Using Sonar Professional...longtime cakewalk user. Mainly MIDI stuff though.
Typically use MIDI Modules...but want to move on if possible.
Here is where I am lost!
 
I want to use some of the new VST bundles, maybe "Perfect Drums", etc.
How in the world does this get from some to audio... USB?
What is I want a bass VST also
Maybe A keyboard B3 VST
Do you have to have a multiple out put USB or some thing.
 
I am missing the concept...but recognize the advancement...id that's possible
 

Hi PMR & welcome to the forum. This is a great place for info on Sonar & great tips.
Question: Are you using an audio interface? 

Thanks for the reply.
Right/previous I use Sonar with a Korg X5DR for my midi.
I run this into a Behringer PMP6000, into VS1220 speakers...this is bedroom only type stuff... no gigging anymore...to old...or tired...or something.
 
I plug my audio out into the board in a separate channel to play with backing tracks, or play with a midi file. So basically I'm using the standard laptop audio output.
 
I have recently sold all my Mesa/Triaxis and cabinets to move to the new AXE FX II. Not a Boogie...but close.
I run the AXE into a separate Presonus 5 pair...which is pretty darn good, maybe not a Mesa, but thechnology has evolved a lot.
 
I also now run the PMP into a separate Presonus 5 pair.
 
Overall the sound is cleaner...but
I want to take advantage of using the VST technology, like "Prefect Drums" or something. I'm just not sure how to configure this type of system.
 
I assume all the VST's etc are handled in Sonar for control and mixing...then sent out of some audio outputs...that's where I'm lost. I assume there is a device that goes from a USB that has audio outputs, maybe multiple...but I am ignorant on the subject.
 
Thanks for your time.
 
Mike

VST instruments are placed on an audio track, they receive the MIDI which controls them from a MIDI track. There are also "instrument tracks" which are the two tracks combined into one, but personally I prefer keeping audio and MIDI on different tracks because I find that easier to work with. The "inset synth" dialogue will handle all this for you.

The audio track with the output from the VST gets handled and mixed in Sonar just like any other audio track, so there's no need for extra audio hardware outputs to handle it.

I suggest working through the relevant help tutorials.

tlw

I suggest working through the relevant help tutorials.

Yep, this is your best bet.  Start with the tutorials on CW's channel.  YouTube is also a huge resource.
 
The good news is that you're not starting as a complete beginner, so (presumably) you already have a handle on the MIDI and audio recording side of things (which is usually the bulk of the DAW learning experience).

You already have experience with MIDI, so that's a big leg up. Think of a VSTi (whether bass, keys, drums or digeridoo) as just another synthesizer, but one that lives inside your computer.
 
I'd recommend experimenting with the TTS-1, which you already have. It can do drums, bass and organ. Go to the Insert menu and select it from the list of synths. A dialog box will pop up where you can check two boxes labeled "create MIDI track" and "first synth audio outputs".  From there it's just a matter of pointing the MIDI input selector to your keyboard and hitting Record.

Sonar Professional comes with lots of good synths. 
For Bass try the SI Bass, You may have to transpose you midi tracks up 12 ( octave) 
For drums you will have Addictive Drums 2 which is Sonars best offering. 
You want to change it to GM mode to pay your old drum parts. 
 
You can get by without an audio interface if just working with MIDI,  I use asio4all on my  midi only rig. If you plan on doing any audio recording for sure you'll need to buy a good audio interface. Most come with midi ports so you can use your old gear still, but once you discover what you can do with the VST instruments you'll probably put those on a shelf. 
 
There is a few ways to insert VST soft synths. 
I use the browser on the right, look for the "instrument" icon at the top. 
From that drop down you choose the instrument you want. 
I use the "First synth audio output" as I don't use simple instrument tracks. I mostly work with my old midi I created on a Atari.  So I want to keep them as a plain old midi track. 
 
Once the VST becomes a track you can point any midi tracks output at it. This is the same as you would have been doing to point the track at your midi output device. 
 
Trying the TTS-1 is a good idea as it is a GM synth that plays all 16 channels. It will play any midi file.