Hallo, I am not sure, if the the problem is a Kontakt problem only, or a Sonar problem also.
 
I use a Kontakt instrument called Trumpet Section from the Kontakt Faktory Library in the project. The problem is that any time I start Sonar the master volume control of the Instrument (a slider in the right upper corner of the Kontakt window) is set to minus 18 db, what makes the instrument inaudible.
 
I tried everything. First of all I put the volume to 0 db and saved the preset. But next time the same story. Then I followed the advice, went to Edit Mode of the instrument, then Instrument Options, then Controller and set Midi Controller 7 range to up to 0 db and save the preset. Again the same story. Then I proved, if I have some events in the track, which could force my volume to get down. Nothing...
 
The same story repeats with some other Kontakt instruments.
 
What could it be? Could anybody please help?

Yes, I've been there as well.... very annoying!
The solution:
Go to Edit - Preferences
Go to Project - Midi
Go to "Other Options"
UNCHECK "Zero controllers when play stops"
 
That will leave the Kontakt volume alone.
I have to do it for every project. There may be a way
to set it up in files, but this has worked for me.
 
Let me know if that works for you.
Best Wishes
 
Klos Studios
 
klos-studios.com
 

Klos Studios,
thanks for the answer. I have unchecked the option, but unfortunately nothing has been changed... Again at the next start the master volume level of the instrument is back to minus 24 db...
 
I have 2 versions of Kontakt in Sonar, so I will try to put the instrument on another version and will see if it works...

Hi, vdvorn. Try going to the advanced tab on the Kontakt interface (on an actual instrument, in your case the trumpet). You will see a list where you can set controllers to specific numbers. Set the volume controller to 7. Then put in a CC event at the start of the piece, CC7=100 for example. 

michael diemer
Hi, vdvorn. Try going to the advanced tab on the Kontakt interface (on an actual instrument, in your case the trumpet). You will see a list where you can set controllers to specific numbers. Set the volume controller to 7. Then put in a CC event at the start of the piece, CC7=100 for example. 

Thank you for the answer, but will it be possible for me to regulate then the volume of the trumpet section on Consol View while mixing? If no, it could be not a very best solution, or?

I just checked, that the problem exist on both of my versions of Kontak (usual and portable).
 
As for changing the volume controller to 100 I did not find the advanced tab, where I can do it...

Sounds to me like you have changed the volume of the Source Midi track for your Trumpet section or accidentally changed the Offset value of the volume of the Midi Source track.  Try the Midi track volume at 127 (Offset mode default is +101 so make sure that is what it says).  Press O to enter offset mode to check.  Midi Track volume will set the Volume slider upon playback regardless of what the slider is moved to or saved as.  With Midi track volume set to 127 (Offset default value of +101)  the Volume slider in Kontakt will read -6db.

Blogospherianman
Sounds to me like you have changed the volume of the Source Midi track for your Trumpet section or accidentally changed the Offset value of the volume of the Midi Source track.  Try the Midi track volume at 127 (Offset mode default is +101 so make sure that is what it says).  Press O to enter offset mode to check.  Midi Track volume will set the Volume slider upon playback regardless of what the slider is moved to or saved as.  With Midi track volume set to 127 (Offset default value of +101)  the Volume slider in Kontakt will read -6db.

Thank you for the answer, but unfortunately I can not understand the message. Could you please tell me what to do step by step?
I have the volume of the track set to about minus 12 db, which is good when the master volume in Kontakt is set to 0 db. I have set master volume for the instrument by default to 0 db in Options by it still goes to minus 18 db (not 24 now) at the opening of the project...
 
PS I have set the volume CC of the midi track to 100, and it did change the volume of Kontakt to minus 6 db, but at the next load of the project it is again back to minus 18 db.
 
What is better to set as default master volume for Kontakt 0 db or minus 6 db? And how the volume CC of the track interacts with the Console volume slider?

I prefer to set Kontakt's volume scaling to 0 dB and insert a volume envelope on the MIDI track. That way, I'm in total control from the get-go. Plus I can do some coarse volume automation prior to rendering (fine volume automation happens after freezing the instrument).
 
 
 
 

Sorry for any confusion, I'll try to make it clearer. You should have a Synth audio track for Kontakt which is where the audio comes out. You should also have a midi source track where you record the midi data feeding the Kontakt synth. On the Midi source track slide the volume in Sonar (just above pan and velocity) up to 127. You should see the Volume slider in Kontakt slide up to -6db. If it stays there on playback, great, problem solved. if it changes when you hit Play, then you may have automated the volume CC. If so, right click the volume envelope data and Delete envelope and try again. On the other hand, if you move the volume slider on the midi source track in Sonar up to 127 and the volume slider in Kontakt doesn't go all the way up to -6db, then you have likely entered 'Offset mode' and further offset the volume down. For example with the Sonar slider at 100 and the Offset mode Sonar volume slider at 80, Kontakt will snap to -18db just as you describe) To check Offset mode volume slider. Look at the Midi track Volume slider in Sonar, Press 'O' (as in The letter O) to enter Offset mode. When you press 'O' you will see Sonar's volume slider say Volume+. In this Offset mode the Volume+ should be set to 101. If it's not 101, set it to 101. Now press 'O' again. The Volume slider in Sonar should now say Volume (no + sign after the word Volume). This lets you know you are not in Offset mode anymore. Try sliding the Sonar Midi track volume slider up to 127. Again you should see the Kontakt slider slide up to -6db.

In recap, If there is no volume automation data on your midi source track, the midi source track volume slider in Sonar is set to 127 AND the Offset mode Volume+ slider in Sonar on the midi siurce track is set to 101, then the volume slider in Kontakt should remain at -6db. If not, double check all the stuff I just said, OR make sure you don't have other siurce tracks with different volumes pointing to that instance of Kontakt by mistake.

I find the -6db setting to work best as occaisionally I still have to lower the midi track volume to keep drums from hitting red within Kontakt.

Clear as mud? 😄 I hope I explained it better. I did test it on my computer using the same factory trumpet section for the test.