Reference Guide

1375
No sound from my software instrument/synth
Troubleshooting
No sound from my software instrument/synth
Symptom: I have inserted a soft synth but when I play notes on my MIDI keyboard I don't hear
anything.
Solutions:
• Make sure that the Instrument track, MIDI track, or audio track are not muted.
• Make sure the MIDI notes are in the right range for the synth's patch.
• Make sure that your MIDI/Instrument Track has its input assigned to the correct MIDI port.
• Make sure that SONAR’s audio engine is engaged. The Audio Engine button in the Control Bar
(Transport module) is lit when the audio engine is engaged.
• Unless you are using a dedicated Instrument track for the soft synth, make sure the current MIDI
track’s Output control is assigned to the soft synth.
• Make sure that the Input Echo button on the current MIDI track is set to Input Echo: Auto Thru
or Input Echo: On.
• If your MIDI controller contains an on-board sound module, make sure its Local Control function is
set to OFF.
More “Frequently asked questions” on page 1364.
SONAR doesn't recognize new plug-ins
SONAR supports both VST and DirectX effect and instrument plug-ins. You will first need to
determine which of these two types of plug-ins you have. Most third-party plug-ins are VST.
For VST Plug-ins
When you install a new VST plug-in, be mindful of the folder where it is installed as often times this
location is set by the plug-in manufacturer upon installation. Common default locations include:
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\VstPlugins (recommended location)
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins
C:\Program Files\VstPlugins