Hey,
 
So, I am wondering if Sonar can take (CC) controller input from an Akai MPD32 and send the parameters via sysex to some of my old school synths (DW8000, MKS50, ESQ1, TX81Z, etc). I'd like to automate filter sweeps, lfos, etc.
 
I have all of my synths connected to my PC via a motu midi express and everything is working fine in Sonar with regard to playing/sequencing. My MPD32 is working great for note on/off messages. however, since these old synths use sysex, i can't control any other parameters.
 
Is it possible to do this with Sonar? Or do I need some 3rd party application for this?
 
Thanks

No it is actually not possible as MIDI CC's and sysex are two different things.
 
About all you could do would be to program the sysex string into Sonar, and then use a CC to command Sonar to then transmit the message/s. There is no "conversion" possible in the way I think you are hoping for. Unless I am misunderstanding your intent

System exclusive is exactly that - exclusive, and specific to one manufacturer. However, I'm pretty sure the synths you mentioned can tie various parameters to external modulation sources, not just the internal ones like envelopes and LFOs. The Sys Ex values assigned to controls relate more to identifying parameters in program dumps and such although in many cases, being able to send sys ex strings allows varying parameters as well.
 
For example in the ESQ-1, for filter cutoff instead of choosing an envelope for control you can choose an external controller, like mod wheel or aftertouch. You can download the ESQ-1 manual from here.
 
Note that Sonar can record and play back sys ex.

thanks much for the responses guys.

Sonar used to have the ability of creating Studioware panels to control external hardware. AFAIK the panels themselves are still supported, but you cannot use Sonar to create and edit them anymore. It would be great if this functionality was implemented again somehow. I have been using Max4Live to make some plugins to control my hardware synths from within Ableton Live and I really miss this in Sonar, especially since sysex is not supported in Live for windows. 
 
BTW,  great thing about creating control plugins with Max4Live is that I can save a midi clip as a Live clip and since Live saves all the plugin chain and midi routing with the clip I can audition the clips directly from the browser without even creating a midi track routed to that specific synth.
 
Anyway, about the OP's question a control panel with faders and other widgets that receive mid CC from Sonar and send sysex strings to the synths could be done using Max (the full app) connected to Sonar with a virtual midi cable. Another option I can think of now would be an iPad running Liine Lemur, but in both cases some programming would be required to come up with a working setup.