windows only but these popped up:
Mac - midiStroke
Linux - footware
 
If not there already or something better existing (?) - Perhaps Cakewalk can consider this as an extension / feature to it's new Virtual Keyboard? (in reverse).

If Sonar is finding it it seems to me you could just map it as a control surface and assign the start/stop messages from the generic surface using midi "learn"?

IIRC you would use ACT to do this. I have only done a brief overview of the function (from the SWA X2/X3 vids) but may be attempting to map transport controls to my padKontrol today as part of my studies of that device. If I do I will come back and post details but for now just read up on ACT.
 
What I would like to know, and I was considering posting a thread about it earlier, is whether I can use ACT to map Undo using ACT (or whatever the option is that allows Transport Control) like I can with another DAW I had been checking out (which shall remain nameless). However if I can't I am under the impression that I can map menu items such as Undo to the new Custom Module (in Sonar Platinum) and then map those to a controller.
 
The MIDI map options for general controls seemed pretty limited to basic transport but perhaps there is more to it than shown in those vids.

FWIW the DigiTech GNX4 allows for footswitch control and included a control surface plug-in that allowed for some sophisticated functionality. It was intended to work with a version of Guitar Tracks that shipped with the GNX4, but I tested it with SONAR and it worked fine.
 
I have since graduated to the POK foot control device from X-Tempo. It's not cheap, but it's useful for much more than just hands-free control of SONAR. It's one of those things that once you have it, you kick yourself for not having discovered it sooner.

Thanks to all! As much as I'd love to really learn midi, the USB foot controller route including the suggested POK device or a sound like plausible solutions....along with unloading the X-11 on Ebay...ha!  The X-11 is built like a tank, fairly heavy and uses a wall wart for power, not something I really want to lug out to an open mic or gig.

Cheeky somewhat related diversion - http://forum.cakewalk.com...-m3195930.aspx#3195930