Ricebug
@cpkoch
Just joined the forums and this is my first post.
 
If you want some help, feedback, guidance, you can send me a .MID file and I'll have a peek at what you're doing. I don't see an email link here, so...
 

 
Please please don't feel obligated. I am simply curious if you've taken a look at the MIDI I linked.

Hi Conrad, I wanted to bump this to see how you are fairing. Probably the most rudimentary thing (which may be your intent) is to apply previous MIDI data to a soft synth. As Cactus said, the file must be saved as a cwp, and the quickest method is to insert a soft synth (from the browser on the right (hit "B" to open close)), assign the patch you want, and shift-drag the MIDI data from the imported file into the soft synth track (shift-drag locks the data's start time so you won't accidentally jog the timing during the drag). Once you get the hang of this, and are more familiar with soft synths/patches, it is fairly simple to reassign the "sound" of each track that you want to keep.
 
Many older .mid files are actually nicely done, so a simple assignment to a soft synth is all that is "needed." Based on the MIDI file you linked, it seems this is what you were after, but not sure.
 
 

Thanks Mike ... I have been doing a lot of trial and error processing of Midi tracks and while doing so, I am learning bit by bit.   I've been importing Midi Tracks and having them all outputted to the CW  TTS-1 Synth.  That process seems restrictive so I just tried doing what another suggested i.e.; creating a CW TTS-1 synth for each track and then assigning an instrument.  So far this seems like the better way and the instrument, it seems,  doesn't revert to (say) piano  when the track is re-started. I'm getting there and enjoying the experience.  
 
I just watched a video on Cakewalk University (I think it is called) and watched a couple of dudes creating a composition including synth instruments. live guitar and  synth drums.  I was taken by the idea of using the Matrix View to mix and match various instruments while arranging a track. At least I think that was what I saw!  I need to look into that  idea more.  Does it ever end???  The flexibility of Sonar is remarkable.