New (and rather disgusted) User

I want to record multiple MIDI tracks.  Keyboard audio outs go to mixer.  MIDI output thru USB to computer.

Computer outputs go to mixer.  I need to hear previously recorded tracks to record the next MIDI track. 
 
I have muted the track I'm recording.  I've turned off every output device in Sonar.  I've tried everything I can find, but Sonar ALWAYS plays the track back through my keyboard with about 1/4 second latency, which makes recording impossible.
 
I've spent at least 20 hours going through tutorials and documentation and have ended up utterly helpless and unable to perform the most basic function for which I purchased the package.

What are you using as interface??  If you are trying to monitor through sonar and not the interface's mixer, latency woill likely be an issue.   Unless youre using thunderbolt.    Also, sounds like you have outpit of your midi AND sonar going through the mixer.   YOu only want to hear the output of Sonar combined with the midi and that is where the interface SW comes in.   ALSO, uyou may need to bounce down peviously recorded audio and turn off the FX button in order to prevent latency. ALL DAWs have the same issue.  Its not SONAR itself
 

Hello, new (and rather disgusted) user. I understand your frustration but don't blame your tools when the issue is probably down to your inexperience with them. To get the best help from here, please list your exact setup. What keyboard is it and what sound card etc?
 
From what you are saying "Keyboard audio outs go to mixer", it sounds as though your keyboard is a hardware synth and you might be trying to trigger a sound on your hardware synth via Sonar? That's simple enough to do. You say, "Computer outputs go to mixer. ". Do you mean you have sound card outputs going into an analog mixer?
 
What buffer size (audio and midi) are you using?
 
More details will help us help you.

I would forget the hardware synth as a playback source until you get a handle on Sonars MIDI basics. Using a VST soft synth is much easer for getting started. Using outboard gear is a little more complicated so put that asside until you master a simple set up first. 
 
Insert a soft synth like Dim Pro or TTS-1 and get that working first. 

Keyboard is Kurzweil SP3X digital keyboard.  Computer is an HP laptop using the default sound system inside the computer.  It's a Windows 7 box with 4 Gb RAM.  I run all sound through a Mackie mixer into headphones.
 
I'm trying to record a piano midi track.  Then a bass track, and then add drums - all through midi.
 
When I set midi output to the Kurzweil, I don't have the latency problem, but then my original piano track goes to the patch I'm playing on the keyboard, instead of maintaining the piano patch.  Example:  If I'm recording a drum track, the piano part comes out as the various midi drums that correspond to the notes from the piano track.
 
So I set the midi output to the computer's Microsoft synth, but then the note on the track I'm attempting to record sounds with the computer's patch about 1/4 second after I play the note on the digital keyboard.  That's what I'm trying to eliminate.  If there was an option to have no midi output on individual tracks, that would solve the problem, but I've only found that under Edit->Preferences and it's global, not track specific.
 
Until recently, I was doing that in Cakewalk on an XP box with no problems, but I was using a Sound Blaster card instead of the built-in sound system (there's really no sound card in a laptop) I'm now using.

I could record, edit, and work with the midi until I get it the way I want, and then record that onto an audio track.  That would solve the problem, but it adds a lot of steps in a multi-track recording.

The MS synth is notorious for producing latency. Dump it.

To say as others have tried, Use a soft synth.

Jerry

actually I use ASIO4all over WASAPI on my midi only system. I tested both and ASIO4all was much better latency and stable as a rock. Been using this for 6 month now. 
If the OP switches to soft synths he will no longer need to record audio. 
But for audio you absolutely need a proper ASIO interface. 

Also, I did use ASIO4All on my laptop when I was doing remote mixing. Until I got my ADK Pro laptop that is.

MerlinSuderman
 
I still find the software incredibly difficult to learn and work with.  I've supported computer systems for over 20 years and I've written documentation for a company with $500 million in annual software sales.  In dealing with Sonar I've run into a lot of "Just do XXX" and I don't have the slightest clue what "XXX" is or how to do it.

This is my challenge exactly.  I've no experience with recording or DAWS, but can work around computers with the best of them.  This forum has by far been the best resource for me.  I started at level 0 right at a year ago, and I have learned a ton since.  I've started several threads here on issues, and without fail the good folks here have been able to help me.   Or, at least help me through my mass Confusion. 

Right now I'm not looking for a studio sound done by pros.  I'm looking for something I can share with friends.  Unfortunately, I'm a cancer survivor and that cost me my employment, so I don't have the $$ for some of the suggestions I've seen. 
 
Here's something I've done.  I can do better with editing and balancing, but I had a hardware issue and lost all the original tracks, so all I've got left is the .WAV file.  If I can get to this level with the ability to balance the tracks better, that's about all I need.

MerlinSuderman
..The tutorials with the program seemed geared to the latest features in editing and made the assumption that any user was already familiar with basic functions.

 
I found that Groove 3 Sonar Explained is a really good video tutorial course to have, keep and refer to.