Hello there:
I am considering getting these two sythns as part of an upgrade to my rig.

However, given Sonar is the central nervous system of my setup, I am wondering if anyone has used one or both of these keyboards with Sonar. Specifically, how they integrate for recording. I have read mixed reviews and opinion on their integration with Windows but nothing specific to Sonar. For example: How much control can I have over either keyboard from within Windows or Sonar so that I'm effectively using the keyboards, that is apart from playing.

Given this is a tremendous investment for me, especially because I am going to be eating crackers and Ramen noodles for a while after I purchase, I need to know I am making the right decision.

Most of my current Synth are about 15 - 20 years old.

Thanks my friends.

Audioicon
Hello there:
I am considering getting these two sythns as part of an upgrade to my rig.

However, given Sonar is the central nervous system of my setup, I am wondering if anyone has used one or both of these keyboards with Sonar. Specifically, how they integrate for recording. I have read mixed reviews and opinion on their integration with Windows but nothing specific to Sonar. For example: How much control can I have over either keyboard from within Windows or Sonar so that I'm effectively using the keyboards, that is apart from playing.


Given this is a tremendous investment for me, especially because I am going to be eating crackers and Ramen noodles for a while after I purchase, I need to know I am making the right decision.

Most of my current Synth are about 15 - 20 years old.

Thanks my friends.

I've been using the Yamaha Montage with Sonar for a little over a year and love it. This is now my go to synth, but still go back my other synths so they don't get offended. :-)

No problems interfacing with Sonar including automation and MIDI Continuos Controller functions. I even convinced Yamaha to add CC control over the "Super Duper Knob".

Walt

Kronos is my primary stage instrument and primary MIDI controller for SONAR. Works great as a controller and as a sound source. I also run my laptop into the Kronos' USB ports as a slave synth (via Cantabile). At the time I bought it, the Montage was my second choice. Congratulations on being able to afford both!

I don't use the Montage, but I have used the Kronos with Sonar for several years now. 
 
The Kronos uses a driver supplied by Korg, and I have had no issues with it. Sonar sees the Kronos as a MIDI and audio device just like it sees any other similar device.
 
There is a free editor for the Kronos, but it's 32 bit and won't work on a 64 bit PC. (I forget if there's a free 64 bit editor for Mac.) I finally got tired of waiting for a free 64 bit editor, and bought the Midi Quest 11 Pro Editor ($369...yikes!), which works with many instruments, not just the Kronos. 
 
What a joy to not have to squint at the small screen on the Kronos. I can now use the Kronos as a VSTi within Sonar. Other than the occasional random glitch it seems to work fine, and so far I have been able to do anything I want on the Kronos from within Sonar...switch modes, banks, combis, programs, scenes, GEs, change KARMA and other settings, etc. Having said that, I'm not a power user or an expert, or even close to that level.
 
I'm also not even a keyboard player. (I play guitar, although not so much since I broke my left wrist after slipping on ice 2 years ago.) My typical workflow for music production is to send some MIDI from Sonar to the Kronos (iow Kronos will play/sound the MIDI sent to it by Sonar), and audition various combis until something clicks. Then I make changes until I'm happy with the results, maybe editing the MIDI, changing to different programs or GEs along the way, and recording each timbre onto its own track in Sonar. I might also add some acid loops or whatever I think sounds good. Then it's mix/master time. It's actually far more involved than that, but I think you get the idea.
 
It's also possible to send MIDI from Sonar to the Kronos and at the same time record the MIDI thus generated by KARMA onto a separate track in Sonar. One can then use that MIDI as a new starting point, sending it back to the Kronos (edited or unedited) and seeing what it generates. 
 
The Kronos is truly a wonder, and an awesome tool for music production. It's also very deep and sometimes inscrutable, at least to me.

Thanks guys.
I am glad to hear others are using it with Sonar because it would be a no-go if your replies were otherwise.
I am going to be asking lots of questions in reference to Sonar when I ge things set up.

Thanks again!
 
AI

bitflipper
Kronos is my primary stage instrument and primary MIDI controller for SONAR. Works great as a controller and as a sound source. I also run my laptop into the Kronos' USB ports as a slave synth (via Cantabile). At the time I bought it, the Montage was my second choice. Congratulations on being able to afford both!

Thanks!

I upgrade hardware every 15 to 20 years. Unless something breaks. Currently my rig is old.
You know your rig is old when every driver needed is under Legacy page on the vendors website.
I also have the Integra 7.

This will keep me going for the next 15 years, unless I win the lottery or get adopted by a rich family. :)

Thank again.

bitflipper
Kronos is my primary stage instrument and primary MIDI controller for SONAR. Works great as a controller and as a sound source. I also run my laptop into the Kronos' USB ports as a slave synth (via Cantabile). At the time I bought it, the Montage was my second choice. Congratulations on being able to afford both!

By the way, I am also bracing for the complexity.

I am using a Kronos 2 with Sonar Platinum and can confirm they work very well together indeed. I don't think I can say any more than what others have said already about this.
 
The other thing I think you would also be pleased with is the sound of the Kronos together with your older synths. I have a rack of older Roland gear; an XV-5080, a Fantom XR and a V-Synth XT and sound of the Kronos works so well together with these in my opinion.