R3 and Sonar together, a few noob questions

[jeffie7]

I just picked up an R3 keyboard, I'm using it with Sonar 7, it is hooked up to the computer with the USB cable.

3 questions that are hopefully easy to answer.

1. Is there any instrument definition files for the R3 so I can use Sonar to change what sound I'm using?

2. Is there any way to sync the R3 with sonar's tempo, as of right now I will hold down a key on the R3 and with my other hand tap out the tempo into sonar with pretty little luck at getting it just right, I really need to use the tempo knob on my R3 to tweak it to the point of it sounding somewhat on time. I'd love for sonar to tell the R3 what tempo to use when playing back some of the built in sounds.

3. When playing with the keyboard live, I find that sometimes there's a delay when turning the knobs to change the effects. Once I turn the knobs to the point of the effects kicking in, it will work in real time with zero issues, however the first 2-3 seconds of turning the knobs it doesn't seem to do anything. Is this common or is my R3 slow, maybe a firmware update?

Thanks for the help! This is my first ever Korg product, hopefully not my last, so far it's been very fun to work with I'm just having issues with it in sonar.

[GWGumby]

2: Yes, there is. Make sure the R3 is set to allow for external sync. Then set up your Sonar project to run as the MIDI clock master. It is not on by default.

This is copy and pasted from Sonar support, hopefully this is correct. Unfortunately, my equipment is not available for me to tell you the exact steps myself.

MIDI Sync

MIDI Sync is not the same as MIDI Time Code. MIDI Sync is a type of synchronization that is usually used to synchronize drum machines, desk top hardware sequencers, and internal sequencers that are in keyboards. The MIDI Sync format uses a timing resolution of 24 Parts Per Quarter Note and Song Position Pointer messages. When using MIDI Sync one of the units must be designated as the clock source.
Options | Project | Clock

Set the clock source to MIDI Sync.

Follow the directions from your drum machine or hardware sequencer to have it transmit MIDI Sync. When you start Playback on Cakewalk, a MIDI Sync dialog box will indicate that Cakewalk is waiting for MIDI Sync. Then start your drum machine or external sequencer and Cakewalk will begin to play.
Trouble Shooting Problems with MIDI Sync

If you experience problems with MIDI Sync when Cakewalk is the master clock source verify that your external devices are configured correctly to respond to MIDI Sync. There is usually a Clock option that should be set to External or MIDI.

If Cakewalk does not respond to MIDI Sync, verify that your external devices are configured correctly to transmit MIDI Sync and remember only one device can be the master clock source. Also, make sure that you have highlighted the driver for your MIDI interface on the Input side of Settings | MIDI Devices.

If your computer locks up when using MIDI Sync, it is probably caused by a MIDI loop with an external device. To solve this problem either turn the MIDI Thru off on the external unit (sometimes called MIDI Echo or something similar) or select Settings | MIDI Thru in Cakewalk and set the Thru Mode to None.
Configuring Cakewalk as the Master Clock Source
Options | Project | Clock

Set the Clock source to Internal clock.
Options | Project | MIDI Out

In the MIDI Out dialog box select Transmit MIDI/Start/Continue/Stop/Clock and select Transmit MIDI Song Position Pointer. By default Cakewalk will send a "continue" message if you do not start Playback from the beginning of a sequence. If you use a drum machine and only have it play individual patterns instead of songs, then select the Use Start, Never Continue option.

The Locate Delay for SPP Recipient option sets the amount of time Cakewalk will wait before starting Playback after sending the SPP message. This delay allows devices to jump to the correct location before play starts. This value is in 18ths of a second. For some slower equipment you may need to experiment with this value.

When Cakewalk starts to play a sequence, it will transmit the MIDI Sync information and your external devices will start to play.

[jeffie7]

Thank you for the reply, later on when I fire up the gear I'll give it a try, it will help so much having that timing.

[jeffie7]

I've tried almost every setting combo I can try and so far nothing.

Depending on what settings I have checked in sonar the arpeggiator sometimes will or will not work. either way, I cannot get the R3's tempo to change =(

Also still on the look out for a instrument definition file