Thanks for the ideas :) Strangely, this doesn't happen on my Laptop, which also uses ASIO4ALL, using the same Softsynth etc. Mind you I have zero problems with the Desktop otherwise .. I can happily play any VST Instrument with Cantabile 3 on it with ASIO4ALL using the onboard audio etc .. no issues whatsoever. It's just Cakewalk acting up there ... I have to check again in the evening, I must have set something weird there.