GeoRam, once again, Kalle is spot on ^^^^^

Why would you want to record with Fx on if you're unhappy with it afterwards & want to change something?

If you read the guide that came with X2, it says if you want to use a USB mic, you have to use WDM mode. It won't work with ASIO mode. 

@ John- Thanks for welcoming me to the forum. I love learning new things every day! That bit of info on 24 bit and 16 bit sure does clear some light up on the benefits. I understand Sonar X1 is a pro level program, which is why I have decided to jump into it. I figured, I've learned FL9&10 which is considered to be a toy by many, but you can still get great results. then I moved on to AdobeAudition3 for about a year and it seems like a great program, but now I'm ready to take the plunge into Sonar X1. One thing that I like doing when recording is adding a compressor to the channel in which I am recording. I go easy on the compression about, 2 ratio and a quick attack. I've recorded my vocals for a few years now so I know the sweet spot for them. This keeps my 16 bit from spiking or clipping on the recordings. Of course depending on what the track calls for I think add the FX after I have recorded (reverb,delya,etc.) The only FX I use when recording is the compressor, which would be the same thing as using an actual compressor that is hooked up to the mic and the soundcard, excetp I'm doing it digitally and the vocal is still technically dry minus the compression which just keeps it from clipping and even on levels.***Because you don't seem to need at present a multi channel card one that offers 2 channels would not break the bank and serve you well.***Do you have one in mind??? My X2U works with Sonar X1 if I put it under the WDM mode, except I have to plug the cans into the X2U to get latency free audio. Only problem with that is that I also have to guess the volumes. The X2U has two volume dials one for the monitors and one for volume the third is a mic gain.So I can actually raise the volume on the monitor/headphones, but that would not be same level as the volume that is on sonar X1. BTW, I'm wondering why I'm adding spaces between sentences here, yet it keeps jumbling everything into one paragraph.... @Kalle- Sorry, I guess I wasn't specific about the fx when recording. The only fx I like to add when recording is a compressor.This gives me a nice vocal with nice levels right out of the gate and keeps the vocal from clipping etc. Then when I'm actually mixing everything together I'll add reverb, delay, etc. @Daveny5- The mic is not a usb mic. But the X2U is an interface that hooks up to the condensor mic, the X2U plugs into the usb port of the laptop. I'll check the guides Sonar included when I downloaded the program form their website.Yup just checked the guide you are correct on that one.

The mic is not a usb mic.

welcome to the forum. there are some very informative people around here.


you may have to state "The mic is not a usb mic." a couple of more times but it will eventually sink in to everyone.

John- Thanks for welcoming me to the forum. I love learning new things every day! That bit of info on 24 bit and 16 bit sure does clear some light up on the benefits. I understand Sonar X1 is a pro level program, which is why I have decided to jump into it. I figured, I've learned FL9&10 which is considered to be a toy by many, but you can still get great results. then I moved on to AdobeAudition3 for about a year and it seems like a great program, but now I'm ready to take the plunge into Sonar X1. One thing that I like doing when recording is adding a compressor to the channel in which I am recording. I go easy on the compression about, 2 ratio and a quick attack. I've recorded my vocals for a few years now so I know the sweet spot for them. This keeps my 16 bit from spiking or clipping on the recordings. Of course depending on what the track calls for I think add the FX after I have recorded (reverb,delya,etc.) The only FX I use when recording is the compressor, which would be the same thing as using an actual compressor that is hooked up to the mic and the soundcard, excetp I'm doing it digitally and the vocal is still technically dry minus the compression which just keeps it from clipping and even on levels.***Because you don't seem to need at present a multi channel card one that offers 2 channels would not break the bank and serve you well.***Do you have one in mind??? My X2U works with Sonar X1 if I put it under the WDM mode, except I have to plug the cans into the X2U to get latency free audio. Only problem with that is that I also have to guess the volumes. The X2U has two volume dials one for the monitors and one for volume the third is a mic gain.So I can actually raise the volume on the monitor/headphones, but that would not be same level as the volume that is on sonar X1. BTW, I'm wondering why I'm adding spaces between sentences here, yet it keeps jumbling everything into one paragraph....

First unless you are using a hardware compressor you are not compressing the recorded audio. For a compression to work in recording audio it has to be prior to the A/D converter (that would be your X2U). With Sonar (any version) all recordings are made non destructively which means no FX is recorded at all. This wont prevent clipping or do anything to the signal if you place an FX in the tracks FX bin. Sonar applies FX on play back only or via a bounce or freeze.  Its also applied in mix down. It is never applied during recording.(We think this an ideal way to record).

Before I leave this subject; with Sonar or any DAW you control volume at the source not at the recording. This is very important to understand. Using too simple an audio interface will give you problems in actually determining levels and whats really going on.

What ever audio device you get be sure it has some sort of usable meters on it.  Try to get one where they put some effort into the mic preamps. If you wish to monitor with zero latency make sure it has that capability.

For a good solid audio device that will work with X1/X2 I think the Roland Quad Capture will be great or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. I'm sure others will offer suggestions as well.

For now you will be able to record with what you have so keep at it and learn it well. What you learn now will stay with you.

Questions are welcome at any time.

You are going to make a great member to this forum. I am very happy to be of some service.