BobF
 
Doing custom ACT stuff for plugs is a nightmare though.  If you're a tweaker, I'm sure you could use AZ Ctrl and make it do just about anything.

Agreed!  All I ever bother with anymore for plugs is the MIDI learn function, for the knobs, or whatever I want to tweak when I play an instrument.
 
Many of the newer plugin instruments have some smart knobs that make this a breeze.  MIDI learn a few of those and you're good to go. 
 
In many cases the sound designer can pre-assign select parameters to these knobs, that you can easily assign by MIDI learn to faders or knobs on your rig.  The Rapture Session is a good example of this.
 
There are also programmable synths that let you assign your choice of one or a group of synthesis or effects parameters to a smart knob.  The possibilities are unlimited for morphing the sound during the performance.  The advantage of this is you can set this up on a project by project basis.   Leave ACT for the tracking and mixing stuff ...

I have just started exploring Rapture Session.  Once I have the Nektar 49+ connected I may need some help with MIDI Learn, how to do sequencing & arpeggios and so on.  Do you have suggestions for some videos or documentation for these subjects?  Synths are something I plan on getting deeper into.  I primarily am a guitarist/vocalist, but want to experiment with synths to add depth.

Bigdaddyd54
I have just started exploring Rapture Session.  Once I have the Nektar 49+ connected I may need some help with MIDI Learn, how to do sequencing & arpeggios and so on.  Do you have suggestions for some videos or documentation for these subjects?  Synths are something I plan on getting deeper into.  I primarily am a guitarist/vocalist, but want to experiment with synths to add depth.

MIDI learn is very easy to use if, the plugin supports it, and most of them do now.  Just right-click on any knob or slider in the plugin window > select "MIDI learn" > twiddle the knob or fader on your controller that you want to use for that control.  Done!  This setting gets stored in your saved project.  Re-open the project and it's still there
 
Just Google search on the topic you want and you are bound to find zillions of YouTube demos on synth programming, sequencing, etc.  Some suggested keywords are the name of your controller, the name of your softsynth, and/or the technique that you want to learn about.
 
Since you are running Professional, the Rapture Session and Dimension LE are good for setting up some sounds in your arrangement, but they are mostly presets that let you tweak some parameters.  Good to get comfortable with before taking the big leap!
 
It appears that the most programmable synth among the Sonar Professional included instruments is z3ta+ classic.  Has a built-in arpeggiator.  It's a keeper!  Insert it into a project, then hit F1 for the help manual 
 

"Z3TA+ is an award-winning analog-style synthesizer with incredible sound shaping capabilities. The exclusive bandlimited Waveshaping technology makes Z3TA+ one the best and most respected synths in the industry.  Whether you’re looking for lush, warm pads, slowly evolving atmospheres, searing leads or sparkling FM sounds, Z3TA+ delivers the goods, and includes hundreds of professional presets.  For more information, see the Z3TA+ online Help."
 
This would be a good instrument to begin a deep dive into synths with.  Comes with some killer presets, has a lot of great sound mangling potential, and is well respected.  You can cover a lot of sound design ground there, before you get addicted and start buying new synth plugins

+1, can also insert it as an audio FX.

Yes, I was taking a look at them and hoped they had potential.  Good to hear I was on the right track! Thanks for your help1

Good intro and overview here.  5 short videos available...
 
The Fundamentals of Synthesizer Programming Pt. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leZP_s_z0DI
 
Moog Music Inc. is proud to present Dr. Joseph Akins' five part series on the fundamentals of synthesizer programming. Dr. Akins is an associate professor at Middle Tennessee State University and strives to teach his students a complete understanding of synthesizers and computers as tools for modern music production.

Thanks Again!!

Bigdaddyd54
Thanks Again!!

Have fun!
 
Be sure to let us know how you like that Nektar!

Will do!

mettelus
+1, can also insert it as an audio FX.

Can you clarify the "+1"?  Thanks!