Bigdaddyd54
Thanks for offering the information on the M Audio controllers! I checked them out. I have read there are some difficulties in Sonar connection with them. It appears the 2 best candidates, for around $200.00, is either Nektar LX+ series or Roland A-Pro series (300, 500, etc). I am focusing on 49 Key units as I am primarily a guitar player that can somewhat work my way around a keyboard. I waiting to see what kind of deals pop up for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Thanks to all for your posts! They certainly helped!
Hope you find what you need!
I'll just add one last comment about using controllers with Sonar. As mentioned, some can more easily integrate with Sonar software, but all MIDI controllers can send MIDI data to Sonar such as keyboard notes, pitchbend, and modwheel, etc.
The difference is that some keyboards also include control surface functions, and this is the part that needs the Sonar compatibility to automatically map these additional controls to function in the software. This lets you interact directly with the Sonar software from the controller vs. having to use a keyboard/mouse to drive it.
So depending on how you intend to use Sonar, this might be more or less of an issue to you. Some users even have a separate dedicated control surface (like a mixing desk) to assist with recording and mixing tracks, so then they can use any MIDI keyboard to trigger synths, or if they just want to record guitars or drums, for example.
I'll use the transport controls included with some MIDI controllers as an example (start, stop, record, etc). If you are recording tracks from the MIDI keyboard, it can be handy to just press a play or record button on the controller without having to reach over and click the mouse.