Hi, just upgraded to X1 and trying to better understand SD3. 

- With a kit loaded, in the MIDI source track (PRV) I can see all of the instruments in the drum map. But there are many more instruments in the map than in the actual kit. Some of them are understandable, such as 4 different kinds of hits on the snare--these all map to the snare channel as expected. But other instruments don't really get  their own channel, they piggy back on some other channel. For example, if I play the bells, it will get recorded on channel 1, the kick channel. Does someone understand this behavior? What's actually happening? Why are those instruments there if I can't offer them a track to live on?

- Along the same lines, is it possible AT ALL to have more than 12 instruments/tracks in one SD3 project? I can load 2 instances of the SD3 synth into a project, but the second instance doesn't output any sound. Is that because I've not set it up correctly, or because it's a no-no?

Wisdom much appreciated, thanks.

The initial channel configuration when you set up a new instance of SD3 is that all instruments get routed to channel 1. The bells and bongos in the factory kits tend to be on the 4 pad instrument rather than on the kick, but, unless you set up the routing in the SD3 mixer, all the samples will play through channel 1. If you go right click on an instrument (in kit view or in the mixer) you can see the samples assigned to that instrument (and the midi note).

I don't have a problem loading up 2 instances of SD3 and getting sound from both. This seems to be the way to get more than 12 channels. Don't know why you can't load up 2.

Simon

Thanks Bigdogs,

I've routed all 12 channels to different instruments, it's just that those "extra" instruments high up in the drum map don't have anywhere to go to except channel 1. 

Good to know about the 2nd instance of the SD3, one question though, since the channels of the second instance become channels 13-25, how can you route any instruments to them? The mixer only allows you to select channels 1-12. 

The channel numbers in the SD3 mixer are not the same as the number of the Sonar mixer channels. So if you start with a single instance of SD3, it'll take up the first 12 audio channels in the Sonar mixer. The new instance will take up the next 12 outputs. 2 SD3 results in 26 outputs (12 Audio plus 1 MIDI for each SD3).

Make sure that you check the All Synth Outputs box when you start a new instance of SD3 so you get to see all your outputs.

I honestly don't know whether you should choose mono or stereo outputs - maybe somone else can help with this?

Simon

I see now that I had the tracks configured incorrectly on the second SD3, working now.

Right-clicking on the instruments was a good tip. I guess I can't force certain notes onto specific instruments or new tracks, but at least I can see better what's going on.

Thanks for your help!