I'm trying to use an Alesis iO2 Express with Sonar and everything I record is a half step down pitch. I have Sonar 8.5 and X3 Producer and they both act the same way.
 
Any ideas about what I might change so that the pitch is recorded correctly?
 
Thanks in advance for the help.
Brad

Sample rate mismatch?
 
Bob Bone
 

Your project is probably at 44.1 and your interface is at 48. So when you play back the files, they're played back too "slow".
 
SONAR, for whatever reason, is unable to set the interface's sample rate - SONAR can only make a request; it can't demand it. Possibly, some other software is setting the sample rate and overriding SONAR. Maybe you have duct tape over the sample rate switch on the interface, I dunno. But you're going to have to convince the interface one way or another to set its sample rate to match your project.
 
Your best bet is to go into the interface's control panel (or some interfaces have controls on the faceplate) and manually set the sample rate to match your project.
 
If that doesn't work, punt: change the project's sample rate to 48KHz.

I just checked the manual (http://www.alesis.com/io2express?tt=5) and it seems that this has no native drivers and relies solely on Windows (page 2 of that manual). Definitely check the posts above (go into sound card properties in Windows) and verify that it matches what your project settings.
 
The "Docs and Downloads" tab on the above page is where the manual is. It also has a link there to "ASIO2All" which is a program that is hit-or-miss with many, but is unrelated to your issue. This is the first time I have seen an audio interface recommend it, but if you use it just be aware that some have had issues. ASIO4All allows programs to use "ASIO" mode for drivers in SONAR, but that interface should function with WDM driver mode in SONAR preferences (just verify the sample rates between Windows and SONAR).

I used Alesis io2 for 1 1/2 years, always with asio4all with no problem. The interface itself broke after one year and a half and went right to the trash lid (no repair possible for less the price of the interface itself, according to service)
As piece of crap. But worked perfect while it lasted, always with asio4all.
 
Your problem is sample rate related for sure.
 

Thank you all for the replies. FYI, our goal here was to be able to have a small and portable multi-channel interface (the iO2 Express has two) that we could move around with SONAR on my laptop and record bits and pieces of projects. This interface was recommended to me by a friend who uses the same interface with Cubase (I don't use Cubase...). But given that I use Sonar.... and Alesis advertised this as "compatible with all major DAW's..." I was encouraged. This is for our church in our worship ministries (I am one of the worship leaders) so price was a big concern (the iO2 Express is $70-$90) depending on where you buy it.
 
I will go into the sample rates and check that they are the same as the native Windows rates that the iO2 Express is requiring. Since we already have this interface in-hand and really needed to get a project out by tonight we'll try and make it work. (although we do have other way to get that project done BTW - so it's not a major deal if I don't figure this out today, just would be nice as we master everything in SONAR). But it does sound like maybe the iO2 Express was not a good choice, if we are dedicated to the idea of using SONAR with it (which IS the case).
 
Again, thanks so much for the helpful replies. So much appreciated.
 
This is off-topic, but if you guys have a recommendation for a multi-channel USB interface that SONAR is more compatible with, that isn't hugely expensive, we'd love to know your thoughts. We can easily return the iO2. We just received it yesterday and have already hit these walls with it... We need a minimum of 2 channels, small form factor, would like it to be USB-powered and have on-board controls for input levels and have its own headphone monitoring.

Here's a possible candidate. A hundred bucks, two inputs (1/4" and XLR), headphone out and USB-powered.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ScarlettSolo
 

as mentioned, I bought this same interface (alesis) to use on the road with my laptop. IT IS a good choice for Sonar, I just recommend (as alesis does BTW) to use asio4all instead of WDM. Doing that I had no problem with SOnar + Alesis io2.
The only issue is durability (parts, etc) but bioy, it is a 70$ interface, usi it while it lasts and then you get a new one, as disposable razor blades.
But the sample rate mismatch is something you have to take care of in any interface, is not a compatibility issue at all.

bitflipper
Here's a possible candidate. A hundred bucks, two inputs (1/4" and XLR), headphone out and USB-powered.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ScarlettSolo

Focusrite is a great brand, and most have had great luck with them. The Scarlett line is their USB interfaces. The "Solo" is rather new, and targeted as a "sub-$100" unit, and I have not seen much information on these yet. The disadvantage of these is that the inputs are set, meaning 1 mic and 1 1/4" only, and the outputs (to speakers) are the old-style RCA jacks.
 
The Scarlett 2i2 has been around for some time, and used to be the introductory audio interface (is $150 pretty much everywhere). That unit has 2 identical inputs which can be XLR (mic) or 1/4" (instrument/line) allowing for 2 microphones to be used. The speaker outputs are also 1/4" ports instead of RCA jacks. This unit may be more comparable to the Alesis you own now, but is double the price. The upside is that it is a unit which should have great longevity (their interfaces are quite rugged), and Focusrite seems to take a lot of pride in their drivers working properly.

It just occurred to me that the OP also asked how to fix this issue (for something already recorded). A program which does not maintain pitch on sample rate changes is the only thing that comes to mind. Audacity is a free program that allows this to be done (and pitch will change accordingly).