If you aren't getting the results you want why not set up a control map on the PCR that outputs everything from the pads on an unused channel, say 16. Set the Matrix channel to listen to 16 and you're done.

I'm really not sure why you are seeing what you are, I suspect it might be to do with the mapping. The matrix responds to all ports which as far as I'm concerned is a good thing.

Naturally I can always use a separate midi channel for the matrix, liek we used to 20 years ago or so. But why would I need that when multi port midi support is implemented everywhere else in Sonar? Unless I set the Matrix to a specific midi channel and avoid this midi channel with with every midi port I can't use a midi controller to play a soft synth and at the same time have the matrix' cells mapped to trigger on midi. This feels a bit ancient and unneccessary. Multi midi port support would be so much easier.

FastBikerBoy, how were you able to get the matrix to trigger from the pads on your PCR? With the default Sonar control map (1) the A-pads trigger on CC80 and B-pads on CC81 over midi channel 1-8, which means if the matrix is set to omni, all cells mapped to an A-pad would trigger at the same time, and if you set the matrix to listen to a specific channel you can only use one A and one B-pad, per default, without changing the control map. It seems the matrix midi learn ignores midi channels.
So I wonder how you were able to map cells to different pads?

The standard Sonar map I doubt would work. I don't really use my PCR for this anyway but I did try it when I saw your post because I knew it was possible. I'd used that when I was prepping for some of the X2 video work.

Anyway I had a look to see why mine works and I can only assume as I suspected - it's a mapping thing. I'm using a map set up for one of my drum machines. The pads are mapped to notes as per a GM Drum kit, the down side is that the assigned matrix cells will also be triggered when playing those notes on the keyboard.

However it's just as easy to map the buttons to "out of normal range" notes on a different port and that will work. Try this...

1. Map pads A1 - B8 to notes 0 - 15 on Port 2.
2. MIDI learn matrix cells/columns to those pads
3. Set synth track input to PCR Port 1.

The only problem you'll have now is if you want to play MIDI notes 15 or lower on the keyboard as they will also trigger the Matrix cells/column but of course you can map the pads to any notes in the higher octaves, or any others you are unlikely to use.

If you need the full MIDI note range you're stuffed but otherwise that works. AS you have a 300 I doubt that's the case anyway. Even on the 800 it's not very practical to use the full range.

HTH

Thanks Karl,

That's what I thought. It's not me then, it is Sonar this time. With the same setup/mapping you get the same result as I get. 

The interim solution is to either map the pads to out of normal range, as you suggest, or use a dedicated midi-channel. 

The proper solution would be for Cakewalk to implement multi midi-port support for the Matrix. Then we wouldn't have this "problem". It can't be that hard. After all it is available everywhere else in Sonar. I'll put that in the suggestion box.

The proper solution would be for Cakewalk to implement multi midi-port support for the Matrix.

+1