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!