Long time cakewalk user here (since dos versions in the late 80's).
 
Current setup:
Small 2 octave Arturia controller
Novation Launch Control
Launch Pad S
 
Questions (what I need your advice/comments with):
The small keyboard is really is limiting me on my production work (I need at least 61 keys but prefer 76 and will do 88 weighted if I can get one at the right price) and I'm struggling to get any of the controllers working properly in Sonar X2. I've read the articles, I've watched instruction videos, but I can't seem to get the settings correct.
 
For instance, I can set the Launch Control to handle Stop/Play/Rewind and other programmable items for the buttons in this screen (sample image from Google, NOT my setup):
 

 
but I can't get the knobs to control the volume sliders for tracks. I can set them using the "remote" control option by right clicking on the volume sliders, but these do not stay after I close Sonar.
 
So, what I'm thinking of doing is just purchasing a controller that is known to work good with Sonar already (has a predefined ACT file).
 
Would the Roland A-800pro solve this issue?
What is the best controller that is known to work with Sonar? Do the pro's struggle with this same thing?
How can I setup the launch control to just control Omnisphere from Sonar?
 

I have a PCR-800 which is the forerunner of the 800 Pro and that works fine. Having said that it should be possible to set up almost any controller using ACT.
 
Have a look at my ACT setup video on youtube. It is a two stage process. First MIDI learn the physical controls on the controller to the ACT cells, then ACT learn or use the commands in the ACT dialogue to assign commands and functions (such as volume faders) to those cells.
 
It's all explained in the video link above.

I have a video example in my signature.

Watching the videos now. Appreciate the replies! Thanks.

Thanks for the videos! I was able to finally understand the process and get my LaunchControl working for the following:

• Main transport controls
• Changing tracks
• volume and pan controls that can advance per bank to control all tracks

Now, here is my new problem. I attempted to use ACT to control Jupiter 8V2 (figured it was a straight forward vst so a good one to start with) and programmed in all the controls. Then I saved my control file, closed sonar and reopened and the settings were gone for it. Do I need a different process for it to save in the ACT vst settings?

The answer on your last question is there: http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,5.0.html
But my whole site is about CS, just in case you have a bit time to read it (no videos there).