Video: https://youtu.be/1lBwwGu0bvA

 
It works when using my Maschine as a MIDI controller but not with my Roland A-800. I don't get it.

 
 
Hard to see in your video as you move way to fast, but looks like your hitting F#1 so that would be hi hat. The above is the GM midi drum map. Some VSt drums use different key assignments found in the user manuals. 
 

Thanks for the response, Johnny.
 
I figured it was just a general feature in SONAR but I still don't understand why it works for one controller but on the other controller, playing the same keys, doesn't.

Need to make sure each MIDI device is sending the same note values for the "same" pitch. AFAIK, there is no standard and is the reason SONAR has a "Base Octave for Pitches" setting found in Preferences > Customization > Display. Of course, when working with different devices the user must decide which one is the standard.

scook
Need to make sure each MIDI device is sending the same note values for the "same" pitch. AFAIK, there is no standard.

 
Yes, you're correct. The issue dates back to the very earliest days of MIDI. The problem arose because the MIDI spec defines note 60 only as "middle C." Based on the ISO standard, note 60 is considered C4. However if the lowest octave is considered -1 instead of 0, then C5 is middle C. Some software and hardware even considers the second octave as 0, so you have a -1 and -2 octave and C6 is middle C. Oh well...

If  I could have seen in your video which note was playing but even when I froze the video I didn't see what your F#1 was showing in PVR. 
Every controller is different but the Roland which looks like an 88 key it should start at B0 and will be the standard. 
I have no clue what you buttons on the Machine relate to, those appear to be drum triggers. 

Thanks, guys.

I'll look into this some more. I'll start by confirming that both controllers are on the same octave - even though I'm pretty sure they are.