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As one of the oldest music composition programs (1987), all versions of Cakewalk Sonar can handle MIDI sequences, either via the classic “File / Import / MIDI” menu, or by dragging and dropping them into the main editing window.

Tutorial: MIDI functions and import in Cakewalk SONAR

1. Introduction to MIDI functions in Cakewalk SONAR

Cakewalk SONAR is a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW) offering a wide range of MIDI functions for music creation and editing. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) enables communication between different musical devices and software.

In Cakewalk SONAR, MIDI is used to :

Record and edit musical performances

Control virtual instruments and effects

Automate parameters

Synchronize different devices and software

2. Main MIDI functions

a) MIDI recording

Create a new MIDI track:

Click on “Track” > “New” > “MIDI Track”.

Or use the shortcut Ctrl+T

Arm the track for recording:

Click on the track's “R” (Record) button

Configure your MIDI input:

In the “Input” drop-down menu, select your MIDI controller

Start recording:

Click on the record button in the transport bar

Or press the R key

Play your MIDI performance

Stop recording:

Click the Stop button or press the space bar

b) MIDI editing

Open the Piano Roll editor:

Double-click on a MIDI clip in Track view

Use the editing tools :

Smart tool (1): for selecting, moving and resizing notes

Draw tool (2): for drawing new notes

Erase tool (3): for deleting notes

Adjust note properties:

Length: draw on note edges

Velocity: use the Velocity tool in the lower part of the editor

Pitch: move notes vertically

Use the grid for precise placement:

Adjust grid resolution in the “Snap to Grid” drop-down menu

c) Quantize

Select the notes to be quantized in the Piano Roll editor

Go to “Process” > “Quantize”.

Choose the quantization parameters:

Resolution: select the desired note value

Strength: adjust quantization application percentage

Swing: to add a groove

Click “OK” to apply quantization

d) MIDI effects

Open the FX window of the MIDI track:

Click on “Add” and choose a MIDI effect:

Arpeggiator: to create arpeggio patterns

Transpose: to change the pitch of notes

Chord Analyzer: to analyze and modify chords

Adjust effect parameters in its dedicated window

3. Importing a MIDI file

a) Drag-and-drop method

Open your computer's file explorer

Locate your MIDI file (.mid)

Drag it directly into SONAR's main window

b) Menu method

Go to “File” > “Import” > “MIDI”.

Navigate to the location of your MIDI file

Select the file and click on “Open”.

In the dialog box that opens, choose your import options

c) After import

Adjust tempo if necessary:

Modify the BPM value in the transport bar

Assign a virtual instrument:

In the track's FX window, add a VST instrument

4. Tips for beginners

Use the Step Sequencer function to easily create rhythmic patterns

Explore the Chord Wheel to generate and modify chord progressions

Use virtual instrument presets to quickly find inspiring sounds

Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow

5. Advanced techniques

Use the MIDI Transform function to apply complex modifications to MIDI data

Use MIDI Learn to easily map your MIDI hardware controls to SONAR parameters

Use Synth Racks to combine and control several virtual instruments simultaneously

Create complex MIDI routing configurations with MIDI Patch Bay

Enjoy creating music with Cakewalk SONAR!