Sanderxpander
They are entirely separate devices. You should hook up each device to an individual USB port on your computer. Don't think of them as needing to hook them up. You play midi into Sonar, so you need a midi keyboard. You want Sonar to play sound, so you need a soundcard.

So are you saying I can buy the Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Interface (for example) and plug my keyboard straight into the PC?
 
It sounds like you are, I'm just double checking, as I don't want to buy the wrong thing.
 
thanks
 

You can use 2 midi devices - the interface w/ midi in/out and the keyboard w/ midi out, each on their own usb input.  You choose which one is active in SONAR.  I have a novation keyboard controller that I use mostly for midi input.  I've only use my interface's midi when I need a full size keyboard.  It is a mouseclick away.

be aware that the saffire only has mic pre's etc and you'd need to use both ports for a stereo sound module like I did..  I did ask the bloke in DV and found out this "issue" later. it's ok. BUT it's limited in expandability wise.
 
with regard to buying have a look at various pro audio companies in the UK... also buy an asio card..
 
guitar guitar, gak , absolute , dolphin,dv247, and more..
 
decide how many in's and outs you need.. yes some cards are more expensive... but think 2+ year on where you will be, so you don't need to rebuy again
 
maplin's is like US version of tandy/radio shack, they sell components and other bits.. but not the best for pro audio tbh.
 
 
 

thanks AT.
 
Thanks  Fog. The only ones with ASIO mentioned in the descriptions of those suggested in this thread are the first two suggested by Wizard71.
 
Are any of the other ones suggested on this thread ASIO ones, they don't appear to say so in the description?
 
Also, I read on another thread that there are some great sound cards but they have rubbish drivers for Windows 7. Anyone know if the drivers are reliable for the Roland one?
http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Roland-DUO-CAPTURE-EX-USB-Audio-Interface/MNW
 
Sorry to ask all these Qs but I would prefer to get the best one I can afford. I guess I could go up to £120 max.
 
thanks
 
thanks
 

If you sometimes use headphones, you may not be happy with an interface that doesn't have a separate headphone volume control.
 

The focusrite also has asio drivers. I would say that given the wide variation of PC configurations that people have it's difficult for anyone here to say that these cards or any others for that matter will work for you 100% but there is no reason either the Roland or focusrite wouldn't be a good choice. If you do have problems setting it up we can all help.


Bibs

Thanks a lot wizard71,
 
OK, the Roland DUO-CAPTURE EX USB Audio Interface looks favourite at the moment, but I can't buy anything til I have my audio settings right, because I am still stuck with no sound (details on my other thread here).
 
Hopefully I can sort that out, then buy the new interface.
 
thanks

the only issue with setting up the saffire 6 is / was there is a button for 2/4 outs.... if it doesn't match in ya asio settings on the pc , the driver won't work.. apart from that no issue with it.
 
but I would say as before , figure out how many in's / outs you will need.. it's better to buy more than have to buy another card later.
 

CoffeeTime
Thanks a lot wizard71,
 
OK, the Roland DUO-CAPTURE EX USB Audio Interface looks favourite at the moment, but I can't buy anything til I have my audio settings right, because I am still stuck with no sound (details on my other thread here).
 
Hopefully I can sort that out, then buy the new interface.
 
thanks

Hey CoffeeTime
don't worry, we have all faced the seeming mountain that is trying to set up Sonar for the first time when we know zilch about PC music/soundcards/computer music etc. you will get there.
don't bother trying to get your ViA onboard soundchip working (on your other thread) as these settings will all change when you get your new soundcard/audio interface anyway.
you'll get plenty of advice and even some support up here, have a look at the Coffee House and Songs forum for some more laid-back chat...i don't post too much on here any more but back in my early days I had a lot of help from this forum.
good luck and let us know when you get your new interface and the fun will begin!
Mark

The troubles in your other thread will melt away when you have a decent audio device. If you don't want to pull your hair out, you will have to pull your wallet out instead I'm afraid ;-)