Hi Everyone,
 
I have a humming sound from my speakers. I can confirm that it is not the speakers themselves, or the audio interface.
 
When I turn off the audio engine the sound disappears. 
 
When I mute all the tracks the sound is still there.
 
It makes no difference if they are all midi or audio tracks, or a mix of both.
 
The problem is only apparent when I am running Sonar.
 
Any ideas are appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
John
 
 
 

Even if you mute the inputs, the outputs are still connected. What interface are you using? Does it have a mixer applet with zero input monitoring or some other means of picking up audio and sending it to the output?

Hi, and thanks for responding,
 
I have an Edirol FA-66. I also use it for my general computer sound card. When I use windows media player or any other sound program there is no hum.
 
Even though the speakers are on they make no sound until Sonar is loaded and the audio engine is engaged. Once the engine is disengaged the noise stops.
 
Regards,
 
John

Are you running X3e?

Have you tried switching your drivers. If using WDM switch to ASIO and vice versa.

What you describe would happen if CRAIG is right - it is only SONAR that would route an input to an output so my money is on this

Have you got any leads plugged in to your audio interface?

Does your audio interface have its own power supply or is it USB powered? - my MAUDIO Fast Track Ultra makes a humming noise unless I run it on its own power supply

Most probably a ground loop.

Very weird behavior. An electrical problem (commonly ground loop) would likely cause the problem. Normally that is constant and not related to the audio application since it is largely an external issue. But if the OP has somehow managed to set up a feedback loop that travels through Sonar, then an inaudible electrical noise could be amplified by the feedback loop enough to become audible. Or sonar could be applying so much gain that noise inaudible in other applications is heard via Sonar.

from the manual
 
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
 
14. Grounding terminal Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, microphones connected to it, or the metal portions of other objects, such as guitars. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this, connect the ground terminal (see figure) with an external ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

 
Hello and thank you to everyone who has responded. It looks like I have a few questions to answer.
 
Are you running X3e?
X3e build 352 x 64
 
Have you tried switching your drivers. If using WDM switch to ASIO and vice versa.
Yes and there is no difference except latency is worse with WDM.
 
Have you got any leads plugged in to your audio interface?
No.

Does your audio interface have its own power supply or is it USB powered? 
It has its own
 
Most probably a ground loop.
It does not behave like one and I have no hum from other computers or amplifiers.
 
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum.
The unit is not near any powerful transformers.
 
Very weird behavior.
It certainly is............. ;  )
 
Or sonar could be applying so much gain that noise inaudible in other applications is heard via Sonar.
My music computer is only for Sonar. The computers internal volume is normally disabled.
 
Thanks again for taking the time to respond,
 
John