dupe deleted

Sonar user Mystic38 created this video a few years ago and it seems to get things working just fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDCprqddPlg
 
I got the link to that video from the bottom of this old thread:
http://forum.cakewalk.com...-m2904188.aspx#2912336

This might be something to check out.  There is this program called Midi Quest that is an editor/librarian for external MIDI instruments.  I have an older version, but I rarely use external hardware any more.
 
https://squest.com/index.html
 
The best way to integrate Your MIDI hardware with Your Studio's DAW....
In May of 2000, Midi Quest redefined the way that editor/librarians are used by releasing the first VST and MFX editor/librarian plug-ins.

Today, Midi Quest Pro supports more DAW plug-in formats than any other editor with individual VST, AU, MFX, and Studio Connections plug-ins for all supported MIDI hardware. Each instrument plug-in operates identically to the stand-alone version of Midi Quest and features configurable Total Recall, CC/NRPN and VST/AU parameter automation, in-host bank and patch SysEx storage, and a parameter automation manager.

Midi Quest 11 Pro would be the version to get if you want to use it as a VST instrument.  I had forgotten all about this program.  I have MQ 9 + XL and the upgrade to Pro 11 would be something like $200 or thereabouts.  Expensive, but it sure appears like it would work for all my 5 hardware synths...as VSTs.

Thedoccal
Midi Quest 11 Pro would be the version to get if you want to use it as a VST instrument.  I had forgotten all about this program.  I have MQ 9 + XL and the upgrade to Pro 11 would be something like $200 or thereabouts.  Expensive, but it sure appears like it would work for all my 5 hardware synths...as VSTs.

Yup, I have MQ v9.0 XL as well.  I cannot get it to run in Windows 10 at all, so my only options are to leave it retired, or upgrade as you have mentioned.  I have several hardware synths that are not connected at this time, and that is probably one thing keeping me away from them.  Pushing multi-function buttons and knobs next to a tiny LCD screen to program them is not my idea of fun.  It's been a few years since I had Midi Quest set up, but it's really the only way to go with hardware.
 
Using an editor/librarian with a decent UI is the way to go.
 
I am spoiled by my soft synths