I see in the manual that the matrix can be controlled via MIDI, but I can't find how to setup my AKAI APC MINI to do so. I'd assume there's a way to assign the controller to the grid, and since there's no preset in ACT, that I'd need to LEARN the keys to ACT, then to the Matrix, but I'm really ASSuming a lot here. Anybody know how (or where to find out how) to do these things?

Please do not expect much, Matrix view is not Ableton.
You can "Midi learn" (right click to see menu) any cell and most other controls and select global MIDI channel to react on. That was...
So no feedback and Control Surface modules have no access to the Matrix (no way to improve functionality, feedback, etc).
 

You could try MIDI learning a series of cells in a blank matrix view then save this as a project template.
 
That way they're ready for you next time.
 
Unless anyone knows a better way of saving the matrix cell midi mapping?

I think you'll find Friday's Tip of the Week #159 very helpful. It's also included with other Matrix view and loop tips in The Huge Book of Cakewalk by BandLab Tips so if you have the book, check out page 319.

Slight Hijack :D  .. But on the topic of Sonar and controllers, particularly the OP controller make .. I have the AKAI MPK Mini V2.
 
So the hijack is .. Is there any up to date info on the best way to use ACT etc to configure these controllers? I have found setting up this controller using ACT doesnt always KEEP the preset setup etc
 

azslow3
Please do not expect much, Matrix view is not Ableton.
You can "Midi learn" (right click to see menu) any cell and most other controls and select global MIDI channel to react on. That was...
So no feedback and Control Surface modules have no access to the Matrix (no way to improve functionality, feedback, etc).
 

I keep hoping that between Sonar and Reaper I can avoid the significant cost of upgrading my LIVE9 Intro to LIVE10 Standard. HA!
 

Anderton
I think you'll find Friday's Tip of the Week #159 very helpful. It's also included with other Matrix view and loop tips in The Huge Book of Cakewalk by BandLab Tips so if you have the book, check out page 319.

Thanks Craig, but way more trouble than I care to get into! LIVE makes it stupid easy to get a groove on, they're still the right tool for that (Electronica) job.
 
Good thing I'm not serious about Electronica. Just something fun to play with once in a while.

Live has a unique workflow among DAWs, one that can not easily be imitated.  If that is your thing, then it may be worth the upgrade.  It can make a good complement to a traditional linear DAW.
 
I have had a full version of Live for years, and I also find it fun to play with once in a while. 

I wish I could reference something like that for Sonar/CbB, but there is no API for such things.
For REAPER:
* Benjamin has developed PlayTime: https://www.helgoboss.org/projects/playtime/
* Jürgen has integrated some Ableton oriented controllers: http://www.mossgrabers.de/
 

aidanodr
So the hijack is .. Is there any up to date info on the best way to use ACT etc to configure these controllers? I have found setting up this controller using ACT doesnt always KEEP the preset setup etc

I must admit I had no evidence of loosing presets for controllers. Loosing MIDI I/O yes, but not presets.
I personally use MPK mini with my AZController, it was developed because "ACT MIDI" support 8 buttons / 8 faders / 8 knobs at most and has no feedback (the controller effectively sends up to 8x2x3x4 = 196 messages from pads).
I have not published any presets since I use small project dependent sketches (create the preset on the fly).

azslow3
 
I must admit I had no evidence of loosing presets for controllers. Loosing MIDI I/O yes, but not presets.
I personally use MPK mini with my AZController, it was developed because "ACT MIDI" support 8 buttons / 8 faders / 8 knobs at most and has no feedback (the controller effectively sends up to 8x2x3x4 = 196 messages from pads).
I have not published any presets since I use small project dependent sketches (create the preset on the fly).

I think I might have used the wrong wording. I setup a test file in Sonar and added 1 vst. I used ACT to "link" knobs on Akai to knobs in the VST ( Volume and Filter ). This worked fine while in the file BUT when I saved the file, closed sonar and came back next day, these "settings" were lost or screwed up.

Maybe its me. So thats why I wanted a simple dummies guide on then procedure to add this AKAI MPK Mini 2 controller to get it working with Sonar, just to see if its me is the problem.
 
I will be setting it up in each track/file with maybe use of a few knobs for volume, filters, ADSR, pan etc. Nothing really complex. 
 
AZLOW .. would it be best I just use your utility? In other wise is it a waste of time fighting with ACT as is in Sonar?
 
 

aidanodr
I think I might have used the wrong wording. I setup a test file in Sonar and added 1 vst. I used ACT to "link" knobs on Akai to knobs in the VST ( Volume and Filter ). This worked fine while in the file BUT when I saved the file, closed sonar and came back next day, these "settings" were lost or screwed up.

For that, use "AZ ACT Fix": http://www.azslow.com/index.php/topic,297.0.html
Independent from the plug-in you use ("ACT MIDI", "Generic Surface", "AZ Controller"), that utility will help you with VST mapping, preserving the result of it and creating backups in case CbB break it again.
There is like 5+ years old set of bugs, but the utility stably solve that.
 

AZLOW .. would it be best I just use your utility? In other wise is it a waste of time fighting with ACT as is in Sonar?

AZ Controller is a powerful tool, but it will take some time till you feel comfortable with it.
So I recommend to start with "AZ ACT Fix" + "ACT MIDI".
 
In case you are convinced the controller really helps you in general, invest some time in learning AZ Controller, there are several tutorials (10 - 30 minutes to follow) and complete documentation what is possible to do. The list of features is not limitless, but they are many unique ideas, including: audition for display-less operations (f.e. computer can speak you markers during recording), knobs on you MPK can be used instantly to smoothly modify parameters (so, without catching current values first, also with much higher precision in encoder imitation mode), arbitrary feedback using pads leds (from actual status of solo/mute up to level control for recording/playback), adding phone/tablet as a "display" to show current mapping, etc.
Configuring any feature will take some minutes/hours you could spend for music, so please do not say you was not warned