The problem i state here did not occur with last guitar effects pedal, only after using PodX3live. I use RMEMultiface as primary soundcard, when playing guitar thru X3 live (new pedal) into input of multiface, the audio track i use on Sonar for the guitar, the vol slider will not control the volume of the guitar, only the vol controls of the x3 will adjust vol, but if i turn the vol down on the x3 enough to here the backup tracks for recording, the vol of my guitar track when played back is too low to make decent mix. (the vol slider does work on the track vol after the recording, but the recorded track itself turned all the way up at this point is still too low). I loaded the drivers for the X3 but did not elect to use it as a sound card. The other thing i noticed about the x3, is as soon as the computer boots up, the X3 will play into my sound system, whereas before, my last guitar pedal would not go through the sound system until i opened Sonar, selected an audio track with inputs the guitar pedal is routed to, as i do now, but appears the x3 is inputing else where as well. (or I may not know what the heck is going on!) any ideas? captg

As far as it playing back as soon as Sonar is opened could be an Input Echo being turned on on any one channel.

Are you using the XLR direct outs from X3 into the Multiface XLRs?  or some other set up?

I see that the Multi doesnt have XLR ins,  Hmmmm 

Maybe Balanced XLR to TRS cables is the way Id go if thats not what you have setup   

As far as the levels, it kind of sounds like a routing issue on the Multiface to me but Id check all routing real close on both RME and Sonar  

I use the live out of the x3 into the RME multiface inputs as before with the other pedal. I just tried changing the windows "playback Device" from the "Rme speakers" to the "X3 speakers" setting and found that i could set the recording level on the sonar audio track for the guitar using the x3 pedal master vol or the vol pedal itself,... and then the vol slider control on the Sonar track would control the vol level i actually hear played while recording to the other backup tracks. The recorded guitar track then could be more closely adjusted in vol to match the other tracks in the final mix. I will keep trying different combos but this will work for now. However, the ultimate gold would be to have the pedal set at the optimum vol for its output and use the recording track vol control on Sonar to set the optimum vol control for the recorded mix.   Unless....if the vol pedal on the x3 has the same quality output level regardless of how loud the pedal output is set at, then i think the above settings will be fine. My next thought is...the RME multiface is a better sound card interface than the X3 Live? Right?

Yes Im thinking the RME is better as far as the card.

Id have to read the manual to see the difference on the Live out from the direct outs. 

I always run direct outs into interface, 
make sure the X3 isnt clipping through any parts of the song as played,
then check my interfaces mixer and set it as high as possible without clipping
then I route that to input into my Sonar track and generally adjust the Main Volume knob (Not the pedal) on the X3 to achieve an input onto the track of -12 to -9 and try to keep it from peaking over -6.

Heres what the manual says on it, maybe it will help


23 Live Out – the unbalanced 1/4-inch connectors here get your POD X3 Live’s sound to a guitar amplifier, recorder, mixer or PA system.
The Output display pages configure these outputs for Studio or Live use. In Studio Mode, they’re ready to plug into a recorder with unbalanced –10 dBV inputs. In Live Mode, they don’t have speaker simulation, and are ready for connection to an on-stage power amp. Whichever you choose, the front panel Master Volume knob determines how much signal you’ll get at these jacks. You can use either jack as a mono output, by the way.


Link to Manual

http://line6.com/data/6/0...%20(%20Rev%20E%20).pdf

As far as your question:
" the audio track i use on Sonar for the guitar, the vol slider will not control the volume of the guitar, only the vol controls of the x3 will adjust vol"     


Thats is all part of standard gain staging which I explained on how I set mine up. When recording, what you have set up as the signal coming in is what you have and the slider should have no effect on what you see being captured as you record.


As far as being able to hear the mix the way you need to to lay down your X3 guitar track,  adjust those sliders for the tracks already laid down to where your happy with what you can hear but MAKE SURE to set the X3 tracks levels as I explained for the track you will be recording.  

I was lost for a minute trying to figure out what you were getting at in the original post but I understand now.  I think what you have setup is correct, just the understanding of what Sonar is actually doing might have you confused a little bit     

Just follow what I put out there for ya and that will get you going.

It sounds like you need to get a better understanding of setting up for recording initially as far as gain stage, all the levels and routing, and the basic processes of recording with/when other tracks are playing   Then the mixing comes once you have caught all your tracks, thats when you will worry about the faders.  

Please dont take this statement wrong, I dont mean any disrespect by it. Just kind of what Im thinking to help you get there and understand the initial setup and what is actually going on    

Basically I think you can IGNORE all my other posts LOL but this and the one where I explain how I set up for recording with mine.  Sorry for so many edits, I was confusing myself  

Others might chime in with a better/easier way to explain it   

You have great equipment so I wouldnt question that at all

Ill check back later to see how your coming, please keep us posted

Thanks so much for the input, I am truly an amatuer over his head but love trying to put together tracks to make simple songs. Short, fat fingers makes me have to put simple guitar tracks down, but stuff you can lay down for back up with a keyboard is amazing. I will try some different setups tomorow. I put a song I put together on Sonar on Sound Cloud but don't know the link, search on GirlDream and it will pull it up. It will show how simple I have to play but is very pleasant. Thanks again for the help. captg

Hey man, you are welcome

I dont mind taking the time to help with what I know to get you going

Ill see if I cant find some videos on it even if I have to make one.

What you are trying to do and your thinking on it is RIGHT

We just got to get you up to speed on the Sonar part