No sound???

Author
Zarley
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 6
  • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
  • Status: offline
2011/01/02 02:50:17 (permalink)

No sound???

Hi, quick question... I'm not getting any sound coming out of Music Creator.  I'm using my computer monitor speakers 1/8 inch into the speaker/headphone jack.  I get sound when I watch a Youtube vid but not through the Music Creator. The Audio test is successful when i first started the program, I've been to Options - Audio as per the manual instructions and it all looks good...  Trying to test with a demo nut to no avail???

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong and what I can do about it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

windows 7, new netbook,

Greg
#1

16 Replies Related Threads

    57Gregy
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14404
    • Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
    • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/02 08:59:22 (permalink)
    Welcome to the forum.
    Which version of MC? Is that a 64-bit OS?
    Some of the demos are all MIDI and you may have to insert a software synthesizer to hear it play.
    Does it play (the timeline moves) but you don't hear anything or does it not do anything when you click play?

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #2
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/02 12:48:14 (permalink)
    We need the answers to Gregs questions to help you solve this.

    W7 on a netbook.... 64 bit or 32 bit OS...and is that one of those smaller versions of a laptop?

    As Greg said, you have to use a synth to get sound... that involves inserting the synth and applying a sample/patch....most of the demo's are midi and that is a requirement to get sound. A quick test of your audio system is to IMPORT some audio into an AUDIO track.... any MP3 in the computer will work fine. If it gets you some sound, the audio is working and it's simply a matter of learning how to insert the synth.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #3
    Zarley
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 02:09:20 (permalink)
    Thanx guys, so I was able to hear an audio loop as per manual. :) 

    However, I tried previewing MIDI groove clips as per manual and imported a couple MP3's into the tracks...  nothing on either one of them. 

    Netbook is 32 bit Windows 7 Starter.

    I am using an UM-1G MIDI interface and an ancient Yamaha PSR-70 controller (lol)... I don't know if it's going to work but it's all I have at the moment..   I'm not really at the point to test and get that up and running although it is plugged in...

    I selected the Um-1G midi device for output and input as well as MS GS Wavetable Syth in Midi Devices.

    The help feature is saying that possibly I don't have a Patch or Bank selected for the track???  Or an output setting selected?  I don't know how to check for that.

    My soundcard is a Realtek.

    Any advice? I don't need a new controller do I?

    Cheers!
    Greg
    #4
    Zarley
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 02:17:20 (permalink)
    No worries... I've found the Insert patch options..  duh?! :p
    Gonna try that out, I'll let you know how it goes! Figure it may has something to do with the actual controller I'm using

    Cheers...
    #5
    Zarley
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 03:03:43 (permalink)
    hmmm... kinda stumped.  Still no sound, plus it's bedtime.

    I've chosen the synth, selected the synth, played the midi loop... not sure what the patches and banks are for? how to insert them?   I go up to Insert.... Patches/banks.... but don't know which patches to choose I understand that there is like 16K patches... each patch has 128 banks of different sounds.. ie music box, pipe organ. But does the mp3 need a patch and a bank?  How do I know which one to use? 

    Could you please explain in what is the purpose of them (patches/banks) and how to use/insert them?  And also if the Yammy is gonna work... and how to set that up?

    I know I'm asking alot but any help would be great! 

    Cheers!
    Greg
    #6
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 07:54:41 (permalink)
    OK... go to my web site. Look on the music page and read about inserting a synth. It should answer a lot of your questions about midi, channels, and patches and banks.

    If you're using TTS.... the patches and banks are the sounds. They are selected to play a certain sound...piano, trumpet, bagpipe...etc, when they are triggered by the midi data.

    When you insert a synth in  MC5 all you should need to do is select the patch fro TTS and be sure the midi device is transmitting on the default channel "0" .  Arm the track and hit record. The time line should move and as you press the keys you should see the midi notes being recorded into the track as dashes  on the timeline.

    If you are set up properly, you should also hear them. If you are listening on the factory card, they will probably be delayed noticeably.

    Again...look at my web page and follow it carefully. I wrote it specifically to help people understand TTS & midi.

    I just looked up the UM-G1..... not the best option..... It should get the midi in to the track. But you will have to use the factory soundcard in the netbook to play it. And unfortunately, there are a host of problems associated with those factory cards...latency and dropouts being the most common.



    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #7
    57Gregy
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14404
    • Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
    • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 10:27:26 (permalink)
    Every track has to have an output selected. Every track you're recording on must have an input selected.
    If you're clicking notes into a MIDI track with your mouse you don't need an input.
    If you import audio or MIDI into a track you don't need an input.
    But the output is required if you want to hear the track.
    All the track parameters are selected in the track pane.
     

     
    The top track is a MIDI track, denoted by the MIDI plug icon.
    The second track is an audio track, as shown by the stereo wave form icon.
    The one on the bottom is a bus, named Master.
    The MIDI track has an input (I) of Focusrite Omni. It's output (O) is also the Focusrite, sending the MIDI data out to my keyboard to be played.
    The channel (CH) is 1 and the bank is PSR 280 GM (General MIDI) Voice. The patch is Grand Piano.
    All these things can be selected in the MIDI Track Pane. 
    The channels are especially important, because if the MIDI tracks don't have a channel selected, they'll all sound like piano, the default patch. Channel 10 is reserved for drums in the GM Standard, but you can have drums on any channel.
    The audio track has the input set to Left Focusrite Saffire ASIO. When recording microphones or guitars, or any mono instrument, you should choose a mono input or the audio will only play from one side. Usually the mono input is the left input.
    By default, audio tracks will output directly to your sound card. It's best to change that output to a bus for greater control of the audio signal. You can insert a number of buses, you should have one as a Master bus to sum all the audio to, and say you have 5 guitar tracks; insert a bus, name it Guitars, and output that Guitar bus to the Master bus.
    The Master bus is output to the Focusrite Saffire ASIO Play 1, the Saffire being my audio/MIDI interface.
     
    Another possible problem is that Yamahas sometimes don't work with MIDI-to-USB converters that aren't made by Yamaha, especially older Yamahas.

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #8
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 10:44:57 (permalink)
    Good point about the Yamaha not working correctly with the USB to midi cable....I use midi to midi so that doesn't affect me but I do recall that topic coming up from time to time.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #9
    Robomusic
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8943
    • Joined: 2004/05/30 00:54:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 11:31:28 (permalink)
    A lot of folks think that when they insert a patch they should hear sound, but there are no patches to insert unless a synth  has been inserted first or the system is playing thru a windows GM sound set.

    The program does not have a midi solution setup from the start, you have to do that, and like Guitarhacker said, go to his site and read the info on synth setup, then it will make sense.

    I'd Seize the day but i can't quite reach it!

    http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=33477&T=1260
    Music Town
    #10
    Beagle
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 50621
    • Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
    • Location: Fort Worth, TX
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 11:35:52 (permalink)
    yes, that's something to consider, but it isn't a problem with all yamaha keyboards.  mine works fine with my m-audio uno MIDI/USB cable.

    but also remember that you have to have the INPUT and OUTPUT set up correctly on the MIDI cable.  people who don't work with MIDI all the time tend to get those confused and plug them into the wrong ports.

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #11
    Zarley
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 16:22:39 (permalink)
    Thanx guys!  That helped muchly...

    Update: good news: The Yammy works.... I was able to get the keyboard to trigger the different patches to the Netbook. Also was able to listen to an imported MP3.  The Input and outputs I've learned are kinda important! lol

    Bad news:  There is a split second latency and it sounds like a CD that is scratched... with a consistent ticking sound.  Neat effect if I wanted it.. but I don't.

    I now have to figure out my next step as my Netbook just isn't going to cut it.  I do have an older Dell desktop with 512 mb, running XP and a Creative Audigy SB0090 Sound Card that a friend gave me.  I could install the SC and buy some ram... and then cross me fingers?   or I could buy a new system, new controller...(which is where I'm leaning)

    Question for you...  is the Creative Audigy worth keeping and installing into the Dell with new Ram? Or am I better off to bite the bullet and put a new system on the credit card?? :(

    If you had to start from scratch... how would you guys build a recording/production studio with what I have?  What is the most cost effective way?  And what exactly do I need?  I'm a bass/guitar player by trade but I'd like to start with producing electronic music/djing using a laptop/keyboard... then slowly introduce the actual instrument recording and vocals, once I know what I'm doing.   So I don't need mics ( although I do have a 58), interfaces etc, just yet.... happy with the keyboard for now. 

    Oh yeah... the age old question... MAC or PC? 



    #12
    Beagle
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 50621
    • Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
    • Location: Fort Worth, TX
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 16:28:56 (permalink)
    you have a lot of questions here.  I'll respond one at a time.

    There is a split second latency and it sounds like a CD that is scratched...
    this is due to a crappy onboard soundcard and its drivers as well as the netbook just doesn't have the CPU power to handle this.
    with a consistent ticking sound.

    is it in time with your tempo setting?  if so then that's just the metronome in MC.  you can turn that off by clicking on the little metronome icon.
    I now have to figure out my next step as my Netbook just isn't going to cut it.
     correct.  netbooks really aren't powerful enough for MC or recording in general.
    I do have an older Dell desktop with 512 mb, running XP and a Creative Audigy SB0090 Sound Card that a friend gave me.  I could install the SC and buy some ram... and then cross me fingers?

    that ram is low - you'd want to max out that machine for the motherboard's maximum RAM allowed.  The SB card is better than the onboard soundcard of any motherboard but it's still not the best.  you might be able to get lower latency on it using ASIO4ALL, but the best solution is to check my website for soundcard recommendations.
    Mac or PC?  MC doesn't run on a Mac.  'nuff said.

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #13
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 20:56:05 (permalink)
    This, like an other hobby, does require a "small" startup investment to actually do it right. Many folks come in and have a fairly decent computer so they can get going with  ease.

    You should decide if this is something you are interested in doing. If so.... you need a few things. the first is a computer that meets or better yet exceeds the MINIMUM system specs for the product you are running.  Second, you need a decent interface ...also called a sound card, to get the music in and out of the box.  Beyond that.... mics, midi keyboards, other software, and all the other stuff to make music..... monitors, cables, etc....

    once started, and moving along with a working system, you can build your studio as you can afford or need to.

    Trying to start using the wrong or inadequate gear often results in frustration and that's what makes people give it up.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #14
    Zarley
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Joined: 2011/01/02 02:38:58
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/03 23:03:37 (permalink)
    Yeah.. that's what I figured but I wanted to give a shot with what I had... 

    Thanx again for the tips everyone... I will be back....... with some new toys... haha


    #15
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/04 07:44:17 (permalink)
    Many come here and have very little discretionary income to spend on this hobby, and we try to help them as best we can to get started.

    If you are able.... A quad core i5 or i7 intel based processor running 4 to 16 gig of memory, a nice USB sound card/interface supporting midi & Audio, a nice set of 5" to 8" reference monitors and a sub would be a nice initial investment.....  Under $2k total.  That gets you started with a system that will last awhile and do what you need it to.

    Once you have that.. it's easy to dump another $1k to $2k on software and synth libraries and mics....etc.....

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #16
    Robomusic
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8943
    • Joined: 2004/05/30 00:54:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:No sound??? 2011/01/04 16:12:18 (permalink)
    Black hole of audio!!!!

    You can get going with far less, i still record on a 8 year old XP system, Buuuuut! i know what i am doing and I built that machine from scratch with audio in mind.

    Get a decent dual core and the low end laptop, at least 320 Gig HD, 3 gigs or better ram, and move forward. For Dj and electronic MC5 will work, as will a freebie from Sony called Acid, google it and dowlload it and start playing around with the gazillion free acidized loops on the net. Sign up ar Acidplanet.com and download the demo version, and signup for the weekly free 8 packs of loops Acid will allow 8 tracks of sound. Get 8 nice tracks of drum bass, and synth tones going then export the tracks and import into MC5 then start adding sounds to the mix and mixing to taste. Do a ton of questions over there on the forum (have a rather thick skin) and preview a ton of music there. They excel at Electronic there.

    I'd Seize the day but i can't quite reach it!

    http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=33477&T=1260
    Music Town
    #17
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1