chuckebaby
I opted a cheaper route. I went with a Focusrite 18I8 and a Mackie control unit.
the Mackie control I bought used for 200 usa bucks. the Focusrite was 300.
the 18I8 has 8 inputs and the Mackie has 8 faders, pan knobs, exc.
 
I'm from the old school where I need to have my hands on faders and buttons Vs. a mouse wheel and keyboard.
so this set up can be had for 500 bucks if you find the right deal.

Chuck's idea is a very solid suggestion. There is a lot to be said for a dedicated audio interface. Whilst I use 2xX32's for live work, an RME Fireface + Controller's is my studio weapon of choice:)

Yamaha 01v96i,just another option.
Peace

tenfoot
All models of the X32 will work as a control surface, and because of the motorised faders if you move a fader in Sonar it will also move on the miixer and vice versa. 
https://musicgroup-prod.mindtouch.us/04_BEHRINGER/X32-_Can_The_Console_Be_Used_As_A_Control_Surface_For_A_DAW%3F

But note that you can use only "one third" of it as a control surface, so for 8 strips. Compare to MCU Pro there will be no strip display, no strip encoders, no jogger and button layout was not designed to control DAWs. Control Surface it is more like "bonus" and not primary functionality. I mean X-Touch beat X32 as a control surface.
In case you have no plans to use it "stand alone", that is not perfect solution.

azslow3

tenfoot
All models of the X32 will work as a control surface, and because of the motorised faders if you move a fader in Sonar it will also move on the miixer and vice versa. 
https://musicgroup-prod.mindtouch.us/04_BEHRINGER/X32-_Can_The_Console_Be_Used_As_A_Control_Surface_For_A_DAW%3F

But note that you can use only "one third" of it as a control surface, so for 8 strips. Compare to MCU Pro there will be no strip display, no strip encoders, no jogger and button layout was not designed to control DAWs. Control Surface it is more like "bonus" and not primary functionality. I mean X-Touch beat X32 as a control surface.
In case you have no plans to use it "stand alone", that is not perfect solution.

Absolutely true Azs - the X32 is a mixer that doubles as a 'bonus' control surface. I mentioned it because the OP was looking for a "mixer attached like a real studio". The Xtouch is a far superior controller - but that is all it does:)
 
The FX (8 x stereo fx units) and overall sound quality of the x32 are amazingly good as well given its price point.

There are a lot of choices you can use as a control surface for Sonar.   Here is a Keyboard Controller in which you get  a full midi keyboard and a dedicated control surface with controls and faders for Sonar.  This is basically designed for the bedroom studio person on a ticht budget. 
 
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and you will see the integration section for Sonar  as well as other DAWS
Nektar Impact LX49+ and LX61+ Midi Keyboard Controller
 
Wait until you see the price Point,  Nektar Impact LX49+  Nectar Impact LX61+ 
 
 ===========================
Here is the crown Jewel of the Nektar family, it's about $500.00
 
Nektar Panorama Keyboard Controller
 
The software that allow it to be integrated with DAWS was just upgraded to include Sonar this software is called Bitwig.  It is available as a download from the site after you purchase the controller to add other Daws including Sonar to it's integration.   Videos are at the bottom of the linked page.
 
I've got this marked for purchase list.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hey well, thanx everyone.....because im a small time home studio person.....after checking out all these options ive decided to buy a Zoom R24 , 24 track ......Has 8 mic/line inputs.....can be used as a DAW interface controller for Sonar, as well as a digital 24 track with 32 SB card,.......portable runs on either 6 AA batteries, or 240volt power......Also a sampler and drum machine........Best of both worlds, cheapest, most compact,portable option..........Also a couple of in built mics, for no stuffin around lets go mode!!!!!!!

I may be judging this completely wrong but I'm wondering if the OP actually needs a "mixer". While it is true many people like moving faders by hand rather than with a mouse, for many studios it is not a requirement at all these days. You need a set of good quality inputs and outputs (and even then only as many as you plan to be using simultaneously during recording or monitoring) but most of the time all "mixing" is done in the computer, with or without a controller.

So to the OP, sorry if I'm misjudging your level of experience but if you are expecting that you need to use a 32 channel mixer to mix 32 channels in Sonar, you don't. If, for example, you're only going to be recording vocals, guitars and the odd keyboard, you only really need two high quality inputs. In such a case you'd be far better of with, say, an RME BabyFace than with a giant Behringer X32 (even though I do like it, just for a different purpose). That would get you high quality recordings and leave you to figure out exactly what kind of controller you'd like. E.g., Cakewalk is working on Softube Console One integration. Which is more of a per-channel EQ/Compression controller than a multi fader approach but if you're looking for that "analog feel" it might suit you better.

Seems I was six minutes too late haha. Enjoy your purchase! Happy music making :)

So sanderxpander, just to clarify, are you saying the cakewalk console one will give me a more analogue sound, or the x32, or my zoom r24? 

The Console One is the  'analogue' sound that Sander is talking about Paul. It is more of an EQ and Compression controller with dedicated FX. Pretty cool actually:) You would still need an audio interface as well though.
 
The Zoom looks like a ton of fun. Happy jamming!