Recording MIDI in Sonar

Follow these steps to start a new project and record tracks in Sonar:

  1. Start a new Project (File Menu > New > Normal, not necessary if you just opened Sonar)
  2. Set time and key signatures for Project (View Menu > Meter/Key, not necessary if you are not going to work with Staff View)
  3. Set Metronome (Options Menu > Project > Metronome)
    1. Set metronome to sound on Recording and Accent first beat
    2. Set Count-in to two measures
  4. Setup Basic Track Parameters (Columns in Track View)
    1. Set Channel Channel area
    2. Set Patch Patch area
    3. Set Volume and Pan (optional at this point)
  5. Arm track by pressing the Record button button
  6. Check if Start Position is where you want it to be
  7. When ready, press Record button on the transport, count-in 2 measures (8 beats) and start playing
  8. Rewind and listen to playback
  9. When done recording, disarm track by pressing the Record button button
  10. Repeat steps 4 to 9 for each track to be recorded

Suggestion: Save your work after recording each track

When done recording, open the Console View and set Volume, Pan, Reverb and other effects as needed for each track.

Introduction to Music Technology
Fall 2007
Department of Music
School of Visual and Performing Arts
C.W. Post Campus/Long Island University
John Meschi, Instructor