I'm working with Guitar rig 5:
(Of course the first thing I do is create an audio track for the guitar)
When I load GR as an effect I cannot use my foot pedals to automate the parameters-
no midi gets through.
However, If I load GR as a syth and use a midi channel to control GR it works perfectly.
Does anyone know why?
It's not my midi foot pedal controller and its not a driver problem. It must be a limitation with either/and GR /Sonar X3
or user ignorance!
(and forgive me if this has been answered in an earlier post)

It is a Cakewalk design issue. Prior to SONAR X3 in order for a plug-in to receive or send MIDI data it had to be configured as a synth. Since synths can be placed in the FX bin, configuring effect plug-ins like Guitar Rig as a synth should not be a problem. The only downside of setting up effect plug-ins as synths is the plug-ins appear in the synth menu. Design changes in X3 eliminated the need to configure plug-ins as synths in order to receive or send MIDI data.