Unable to open audio playback device.

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Dodsie
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August 18, 08 9:23 PM (permalink)

Unable to open audio playback device.

Hi, first poster here. Went through tutorial 1 yesterday and everything went great. Started tutorial 2 today and everytime I try to playback anything I get the message "Unable to open audio playback device. Device may not support the current project's audio format or may be in use." I went back to play tutorial 1 again and get the same message. I'm not sure what I've done, everything is set up the same and I've gone over the inputs and outputs about 5 times. As far as I can tell I have the soundcard and the tts1 exactly where they should be.

I've been to the help files and Sonar 6 Power but I can't figure it out. I tried playing music through this setup using Windows Media Player and it plays fine coming through the Emu and the active monitors.

Any ideas?

Home Studio 6XL, Windows XP, 1 G Ram, Emu 0404 USB 2, M-audio Studiophile 3 active monitors, M-audio Keystation 49e.
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22 Replies Related Threads

    Beagle
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 18, 08 10:37 PM (permalink)
    since you're using an EMU0404USB, then you probably are having conflicts with your onboard sound card. change to ASIO driver mode in SHS:

    OPTIONS>AUDIO>ADVANCED>DRIVER MODE = ASIO
    close and restart SHS

    if that doesn't help, come back and we'll try to help more

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
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    #2
    Dodsie
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 18, 08 11:15 PM (permalink)
    Hi Beagle,

    Thanks for the fast reply.
    In OPTIONS>AUDIO>ADVANCED>DRIVER MODE it's set to ASIO.

    In the OPTIONS>AUDIO>DRIVERS tab it reads:
    ASIO4ALLV2EMU0404 which I have the box checked for. Underneath this is:
    ASIOEMU0404...but it is greyed out and I can't check the box.
    It was all exactly this way yesterday and was working.

    I have unchecked ASIO4ALLV2REALTEK which I used to use.

    The only thing I have done differently was hook up a Keystation 49e midi controller and that's when it all seemed to go pear shaped. I don't actually remember if I changed any of the other midi settings as my head was beginning to swim. I'm sure most of you remember the feeling.
    Thanks

    Home Studio 6XL, Windows XP, 1 G Ram, Emu 0404 USB 2, M-audio Studiophile 3 active monitors, M-audio Keystation 49e.
    #3
    papa2004
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 5:57 AM (permalink)
    Dodsie,

    The first thing you should do is disable your onboard "soundcard" completely. It's quite possibly causing conflicts and you don't need it since you have the E-MU.

    Secondly, is the M-Audio keystation plugged in via USB, or are you using the MIDI Out to the E-MU's MIDI In via MIDI cable? This is important because some driver configurations are "glitchy" in that they will only recognize some USB devices if they are plugged into the same USB port that was used during the installation of the device. This is a Windows "bug", not a SONAR "bug" but it's important to be aware of it.

    It is also important that you have the E-MU and your M-Audio keyboard connected and powered on before opening SONAR.

    - - - - - - - -

    Now then, let's try to get you back on "track" (pun intended ).

    With SONAR closed, delete the AUD.INI and TTSSEQ.INI files from your computer. They are normally found in the following location:

    C:\Documents and Settings\"Your Windows Login Name"\Application Data\Cakewalk\Sonar XXX (your version).

    The "Application Data" folder is, by default, invisible. To make it visible go to "Tools"->"Folder Options"->"View". Look for the folder "Hidden Files & Folders" and enable the "Show hidden files and folders" option.

    Reboot your computer (not a necessity but I like starting with a "clean slate") and open SONAR. You will be informed that you haven't selected any MIDI Output devices. Click on "Choose MIDI Outputs Now". You should check the boxes for M-Audio and E-MU in both the Input and Output windows of the dialog box. The only other option should be "Microsoft GS WaveTable..." which you should NOT select.

    Open a "New" blank project using the template of your choice. Click on "Options"->"MIDI Devices" and you should see both devices selected as your option. Now click on "Options"->"Audio"->"Drivers" and you should see only the E-MU Analog ASIO and S/PDIF options. Make sure you've selected the E-MU options as the Input and Output. Unless you have any S/PDIF devices connected to the E-MU there's no need to select that option.

    Click on the "Advanced" tab and make sure the E-MU shows up in the "Device" window for "Record Latency Adjustment" box. Set the "Driver Mode" for ASIO.

    Click on the "General" tab and make sure the E-MU is selected as the Playback & Record "Timing Master".

    My advice would be to try this first without using ASIO4ALL. The ASIO drivers included with the E-MU should work fine with SONAR.

    Hope this helps!



    Regards,
    Papa
    #4
    Beagle
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 9:03 AM (permalink)
    My advice would be to try this first without using ASIO4ALL. The ASIO drivers included with the E-MU should work fine with SONAR.

    I second that! uninstall ASIO4ALL from your computer and use ASIO native drivers from your EMU0404.

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #5
    papa2004
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 10:57 AM (permalink)

    ORIGINAL: Beagle

    My advice would be to try this first without using ASIO4ALL. The ASIO drivers included with the E-MU should work fine with SONAR.

    I second that! uninstall ASIO4ALL from your computer and use ASIO native drivers from your EMU0404.


    Yeah...That's what I meant (uninstall) to say!

    Regards,
    Papa
    #6
    Dodsie
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 11:15 AM (permalink)
    Wow. That's what I call accurate and detailed instuction. I did everything you guys said and it looks like I'm back in business. Thank you so much. This is a great forum and how anyone could get past square one without it is beyond me.

    On to the tutorials!

    Home Studio 6XL, Windows XP, 1 G Ram, Emu 0404 USB 2, M-audio Studiophile 3 active monitors, M-audio Keystation 49e.
    #7
    papa2004
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 11:21 AM (permalink)

    ORIGINAL: Dodsie

    Wow. That's what I call accurate and detailed instuction. I did everything you guys said and it looks like I'm back in business. Thank you so much. This is a great forum and how anyone could get past square one without it is beyond me.

    On to the tutorials!


    TA-DAAAA! Congrats, Dodsie...Now then, get started having fun! The hardest part is over!!

    Regards,
    Papa
    #8
    Beagle
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 11:31 AM (permalink)
    Woo Hoo! Now go record that gold record!!!

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #9
    papa2004
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 11:57 AM (permalink)
    I hope I didn't mislead anyone when I said "the hard part is over"...

    Regards,
    Papa
    #10
    Mamabear
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. August 19, 08 12:31 AM (permalink)
    Ha. Well, one of the hard parts is over! At least now he can start finding the other hard parts! lol
    #11
    vj ali
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    Re: RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 13, 12 6:46 PM (permalink)
    Dear All,
                  i have a problem with my sonar. actually m musician a guitarist. so m really new on this software just install dis software but facing a problem with its sound. i cant hear any sound in it. so plz help me plz. 
    here`s my system configuration 
    2.66 ghz , 
    1 g ram 
    intel 825 ,
    Realtek ac 97 audio soundcard ,
    please help me . m waiting.
    #12
    57Gregy
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    Re: RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 14, 12 0:27 PM (permalink)
    Welcome to the forum.
    Since the thread you posted in is almost 4 years old, you should probably start your own thread.
    What Operating System are you using? XP, Vista, Win 7?  32- or 64-bit? You didn't mention which version of SONAR Home Studio you have, so I'll assume it's SHS 7.
    Click  'Options' at the top, then Audio. Find where it lists 'Playback' and 'Recording Timing Masters'. What is listed and selected there? Find 'Drivers'. What is listed and selected there?
    Find 'Driver Mode'. What is the Driver Mode?
     

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #13
    vj ali
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    Re: RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 14, 12 1:59 PM (permalink)
    Dear op system is windows xp, 32 bit . n sonar editoin is 8.0 producer edition
    in PLAYBACK it was mentioned REALTEK AC 97. but now its none.
    same in recording master its none. 
    driver mode is ASIO. 

    please help me bro
    thnx 
    #14
    57Gregy
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    Re: RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 15, 12 0:00 PM (permalink)
    Okay, the RealTek doesn't have ASIO drivers, so switch it to WDM or MME.

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #15
    vj ali
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    Re: RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 21, 12 11:01 AM (permalink)
    bro. it was working ok. but now m facing the same problem. i recieved a meseg some kind of " engine stop working " i clicked on ok. but now its not giving me a sound . however i do the same thing which u told me. so what shud i do now :( ???
    #16
    vj ali
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 21, 12 11:02 AM (permalink)
    hya beagle . m facing a problem with sonar. wud u help me please :(
    #17
    57Gregy
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 21, 12 11:54 AM (permalink)
    When the audio engine stops, that's usually a case of the Latency being too fast or a less-than-optimum Buffers setting.
    Go to Options>Audio and reduce the Latency and or change the Buffers. What are they set at now? Your RAM is a little light, too. More is better and I don't remember the minimum required for SONAR 8, but I'll bet it's more than 1 GB.
    There are also sections in the Help files about optimizing your PC and troubleshooting.
    Most folks get better performance with audio interfaces designed for recording; the stock sound cards often aren't good enough and stumble with lots of sound going both ways (recording and playback) simultaneously.
    You should stop all other programs while recording, too. Turn off or disable your modem, get off the internet and disable any virus scanners. Turn off Microsoft System Sounds.
    Turn off the screen saver and wallpaper.
    Disable any power-management schemes that may be running (Hibernate or Sleep).
    Turn off automatic virus scanning and automatic disk defragmentation.
    post edited by 57Gregy - May 21, 12 12:42 AM

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #18
    Beagle
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 21, 12 12:09 AM (permalink)
    greg's got you covered on most of the advice I would have given.  if that doesn't work I have another trick up my fur I'll share with you.

    my best advice is to get a "recording" soundcard.  you can look at recommendations for them on my website (in my sig)

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #19
    vj ali
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 22, 12 12:56 AM (permalink)
    well bro here is the detail

    plaback timing master : realtek ac 97 audio
    recording time master   reltek ac 97 audio
    audio driver bit depth 16
    stereo planning law 0db 
    dim solo gain -12db 
    sampling rate 44100
    buffers in playback queue 4
    buffer size 50.0 msec
    effective latency at 44k.hz/stereo 150.msec
    #20
    vj ali
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 22, 12 12:58 AM (permalink)
    its very confusing bro till i installed it . please refer me any other editoin which is easy
    #21
    57Gregy
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 22, 12 10:32 PM (permalink)
    Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to use SONAR. I barely graduated high school, never went to college and was fairly new to computers when I got started in computer recording in 2002, so it can't be too difficult if I can do it.
    Start from the beginning.
    What are you recording; Audio? MIDI?
    What equipment are you using to get the sound into SONAR; Plug in microphone? USB microphone? Line in from an amplifier or mixer? Plugging a guitar straight into the sound card? Plugging a guitar into a guitar-to-USB converter?
    Is any audio recording but you can't hear it, or is nothing recorded at all?
    If MIDI, what synthesizer are you using to hear the MIDI? That could be a synth in a MIDI keyboard or MIDI sound module, the synth in your sound card (Microsoft GS Wavetable synthesizer), or a software synthesizer included with SONAR?
    What is set as the output of your audio tracks?
    What are the settings for the RealTek? Is anything muted or with the volume down too far? What's the input level set to?

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #22
    Beagle
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    RE: Unable to open audio playback device. May 23, 12 6:29 AM (permalink)
    change to MME driver mode
    then move the latency slider to the SAFE side

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #23
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