Thanks!  It was a GOOD overwhelming!!!!  No complaints here!!  I am grateful for the info and the encouragement.  I haven't gotten the Nektar installed yet but will be doing so this week.  I'll keep you in the loop of my progress.  I had a little "hickup" with Sonar and have to do a clean install of it.  I was getting some errors.  I think it was from a corrupted record.  My PC accidentally lost power while running Sonar.  Got the error after that.  I had changed some MIDI settings and when I restarted ... Kaboom!  Sonar support has been very helpful.  Hopefully, it will back up tonight!!  I didn't lose any data.

Bigdaddyd54
Thanks!  It was a GOOD overwhelming!!!!  No complaints here!!  I am grateful for the info and the encouragement.  I haven't gotten the Nektar installed yet but will be doing so this week.  I'll keep you in the loop of my progress.  I had a little "hickup" with Sonar and have to do a clean install of it.  I was getting some errors.  I think it was from a corrupted record.  My PC accidentally lost power while running Sonar.  Got the error after that.  I had changed some MIDI settings and when I restarted ... Kaboom!  Sonar support has been very helpful.  Hopefully, it will back up tonight!!  I didn't lose any data.

+1

Bigdaddyd54
I'll let you know when the  is Nektar installed.  I'm expecting it next in the next few days.

Hey, check this deal out.  For a buck, $1, this is a no-brainer!  Break in the Nektar properly 
https://www.audiodeluxe.com/products/virtual-instruments/air-xpand2
 
AudioDeluxe is selling Air Xpand!2 for just $1 (RRP $100) until the end of November.
Xpand!2 is a powerful synth workstation instrument with over 2500 patches "covering nearly all instruments known to man".

Purchased!  Definitely a no-brainer!  Thanks for the tip!

Bigdaddyd54
Purchased!  Definitely a no-brainer!  Thanks for the tip!

+2

OK - The Nektar is installed and working.  It worked with Drop Zone and Addictive Keys with no need for mapping.  I will be working on it this weekend to learn how to map when needed and will be also working with Addictive Drums and EXDrummer.
 
I did purchase and install AIR Xpand!2, but cannot find an executable for it.  Is there a trick to it or is there something else I have to buy?  I do have a question logged in to them.  Any thoughts on that?
 
 

Bigdaddyd54
OK - The Nektar is installed and working.  It worked with Drop Zone and Addictive Keys with no need for mapping.  I will be working on it this weekend to learn how to map when needed and will be also working with Addictive Drums and EXDrummer.
 
I did purchase and install AIR Xpand!2, but cannot find an executable for it.  Is there a trick to it or is there something else I have to buy?  I do have a question logged in to them.  Any thoughts on that?
 
 

Glad to hear the Nektar worked out for you!  How are the rotary knobs - are they smooth or clicky?  That is high on my list to replace the aging Axiom 49 I have, with two broken sliders and a few pads that quit.  But the keys still work, LOL!
 
As far as I know the AIR Xpand!2 does not ship with a standalone executable.  It only runs as a plugin within a host.
 
In Sonar, try looking under Insert > Soft Synth > Uncategorized > Xpand!2 > Simple instrument track ...

Awesome!  I have a Nektar coming my way today (hopefully).  The only downside is I'm getting ready to leave for a week long business/fun trip so I'll be away from my little home studio for a week as of tomorrow.  I guess I should download the manual to my Galaxy pad so I have some reading material while I'm away.

I'll check Sonar this evening after work on the synth.  Maybe "excutable" is the wrong term.  Nothing displayed for me to enter the product code.  I just checked and it doesn't show in the path you mentioned.  I assume it will once I found out how to get the product code in there.  Sonar didn't show an updated number in the plugins scan.
 
Regarding the Nektar LX 49 ... The rotary knobs are smooth and not "clicky".  They feel good to me.  They're quick but show some resistance when you turn them, but that is something I prefer as they will stop when you want them to stop.  You can be pretty accurate with them.  The 8 sliders are smooth and with a little less resistance.  I wouldn't say they are "cheesy" but they fit what I would expect of a controller in this price range.  I am used to sliders found on PA mixers so I am not sure if that is a fair comparison.  All in all, I think the controls are very decent.  They exceeded my expectations.  All the push buttons feel good and you can feel them engage.  Their instructional video needs to be updated and some of their documentation refers to Panorama (Confusing).  It would have been helpful to have the "soup-to-nuts" instructions in 1 PDF.  Even though it's a bit fragmented they insturctions guide you in the correct order.  Just start with the manual first, then look at the PDF they provide.  It works but it could be a little smoother.  Bottom line is the Nektar was recognized by Sonar straight away and I was able to get Drop Zone and Additive keys immediately.  I happy so far.  Going to work on mapping on the weekend.

Bigdaddyd54
I'll check Sonar this evening after work on the synth.  Maybe "excutable" is the wrong term.  Nothing displayed for me to enter the product code.  I just checked and it doesn't show in the path you mentioned.  I assume it will once I found out how to get the product code in there.  Sonar didn't show an updated number in the plugins scan.

Take a look at this page.  http://www.pluginboutique.com/products/1560?which=additional_info#description
 
Scroll down to where you see the installation instructions.  Pay attention to the little note at the top that says you need to install the iLok license manager before running the Xpand!2 installer.  There is a download link provided.  You will not need a hardware dongle, just the software license manager.  Setup a free iLok account.
 
The product installer shown is for a different AIR product, but it's the same process.  After entering your activation code, or "serial", you can choose to store your license on your computer.
 
And you are running a 64-bit host, correct?