Hi All!
 
I recently posted a thread asking for info on routing BFD2 drums to individual Sonar tracks.
 
I got some interesting comments, but no real suggestions on exactly how to do this.
 
There were comments comparing this process to that of Session Drummer.
Well, Here is an excerpt from the BFD2 manual that, for me, does anything but make it relative to that of Session Drummer!
 
If I could get someone to give me a "step by step" from the "Sonar" point of view, that would be awesome.
 
"In the synth properties dialog box that appears, you can choose to set up BFD2’s additional outputs in the Sonar mixer. Unfortunately, this dialog box does not include an option to create all the required stereo and mono outputs, so it is recommended to choose ‘All Synth Audio Outputs: Stereo’, and afterwards manually change the stereo channels created for BFD2’s mono 1-16 outputs to mono channels. If you do not know how to do this, please consult your Sonar documentation or contact Cakewalk support.
By default, all channels in BFD2 are routed to the Master channel in the BFD2 mixer, which is hard-wired to the first stereo output (output 1-2). In order to separate channels into discrete outputs, you must first route the relevant channels to the desired BFD2 outputs in the BFD2 mixer.
If you need to use BFD2’s MIDI Out function, remember to check the ‘Enable MIDI Out’ checkbox in the synth properties dialog.
 
This sounds a bit confusing to me.
 
Could someone simplify?
 
Harpo
 

When you insert BFD2 as a synth in sonar select "All Outputs" as an option in the Insert Synth Dialogue.

The BFD2 mixer has channels, busses and a master just like the Sonar console.  You need to set each BFD2 mixer channel to an individual output, which then becomes a channel in Sonar.

Can't help with more precise instructions as I always use the BFD2 mixer.

Hi Harpo
I was one who gave one of the (hopefully) interesting replies to your first post (Session Drummer 3 -vs- BFD?? ) and I can assure you my answer was correct.

This is what I do and it works for me, there may of course be other, and even better ways so perhaps others here will give you some.

Firstly, when when loading BFD via the synth rack I will check the option,
"all synth outputs to stereo" which is indeed slightly confusing for it is a lie or at best a half truth. What is gives you in reality is, 8 stereo outs and 16 mono outs. When you select this option go to the BFD mixer page, there at the bottom of each individual channel you will see your ouputs, they wlill all say, "Master" as that is their default. BFD doesn't rout them for you, it just gives you the routing options for you to set up how you want.
Click on and of these outputs that say master and you will see your ouput options, the fisrt will say "master" and it's stereo, the next are numbered 2 to 8 these are also stereo and the following. "numbered 1 to 16" are mono.
Really you should just experiment, load up BFD, load a BFD 2 preset, (these give you, both kit and mixer setting in one preset and will often have a midi loop loaded too so you can just hit play once the kit has loaded)
You'll notice that in the sonar track (or console) view the meters will be registering but only on the first 2 channels. This is because (as it says) BFD defaults to the stereo master. Now, whilst bfd is playing a loop, go back to the BFD mixer and select a different output (remember, the bottom of the channel where it says master) you should now see whatever outputs you selected BFD's mixer will now be registering on sonars meter.

I also posted a link for you on your other thread
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0oEN3P73pk&feature=related))
It's a hard tutorial to follow because he covers so much and too quickly for those who are noobs as was I when I first watched it, but it's actually a really good tutorial for anyone mixing drums.

Next question? :)

Good luck, you will fall more in love with BFD and feel (hopefully) better for the knowledge acquired.

Steve

Also, when you watch the tutorial, you'll notice that he's routing everything through the master so as to demonstrate how good BFD's mixer is.

What I mean is, you don't always have to bus BFD out to different channels in your host sequencer. Obviously if you want to add third party fx  you will need to but the ones that come with bfd a damn good and IMO better than most (if not all) of sonars.

Steve

Thanks Twaddle, and Karyn!
 
Unfortunately, what Karyn describes was not my experience when trying to route channels with the "straight ahead" approach. (i.e. Session Drummer).
 
Now Twaddle:
 

You'll notice that in the sonar track (or console) view the meters will be registering but only on the first 2 channels. This is because (as it says) BFD defaults to the stereo master. Now, whilst bfd is playing a loop, go back to the BFD mixer and select a different output (remember, the bottom of the channel where it says master) you should now see whatever outputs you selected BFD's mixer will now be registering on sonars meter.

 
This is where I was confused!
 I experimented with the "step by step" you gave and finally figured it out.
 
I wish it was as straight ahead as some suggested, but it's not really.
 
When you look at the BFD "Stereo" track options listed in each track in Sonar it's clear that each option (Left, Right and Stereo) are part of the same track thus there all listed as "1"
 
In the "Mono" options, is  where I was confused.
 
BFD2 m01: Left (Mono), BFD2 m02: Right (Mono), for instance, are "seperate" tracks! Even though they're listed as if they could be the same (i.e. bfdm01:Left, ....02:Right, and 01:Stereo
 
Just a bit confusing to me.
 
I really appreciate the clarification everyone who chimed in!
 
Now, Let's see what other trouble I can get myself into!
 
Thanks Again!
 
Harpo 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hi

I am SO GLAD you posted this, I was struggling with the same issue.

OK, let's assume I get my ahead around the logic.

I reroute all my BFD tracks correctly per the REALLY CONFUSING "clear" instructions. 


1) Can I save that configuration in BFD for easy recall so I don't have to do it each time?
2) Let's say I have them all "matched up" - how do I actually RECORD in SONAR from BFD?

I just spent FIVE HOURS trying to.  OK, I didn't have the routing info, but, I couldn't even record the first stereo pair.

I don't know HOW TO.


So - I can Insert BFD into my synth rack; I can select "All Stereo" or whatever it is, SONAR then makes the 16 tracks, then I now have to do this other bit of work in BFD, to make them "match".  Say I've done all that.


What, in SONAR, do I do next?  Because, when SONAR creates the 16 tracks - NONE of them have an "R" or Record button.

So I don't understand the process - OK, SONAR "knew" there were 16 tracks, it creates them - yet, I cannot record them.


I have pre-existing Audio Tracks, and I am trying to create drum tracks as overdubs.  I WANT to record 16 tracks of drums, in SONAR.


WHAT DO I DO?



Please advise.


Thanks, frustrated out of my mind with these two very confusing tools!


I can run soft synths all day in SONAR, no problem.  EXCEPT for BFD2 - it simply does not WORK.


Help.



thank you


dave

Are you running BFD as a plug in?

Ah, right, it seems you are. So next question - are you getting audio coming from BFD on the Sonar tracks?

Dave
I just responded to your post on the bfd forum and it took me ages,
(so many questions) and I see you have some new ones for me :)

Number 1, yes you can, when you have set up a basic mix and routing config
in bfd's mixer page just hit, "save bfd preset" (Note saving bfd preset will save both the kit and mixer settings, if you want just the mixer settings you have save as "mixer" but, if you want to have your mixer setting load as bfd;s default start up you will have to save as "bfd preset" and then load a different kit afterwards. Then just give it what ever name you like.
By default it will save it in your preset folder which is in,
C:\Users\YOUr\Documents\FXpansion\BFD2\Presets

If you go to the last page, (preference and data) in bfd  and you'll see "start up preset" with a little drop down, there you can set it to load your preset as the default start up, so now when you insert bfd in to a new project it will load it just as you saved it. Very cool indeed.

Question 2, As I said I have given the best I can on that one but just to say again, "Bounce To tracks"
If however you are using the loops inside bfd you can export them as audio but that's the long way round and will only confuse you more :)

Steve

Dave
Further to my point about there being no need what so ever to record bfd's outputs to audio I would say the ONLY possible reason for doing this is when your system becomes overloaded and your cpu is too high so you get stuttering and pops and drop outs. Then, and only then would it be necessary.


Seriously, your system specs are just very slightly less than mine and on this new machine projects that were hitting 40% - 50% on the cakewalk meter
are now down to around 6% - 10% so if yours are much higher then your problem is probably elsewhere.

Also with regards to mixing, use the bfd mixer and effects, they are seriously top notch and much better than sonars.
I just loved the way you add an axillary channel in bfd.
As I said, watch the tutorial I gave you the link to, about 20 times ought to do it

Steve