My X3 machine only does mixing, it does not record. Recording is done on another machine, using Home Studio 6, and I copy the entire file folder over to the X3 machine and open it up and mix from there. This has worked well for a good while now.
 
I recently got a new soundcard with ASIO drivers, the SoundBalster Audigy 5 RX. It installed properly and shows up properly in X3 Audio perferences.

If I create a new track, and then import any kind of wav or mp3 into the new track, it plays perfectly.

If I attempt to open ANY older SONAR files, I get the following error: Unable to open audio playback device., Device may not fit the current projects audio format, or may be in use.

I have the exact same preferences in record, render, and import as I always have.... import is set to ORIGINAL.

Is it an audio format problem? If so, how do I fix this?

There is a default sample rate for new projects in Sonar preferences, which may be why new tracks work, but your older projects may be at a different sample rate than your current sound card settings.

the default sample rate is the same as it always was, 441000
 
one thing weird I just noticed and I dont know why or how to fix it...
 
Audio preferences, driver settings, it says the Audio Drive Bit Depth is 16, its greyed out,l I cant change it...
 
but in the windows sound control panel, its confirmed that its 24 like its supposed to be
 
any idea why this setting in X3 is greyed out?

Check;
https://www.cakewalk.com/...174/Audio-Driver-Error

well here's part of the problem
 
"Please keep in mind that while many consumer cards such as the Creative Labs Audigy advertise 24-bit capabilities, however their drivers only support 16-bit recording/playback."
 
 
f'ing GREAT. Sheesh,

Return it and get one of these:
http://uk.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces

Sorry but to be honest (not to be too OTT) Creative cards suck..

You might find later drivers on the creative site.

they do suck. this really bites, I couldnt find ANYTHING on their literature that stated 16bit playback... everything said 24.
 
Then i get it installed after a lot of effort, and THEN I find out its only 16bit playback so it wont open ANY of my old files.
 
 

They've been doing that for at least a decade.
Before I knew anything about interfaces (debatable that I do now) I bought a Sound Blaster Extigy. All over the ads and on the box "24-bit".
Turns out that was only if you used S/PDIF.

roddey_phipps
they do suck. this really bites, I couldnt find ANYTHING on their literature that stated 16bit playback... everything said 24.
 
Then i get it installed after a lot of effort, and THEN I find out its only 16bit playback so it wont open ANY of my old files.
 

Misleading marketing is a perfect reason to return it. You should also report it to whatever advertising standards organisation is available to you in your region. Point them to this thread if you like.

I am having a similar problem to the OP but more complete - Sonar is saying it's the hardware, and I can't get any noise out of the thing at all. Described fully here:
After reading some other threads on this forum I think I'm ready to try chucking the Sound Blaster and getting a second sound card, before I give up completely on Sonar. So: what should I get? Under $100, the cheaper the better. Thanks in advance!