Hi.  I know  it's possible to loop-back the main output to a Sonar channel to record live mix-downs inside the box, but i can't remember process or the look up terms.  Or am i dreaming...? Or is this something that can only be done with cables, A/D/D/A conversions, DAT or other mix-down target other than X3 channel, or with...  I have a UCX with a software mixer if that will help...
 
 
 
 

You can do it by patching physical outputs back to inputs, or with an audio interfaces loopback (if it has it), but Sonar doesn't have a way to do it natively.  The reason being it is a minefield of feedback loops.
 
Personally I don't see the point.

Thanks, Karyn.  I got curious about it when i heard Dave Pensado say he likes to mix down live.  Not sure why that would make any difference though.

That all depends on what you call mixing down live...
 
If you have a DAW controller with lots of knobs and faders you can do your thing "live" while Sonar exports in real time, but as most of us don't have big controller consoles with enough channels to do that we just use automation.
 
The other way would be to output all the audio as separate channels to a real mixer and record the output of the mixer back into Sonar, which can be done easily IF you have enough physical outputs for all the audio.  The PreSonus StudioLive series are great for this as they have all the inputs and outputs you need built in on FireWire so you're keeping everything digital at all times with no audio degradation from conversion.
 
But why bother? Sonar can record automation from the cheapest of controllers in real time.  If you only have one fader (say, a fader port) you just do several passes, recording automation where it's needed.  Then quick export as usual.