Problem with Dim Pro and Aria player when playing strings/horns...

Hi,
I'm still using Sonar Platinum as I haven't switched yet.
I use strings from Dimension Pro using the Dim Pro player and also own Garritan samples and use the Aria player.
When I load commercially produced MIDI files from Hit Trax, sometimes my strings/horns play fine using both players, but sometimes I have to delete all controllers from the Event List to make them sound. Sometimes this works, sometimes I have to reboot. I think I may be losing articulation and dynamics though by deleting them.
Eventually, I usually able to get a mix done after wrestling a bit, but it's a big time waster.
My Aria player is updated to the latest version.
My question is, do you think I'd have success with something like Kirk Hunter Strings as I "think" they use the Kontakt player?
Thanks.

The main thing to remember about Aria Player is Volume=cc7 and Expression=cc1. The Aria Player relays on mod wheel info for expressive performance. Volume cc7 controls the volume on the mixer.
Thankfully, Expression cc11 is the same as 1! So I set the controller lane in Sonar or CbB, to midi control expression. This way you can set an overall volume for the instrument and control dynamics in the controller lane with control 11. This way you only have to make sure the instrument is setup correctly if you switch DAWs. The only thing you would maybe have to set would be Volume
Don't forget that General Midi controllers set pan, reverb, etc.

Unfortunately, sysex doesn't work on softsynths (neither does bank select).... I wish it did.

Do not load sysex info if no hardware connected. ARIA has an "issue" that the mod wheel in many cases affects volume, so if touched, it reacts, then goes to zero - a few work around for this are on the forums.

Another alternative (recommended) is a free SFZ player called Sforzando. That will tap into sound banks from both Dim Pro and Garritan automatically for you. Not quite as functional as the other two engines, but suffices in most cases easily.

Also, with Aria Player be sure in midi preferences to uncheck Zero Controllers on stop. This setting needs to be unchecked anytime you start a new project. I wish Sonar would remember this setting as aggravating as it is to deal with.

Thanks, yes, I've noticed that Controllers tick box. I'm wondering, can I use the free Kontakt player to sound Dim Pro and my Garritan Jazz and Big Band samples?
I used to have Kontakt 5 10 years ago, but the player often had problems on my system using Sonar, which I think was version 7. Anyone using the free Kontakt player?