There have been quite a few updates recently, because one of the developers (John Joseph, who pops in here from time to time) has taken a personal interest in it. I do think there are a couple loose ends, like although you can now open a cell in the Loop Construction View for editing, you have to save the file and import the changed file. Also you can open a MIDI cell in the Step Sequencer, but you need to stop/start to hear any edits...not a huge deal, but I'd like to see it more seamless. There are also some sync issues with synth arpeggiators but overall the improvements are really welcome, particularly the "partial drag" option and the ability to drag and drop multiple clips.
 
Anyway if you haven't checked it out the Matrix lately it's worth checking out the improvements. I'm glad that it's getting some love.  

Cool.  Sounds great.  Thanks John.  And Craig.

Are you really using a 1980s Ford commercial slogan to sell the Matrix View?
 
Thanks for making me feel old, Craig!

It's an advertising classic - and it must still work, it got your attention!

Craig,
 
While we are talking Matrix View changes something I have been puzzling over and haven't looked into to deeply yet...but seemed to change with a recent update...
 
There used to be a small triangle on the lower right corner of the trigger on/off button on the top right in the MV, that would let you choose the midi channel that would be used to trigger cell via midi (useful for using a control surface's pads) 
 
Since a recent update has changed/linked the association of tracks/clips and Matrix cells perhaps the triggering midi channel is now a function of the cell's track midi input? Which is adding an extra level of complexity.
 
 
 

Anderton
It's an advertising classic - and it must still work, it got your attention!

Sounds like you know your target audience.
 

I think if Matrix view mattered to me I'd likely be using Ableton stuff. I'm more into a console based paradigm.

ampfixer
I think if Matrix view mattered to me I'd likely be using Ableton stuff. I'm more into a console based paradigm.

What I like about Matrix View integration in SONAR is that it can "feed" other elements of the program - for example, lay down an improvised bass+drums rhythm track super-fast for songwriting, and have the results show up in Track View (after which point I don't need the Matrix View any more). The "clips parking" aspect is also handy, as is partial drags to cells. In SONAR, I treat it more as a Track View accessory than an entity unto itself. If I want the full-frontal groove experience for live performance, then I boot up Live.
 
However it just occurred to me that my familiarity with Live is probably an advantage in terms of getting the most out of the Matrix View in SONAR.

It seems usable now.  But it would be a better visual integration if the GUI allowed for matrix view placement next to the track view, with cell rows aligned with their tracks.

Yeah, if Cakewalk or JJ really wants to promote Matrix View, put together a convincing demo.