Has anyone else experienced the mute button suddenly going on (and sometimes off) by itself? Admittedly I am new to Sonar X3 but I have never seen it before on any other program I have run. It seems to happen on whatever track is highlighted at the time. I would welcome some input. Thanks, Scott Dalziel

It sounds like you've got an automated mute envelope switching on/off.
 
Does the yellow mute button switch on/off when the mutes happen?
 
Open the automation lane for the track in question and see if there's one labelled "Automated Mute"

Only on the selected/in focus track? Maybe your keyboard is triggering one of the Mute keyboard shortcuts.
 
K would mute an in focus/selected track
Alt + M would mute a selected clip
 
If you have an old keyboard or you are on a gunked up laptop the key(s) may be sticking or worn out. Do you ever have unwanted "kkkkkkkkkkkkkk"'s being inserted into text documents? (I've had bad keyboardds do crap like that on me).
 
Do you use a wireless keyboard/mouse? Sometimes weird things can happen when they are low on power, are damaged or there is some kind of interference of the wireless signals (which is why I prefer wired keyboards/mice).
 
Just some extra suggestions on top of Jonesey's. It would be weird if an envelope followed the In Focus track around though but there are likely situations that could cause this. Check to see if there is any Bus automation as well because if it is an envelope causing the issue perhaps it is hiding there.

Thanks for responding guys. Yes the mute button goes on and off when it happens. I checked the automated lanes and the mute envelope was not highlighted at the top of the list in the automated lane. I did see a volume envelope on a track that I got rid of . The computer and keyboard are brand new so I don't think gunk is an issue. I have been trying to get it to mess up but now it hasn't so maybe all is well. Is there any chance my midi keyboard (which is connected) is sending mute signals? I will keep monitoring it.  Thanks

Scott Dalziel
Thanks for responding guys. Yes the mute button goes on and off when it happens. I checked the automated lanes and the mute envelope was not highlighted at the top of the list in the automated lane. I did see a volume envelope on a track that I got rid of . The computer and keyboard are brand new so I don't think gunk is an issue. I have been trying to get it to mess up but now it hasn't so maybe all is well. Is there any chance my midi keyboard (which is connected) is sending mute signals? I will keep monitoring it.  Thanks

If remote control had been enabled for the mute accidentally, it might have reacted to MIDI data.

Thank you Craig. Actually here is a funny deal. The track is highlighted with the automation lane open and the mute button is going off and on by itself without the track playing. Also the pan reverts back to 54% percent right when I put it at 12:00 and delete all envelopes ( vol, pan, and mute). I delete envelopes and clear envelopes and it still does it. I used the erase tool to do that, should I be using the smart tool instead?

Does it do this on all/new projects?

It has not been confined to one project. It has happened on at least two. I have only had the program for a month or so , so they are all new.

Scott Dalziel
Thank you Craig. Actually here is a funny deal. The track is highlighted with the automation lane open and the mute button is going off and on by itself without the track playing. Also the pan reverts back to 54% percent right when I put it at 12:00 and delete all envelopes ( vol, pan, and mute). I delete envelopes and clear envelopes and it still does it. I used the erase tool to do that, should I be using the smart tool instead?

 
This is exceptionally weird behavior. 99% of the time when people want to re-install SONAR to solve a problem I advise them not to do it because it's usually an interaction with something else that's the problem. But in your case, if a track's Mute button goes on and off with the transport stopped, I have to say you get the prize for the most bizarre SONAR anomaly I have ever seen described in these forums.
 
Grabbing at straws here, but were any anti-virus programs running when you installed SONAR?
 

I am sitting here watching my screen. The project isn't moving but every once in awhile the little blue "I'm thinking" circle starts spinning, the cursor arrow blinks and the "Now time" flashes and the mute goes on. It will stay on for a one or a few minutes then repeat the scenario , this time unmuting the track.  Since the track isn't playing I don't understand how or why an automation envelope would cause this.  Granted I am new to the program and user error is always possible but this is perplexing. Thanks for all of your suggestions thus far.