Setup Help Needed

If you're using an onboard soundcard for output, you'll want to seriously consider getting a dedicated audio interface from a reputable manufacturer to get away from issues like this. Most onboard cards don't support ASIO without a 3rd-party driver like ASIO4ALL, and even when they can be made to work the performance is generally substandard. If you are using ASIO4ALL, it sounds like you might need to reinstall it. In fact, even if whatever interface you're using has native ASIO drivers, reinstalling or updating them might be the answer. If it's an external USB/Firewire device, make sure it's powered up and loading drivers in Device Manager on boot.
 
 

What they both said...
Also please list your sound card/audio interface or motherboard chip thingy.

Again please list your sound card/audio interface.
 
>  It can't be that hard to set up the audio output or no one would buy Sonar. 
 
I think we are all on exactly the same frequency. As we've all said. You need a half decent sound interface. Let's see what you have.
 
 

Brundlefly's post above hit the nail on the head.
 

1. ASIO is exclusive, meaning that X1 cannot share it with Windows... so if Windows already has it, X1 cannot use it. (This is where your issue lies).
2. ASIO4ALL is a program that allows X1 to "see ASIO" but is actually using WDM mode. People have had both good and bad experiences with this (I had a bad one myself). This is the next route to try.
3. WDM mode (if available) is another.

 
    Any other options may (and probably will) give you very high latencies. If you can get the above to work adequately for you, try those.
 
   Unfortunately the only "true solution" is to have a dedicated audio interface that *only* SONAR has access to in ASIO mode, using drivers for that specific hardware. As you appear to be new to this, exhaust your options above first, ask questions, and go from there.

You guys are great.
 
Is it tied into all this that unless I use MME my midi playback timing is messed up?
 
If your recommendation is to add an audio interface, can you suggest a couple?  I have a Lexicon Alpha for input, too bad it doesn't have output too.
 
I must have my setup so badly screwed up.  I have a couple projects I can open and play through my midi module (Roland JV-1080).  As soon as I try to change the bank or patch I can't get MIDI to the JV-1080 anymore.
 
Should I reinstall Sonar and get a fresh start?
 
THANK YOU!!!

Your realtek soundcard is for playback of different formats of digital audio a typical computer will deal with.  8 bit windows sounds, mp3s, CDs, various formats of web video.  It does a good job for those.  An audio/midi interface is for delivering high quality sound, both in and out under strict timing.  Many times, video and multi-format sounds will mess them up.  It is like taking a 60's muscle car to your kid's school through multiple school zones every frigging day. For home studios and simplicity, RME is probably the best interface.  Good hardware, great drivers.  But expensive.  Farther down the list is Focusrite, who make everything from $100+ on up interfaces, and most people have no problems.  Roland/Cakewalk interfaces are popular w/ SONAR users for obvious reasons, tho that may be changing.  If I was picking up a cheap interface today I'd probably go w/ Focusrite just from word of mouth here and other places.  If I was picking a more expensive interface I'd probably go w/ their Forte unit ($500), since I don't have need for too many inputs.
 
Also let us know your budget.  You can go as low as $100 and get a decent 2 X 2 interface.  More money doesn't get you better drivers, usually, or converters, but more of them.  A 2 X 4 is nice to have, if you route an output to hardware and still monitor.  Also give an idea of how you make music - do you do singer/songwriter stuff, need to record a band, or mainly doing midi work.  That will make a difference in a interface, too.
 
@

+1 to all of these guys.
 
Another tip for you to relieve frustrations with Win7 (to make sure that Win7 leaves your Lexicon alone): 

1. Check for the newest drivers on your Lexicon.
2. Connect it and turn it on, but do not launch any programs.
3. Hit the Windows "Start" button and type in "Sound" and select "Change sound card settings" from that list.
4. Both the Lexicon and Realtek will appear in that pop-up box.
5. Be sure that Realtek is "Set as Default" on both the "Playback" and "Recording" tabs. You are assigning Win7 "what it can use" here, so it will not nab the Lexicon on you.

   Doing this will ensure that when the Lexicon is online, that Win7 will leave it be. Then when you launch X1, be sure the Lexicon is powered (and connects) before opening X1 each time. X1 can then freely use it in ASIO mode. Powering down, save and close X1 prior to powering off the Lexicon.

I'm still working on the install.
 
Does anyone know - Can I take the audio output from the Alpha into a mixer then into the input of the alpha?  Like if I wanted to mix down a couple midi tracks with a virtual synth from Sonar.  Maybe a mike also.

I can't wait to use X1.  I have been tied up for several days trying to got my Lexicon Alpha to install.  I think myproblem was connecting it before the drivers were installed.  Now the drivers install, but Windows doesn't seem to know to use them when I make the connection.
 

Correct.  when connecting the Alpha windows says it is installing an unknown device.  The blue light on the front of the Alpha never comes on.  I took it over to an old XP system and it installed, no problem.