One thing that I find to be "unfortunate" is that you can't make changes to a project template for a device that you're not connected to without losing the channel mappings.  For instance...  Let's say you're recording multi-track from a 32 input live board with a built in interface that is only available to you when the board is out of the truck and at the venue.  Wouldn't it be nice to add time saving bits to your project template so you can save time when you're at the venue...and later on in the studio when you find yourself adding the same plugs and stuff to the same channels.  However...you can't because of the time crunch when you're "at the show"...and...if you try to change the template when you're not connected...you lose all your channel mappings...which is a PITA when dealing with 32 channels.
 
Is there a software (or hardware) way to emulate a given interface so you don't need to have the actual device connected?
 
All it would need to do is present the right number of channels with the correct names and all...with perhaps the option to pump pink noise or some sort of signal on selected channels.
 
Is such software or hardware already available?
 
If not...does anyone see a market for such a device?
 
Or...perhaps the solution would be on the SONAR side.  Have an option to just let the inputs "float" if there isn't presently a device that supports them.

...I get what you are asking for; sounds complex AND expensive,
but Waaay cool.
 
Far as a concept...
I think(correct me) most digital hardware requires a handshake(2-way) interface...
So do you mean some kind of rotating receptor that knows a lot of setups/Brands?
Well now were talking protocol which would require folks(businesses) with
crossed purposes to agree. Possible? Certainly.
 
See sentence #1.
 
Peace
Mel
 
EDIT: This is one of the times I hope that I am Completely Wrong.
What a cool thing...
 
 

OldTimerNewComer
So do you mean some kind of rotating receptor that knows a lot of setups/Brands?
Well now were talking protocol which would require folks(businesses) with
crossed purposes to agree. Possible? Certainly.
 

 
I was mostly brainstorming about a problem that I want a solution to, that might also turn into an opportunity to get my hands dirty coming up with a solution.
 
Coming up with the firmware would require a bit of reverse engineering with each target device.  I doubt that device makers would be interested in expending any resources other than possibly publishing the interface that is already exposed by their hardware.
 
The simplest solution however (and the one that wouldn't require a "per device" solution)...would be to just have SONAR sidestep the need to have the interface there in the first place.

Maybe I just need to do a SONAR feature request.

OldTimerNewComer
...I get what you are asking for; sounds complex AND expensive,
but Waaay cool.
 
EDIT: This is one of the times I hope that I am Completely Wrong.
What a cool thing...

Would that be to say that you would find this "cool thing" useful...and would spend actual money on it?

No, but also willing to "get dirty hands" if someone else is.
I presently do not need this feature but know people who might.
 
Mel

I saw on your footer that you're using a Firewire interface.  I was thinking of using something like an Arduino board which has a built in USB port.  Supporting Firewire starts making the hardware more complex.  This may lose out in the "cost to benefit ratio".
 
Then again...Firewire could die the unnatural death that it has been deserving for a while now...

I think ASIO interfaces have unique ID numbers or something...this triggers vague memories of trying to find out why you can't aggregate most ASIO interfaces. But I'm no expert on this, hopefully someone else is.

If the hardware store not connected then the driver doesn't load. It sounds more like a Windows issue that would need to be worked on.

I just made a template for my Tascam us1641 with 14 tracks plus spdif, plus 2x midi. 
It took a few minutes using certain shortcuts like insert multiple tracks, outputs etc. But after about 10 minutes I have a template that has all of the Tascam in and outs mapped to 18 tracks and ready to roll. Complete with a master and a reverb bus and all sends ready and muted. 
 
At the recording session I simply load the templates in and name each one and use SAVE AS to make say 16 - 20 projects,, takes another 10 minutes. I leave all those open and minimize them so they are ready to go. 
A 32 track template would take a little longer but no big deal. 
And yes you need the device hooked up to make the first template and I can see that it would be an issue if you don't have it at home, so it's really a matter of showing up and giving yourself time to do this at the venue. 
 

Cactus Music
...
And yes you need the device hooked up to make the first template and I can see that it would be an issue if you don't have it at home, so it's really a matter of showing up and giving yourself time to do this at the venue. 

The trouble is that showing up earlier doesn't help.  I'm constrained by when the equipment shows up.  Once the board arrives at the venue, I have to hit the ground running.