I am trying to do a half step key/scale change for the second verse of a song I am recording. I recorded it in a single key. I've looked at AND FOLLOWED the Insert Meter/Key Change help topics and it was No Help At All.  It simply yields the same notes only apparently in a different key.  I want to change all the notes by moving them up a half step on the scale.  I can do it using Melodyne; but, it seems to  me there must be a simpler method.  Is there?  If so I'd welcome the  help in my understanding how to do it.  

Hi Conrad, just to be clear, are you talking about a key change or transposition? "I want to change all the notes by moving them up a half step on the scale" is a transpose function (assuming I interpreted you correctly).
 
I am not sure if this is MIDI or Audio, but the simplest method would be to use the Process->Transpose. If you choose to transpose audio (checkbox), the algorithm options pop up (dropdowns below that checkbox). You can play with these to see which suits your needs best. If audio, you will need to split clips so you can select only the second verse as an individual clip, then choose the "Process->Transpose"
 
Please be sure to save the project as a new name when messing around with new things so you can always go back to where you were if you do not like it.

For whatever the reason the Audio clip  did not seem to respond the the Transpose function. I split the verse leaving it on the original track; but, as I recall, the entire track was transposed.  Perhaps the term "splitting" the verses means I should actually place them on separate tracks. I shall try it again!

I thought that 'Transpose' in Sonar was a midi function, that alters the note numbers up or down, and that it would not affect audio.  (Perhaps I am wrong about that - I never use the function so have no real clue one way or the other).
 
I believe you can do this with either V-Vocal or Melodyne.  If doing with V-Vocal, I believe there may be issues if you do too big a selection of clip at a time - at least it used to fail if too big a clip was done at once.  So, with V-Vocal, I recall doing small chunks at a time.
 
I believe Melodyne has the same sort of functionality available, and if you are moving an that small an interval (1 half or 1 whole step), then I don't think it will create many (if any) noticeable artificats.
 
I would consult the documentation or find some YouTube videos on either of the above.
 
I use the Key Signature change function just to keep things represented in the correct key, if midi tracks get sent to something like Finale for printing scores and such.
 
Hope any of the above helps, 
 
Bob Bone
 

Thanks Bob!  Just for clarification I have used the Transpose function many many times to modify audio tracks that are within my vocal range.  What I am trying to figure out is whether or not the function works on "clips" within a track.  
 
 

I have never used it other than to play around. It is possible that the process affects the entire track rather than a selected clip. If that is true, you can still split the clip to isolate the verse and then shift-drag it to another track (to preserve timing). Once transposed to your liking, I would bounce that to clip (not sure if necessary, but won't hurt), then shift-drag it back to where it came from to keep effects in one track.

Again, I am not sure if that is needed, as I thought the process works on a selected clip.

If that workaround is required, I would be more prone to use Melodyne. I will test this when I am back at my DAW.
 
EDIT: The process can be applied to only selected clips. Will add a new comment to the thread.

cpkoch
Thanks Bob!  Just for clarification I have used the Transpose function many many times to modify audio tracks that are within my vocal range.  What I am trying to figure out is whether or not the function works on "clips" within a track.  
 
 

I'm not sure if any of the Track based parameters can affect only a single clip out of many.
 

SONAR_X3_Reference_Guide.pdf p. 758
You can transpose audio clips using Process Transpose, but the process is limited to half steps, and does not recognize the diatonic math feature that works with MIDI. So audio transposition will not follow the key signature. But if you just want to raise all the notes in the clip by the same specific number of half steps it should do that without a problem, which is what is sounds like you need to do.

Confirmed. I use audio pitch transposition on clips all the time, even on little ones like individual snare hits to add some variety to drum sounds.

V-Vocal only works on MONO audio tracks. Also, Melodyne Essentials, that came with X3 only works on Mono audio tracks. If you are trying to transpose audio tracks that have chords in them you will have to have the full version of Melodyne. The Transpose feature is MIDI only.