So I've been trying to figure out how to do this easily while avoiding ACT-learning every single control. Yes, I've searched. Maybe someone can help me out, because apparently my search chops just aren't up to snuff.

My setup:
Akai MPK88
Line 6 FBV Shortboard mkII
Guitar Rig
Zebra
Pianoteq
Sonar X1

I have presets for GR/Zebra/PT in my MPK88 so I just select the presets and control the different parameters I have set up.

The problem comes in when I try to do all this in Sonar.

I can't figure out how to get the midi CCs to just pass through to the effect/instrument VST directly. I know I can 'ACT-Learn' individual controls, but frankly that sucks. The control surfact/ACT configuration is the most convoluted piece of turd I've ever seen.

I just want the CCs to be routed directly to the VST's without Sonar getting in the way.

I'm able to do it in other software, Cantabile and Reaper specifically. The way Reaper handles it is logical.. you set up the midi input specifically for the device and channel you want to use, and tie it to the audio track, and it gets spit out to the effects. Yay.

How can I accomplish this in Sonar X1? I like Sonar, but this is frustrating enough to where I might sell my license and switch to Reaper full-time.

Am I stuck with ACT?

Are you asking for getting Guitar Rig to react to CC data from an external device?

If so, you have to:

1. Go into Utilities>Cakewalk Plugin Manager
2. Click on VST Audio Effects
3. Click on Guitar Rig
4. Click on Plugin Properties down at the bottom of the dialog box, under VST Configuration
5. Click on Configure as Synth, and OK/Close your way out.
6.  Either restart Sonar (with scan turned on at start), or rescan VST.
7.  Remove any instances of Guitar Rig from your tracks and re-insert as a synth

The above will position you to control Guitar Rig from your external devices.

Now, all of that is predicated on that being what you are trying to accomplish.  If I missed the boat - sorry, must need more coffee.

Bob Bone

I forgot to add that I use the above method to be able to control Guitar Rig 5 from my Axiom 61 Pro keyboard and also from my Behringer FCB1010 midi pedal board.

Bob BOne

Thanks bone!

I still feel like it was more complicated than necessary, but it's working now, thanks to you. You're the man.

Just in case anyone from the future is having this same issue...
I did all the steps bone said, but it still didn't work... I remembered some funky stuff happening with 32 vs 64 bit guitar rig before, so I removed my 32-bit VST folder from the scan, rescanned, and had to change it to Synth again. Apparently the 32 and 64 versions have a tendency to step on each other's toes.. not sure if that's a NI thing or a Cakewalk thing.

After that, I removed all instances of guitar rig (very important.. doesn't work if there are any straggling instances around) and then in the FX box of the track I added FX->SoftSynths->vstplugins->Guitar Rig

Works like a charm now! And it only took two or three obscure settings panels to get there!

Hey, Yeti!

Quit leaving those giant footprints all over the dang place.  You are keeping those idiotic bigfoot researchers on TV when they should be back to washing dishes or whatever else they were qualified to do before becoming self-proclaimed experts.

Bob Bone