Setting up MidiShaper in Cakewalk Sonar X2
Preparing Sonar for MidiShaper
After installing MidiShaper, open Sonar and go to "Utilities" -> "Cakewalk Plugin-Manager". Search for MidiShaper and edit its properties as shown in the screenshot (click the screenshot to display it in full size). Make sure that MidiShaper is configured as a synth.
Sonar created a registry key that we need to modify manually. To do so, open the "Run" application in Windows (Win-Key + R) and type "regedit" to open the Registry Editor.
Search for this key, or similar (please note that the key varies depending on the location of your VST folder):
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cakewalk Music Software\Sonar Producer\Cakewalk VST\Inventory\c:/program files/cakewalk/vstplugins/MidiShaper.dll
Replace "Cakewalk VST" with "Cakewalk VST X64" and "MidiShaper.dll" with "MidiShaper-64bit.dll" if running in 64-bit.
Change the value for "generateEvents" to "1".
MidiShaper is now ready for use in Sonar X2.
Modulating software devices that support MIDI Learn
Many current software synthesizers and effects support MIDI Learn. The way of functioning can be slightly different depending on the software you use.
Setting up MidiShaper
Insert MidiShaper on a new track by using the option "Insert Soft Synth". Make sure to enable "MIDI Output".
Insert the plugin that you want to modulate, for example Curve 2.
Set the MIDI Input of the new track to "MidiShaper" -> "MIDI Omni".
You can now modulate pitch, modwheel and aftertouch by assigning them to a source in MidiShaper's modulation matrix. If you want to control other parameters of your software device, you need to assign them via its MIDI Learn feature.
Assignment of parameters
Use MidiShaper's "Teach" function (1) and set it to a channel of you choice, for example to "1". The "Teach" function ensures that MIDI data is sent through the chosen channel only, while all other MIDI signals from MidiShaper are bypassed. This is necessary to avoid conflicts in the assignment, since the MIDI Learn function of many software devices is listening to all incoming signals.
Note that for some reasons Sonar X2 doesn't seem to accept MIDI channel 0.
Use MIDI Learn (1) of your software device (for example Curve 2) to assign the incoming MIDI signal to a parameter of your choice (2). Important: After complete assignment make sure to set MidiShaper's "Teach" function to "Off". Now you can control the assigned parameter via MidiShaper's modulation matrix.
Modulating any software device
Software instruments and effects that don't support MIDI Learn can be controlled via a virtual MIDI port. You need to install additional software such as MIDI Yoke or LoopBe and add at least one virtual MIDI port.
Setting up MidiShaper
Go to "Preferences" -> "MIDI" -> "Devices" and activate the input of the virtual MIDI port. Don't activate the Output, otherwise it will be blocked and MidiShaper cannot use it.
In the tab "Control Surfaces" add a new one by clicking on the yellow "+" in the upper right corner. Choose "ACT MIDI Controller" as "Controller/Surface" and as "Input Port" choose the virtual MIDI port.
Assignment of parameters
Open the MIDI Controller Setup window. Make sure that the "ACT MIDI Controller" is chosen.
Enable the "Activate Controller Technology" (1). Then click on the software device that you want to control, for example Cakewalk Square (2). You will notice that the values of that device will appear in the MIDI Controller Setup window. We recommend that you lock it by clicking on the "Lock" option (3).
Now choose the virtual MIDI port (1) as output in MidiShaper. Use the MIDI teach-function and choose the MIDI-CC you want to assign.
Note that for some reasons Sonar X2 doesn't seem to accept MIDI channel 0.
Activate the MIDI Learn option (1) and click in the MIDI Controller Setup on the value you want to modulate (2).
Turn the MIDI Learn function off (1). Choose "Yes" when Sonar asks you to keep the assignements (2).
Don't forget to set MidiShaper's "Teach"-menu to off. Now you can use the matrix to add an LFO to the assigned MIDI-CC and control the value you've just assigned.
Recording the automation
We strongly recommend to record the automation data once you are finished editing.
To do so, choose the right value in the automation menu of the modulated software device, activate the automation "Write" symbol and play the track. The automation will be recorded.
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