Great post S. Wallis.
I'm just about to order an A Pro 800 and make it my master keyboard controller. I also have a PCR 800 already mapped and working with the V700C and Sonar 8.5.3 PE that I was planning on running through the A-PRO's midi in using the midi merge switch. Have you used the A-PRO to do this yet with a second keyboard? 

I havn't used the MIDI Megre yet as my A300 is my only keyboard. There was a user on this forum who had a problem trying to do what you're describing. You might need a dc power-pack to run both keyboards (the manual mentions something about this, i think.)

Having said that, i do know what you want to do is possible because i saw a video (sorry, can't remember where) of someone using an A-PRO as a master keyboard/controller and another hardware controller for the track's volume and pan controls.

Aswell as switching midi merge on at the side panel, you may have to adjust the midi merge destination on your A-PRO.

On your A-PRO, press the ACT button and the back button at the same time to open the settings.

Turn the value knob to the right untill it reads MIDI settings, then click the value knob. Turn the knob untill it says MIDI merge destination and click the value knob again. Turn the value knob to the right to select MIDI in. Finally, click the value knob again and it's all done.

Like i said i've never used thesse settings, but if you buy the A-800 PRO, can you let me know how you got on please because i'm still trying to learn about the A-PRO. Thanks.

Like i said i've never used thesse settings, but if you buy the A-800 PRO, can you let me know how you got on please because i'm still trying to learn about the A-PRO. Thanks.

 
You got it bud. Thanks for your insight.

Hello S. Wallis
 
Thanks for your post it has helped me but one thing that puzzles me is when I open up the property page of the A300 in Sonar I can not see the "Dynamic Pad" section.  I can barely see one pad.  I reinstalled it and still have the same problem.  Have you had this problem.  Any input would be appreciated.
 
Thanks
Mark
St. Louis, MO.

No, i havn't had this problem. Have you tried resizing the window?

Yes I've tried rezing it every which way and still can not get the whole graphic to opne, very frustrating.  I sent an email to Cakewalk also.
 
thanks
Mark

chrome1955


Yes I've tried rezing it every which way and still can not get the whole graphic to opne, very frustrating.  I sent an email to Cakewalk also.
 
thanks
Mark

What's your screen resolution?

Just adding my thanks to the original poster. I recently bought an A-800 Pro, thoroughly read the manual...and felt like something was missing. Thanks for sharing your shortcuts to success. If anybody asks, Roland needs to hire S. Wallis to write their manuals.

Thanks for the kind words, Mel. I'm glad you found the guide helpful.

Thanks for this piece.

From this I have found out worthy piece of documentation I would like to share.

When you have the A-(300,500,800) Pro ACT control surface page up in Sonar up press F1 (help documentation) and this gives you documentation to the meaning and setting for the control surface page.


NOTE: The control surface page is the same page where you select the preset Tracks/FX/Synths/Utility 2 from above.
 
I am still getting a grasp of this too but the help page will accelerate the process.

Just wanted to share.