serious n00b question

Hi guys,

I'm beating my head against a wall here.  

Fairly new to Sonar, I'm using Sonar 6 Producer.  First time I'm trying to work with MIDI and softsynths and stuff.  Before now just used sonar to do audio clips for ringtones and stuff (I know ... way overkill).


Anyways ... I'm doing something wrong.  For a simple example, I'm just creating a single MIDI track, with a simple random few notes on the piano roll.  I pull up the synth rack, drop in any synth (for this example, PSYN II).  I pipe the output on the console view of the MIDI track into PSYN, and then set the output on the PSYN to Master or Speakers (seems to be the same thing on my rig).  And notta.  Won't even play.  

When I let the piano roll play with the MIDI track output going to Master, it works, and when I switch it's output to go into the Synth, I get a red "DROPOUT" error on the bottom status bar in Sonar.

I've searched internet tutorials, and these forums.  Can't seem to find anything.  Is my rig broke?

Here is a link to a screenshot of my daw:
http://i202.photobucket.c...aa56/MardukPan/daw.png

Sorry for the poor quality image, photobucket is making the image smaller.  If you zoom in on your browser you can make out my configs on the track view and console view.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has an idea.  Sorry if this has been addressed, I couldn't seem to find any similar posts.

Thanks for the reply digi2ns.

That seems to be the same thing.  it adds the same tracks.  I did notice it says "MIDI Source" as a checkbox option in the synth rack add panel that pops up (that's the same panel rather I add through the main insert menu at the top, or via the Synth rack + icon).  In any event, I get the same tracks defined.


Maybe I have to port both the MIDI track and the Synth to a new bus, and then route the bus out to another audio track, then the audio track out to Master???  Or just the BUS out to Master??

There has got to be some tutorials.  There are so many options to try and change!!! I can't seem to brute force something that works.

A picture is worth a thousand words, I'd love to see a screen shot of a DAW console rack that has a properly configured MIDI and Synth.


Thanks

Here are the screenshots of rmy Options/Audio tab.

I found some discussion about ASIO drivers, that doesn't seem to work with my rig.  After I noticed the MME(32bit) part, I tried googling that, and found ASIO4ALL drivers.  So that might be something to look into.  Maybe I have a fundamental hardware issue, I'm just running the stock on-board sound card on an ASUS P6TD mobo.


http://i202.photobucket.c.../MardukPan/general.png
http://i202.photobucket.c...MardukPan/advanced.png
http://i202.photobucket.c...6/MardukPan/driver.png
http://i202.photobucket.c...Pan/drive_profiles.png

First of all I'm going to suggest you get another audio Interface, one that is designed for professional sound recording and supports the ASIO driver mode. You can get USB interfaces starting at around $100. I use the Cakewalk UA-1G and I get very good results with it. The audio device that comes built into your computer just isn't made to handle the kind of processing that soft synths require.

You can also get Sound Cards that fit inside your computer. They are easy enough to install as long as you get one that fits an open slot you have inside the box.

I don't use ASIO4ALL but my understanding is that is it works with the WDM/KS drivers on systems with audio interfaces that can't handle ASIO to mimic ASIO. Better to get an audio interface that uses ASIO.

Using what you have, here are some suggestions... things that I would try if I were in your shoes.

General Tab. Change the Record Timing Master to the Line In of your device.

Advanced Tab. Change the driver mode to WDM/KS.

Driver Tab. Disable (uncheck) the two Microphone input devices so only the Line In is used... unless you have a good reason to keep them enabled.

These would be where I would start tweaking settings and adjust from there. The Integrated Sound device you are using now can probably handle limited recording/playback but it just isn't designed for anything other than playing windows/game sounds and MP3 files. In this economy it goes against my grain to suggest people go out and buy something to solve their problems but as long as you are using the audio interface built into your computer I can't see you having anything but problems and frustration with Sonar.

I'm happy with the UA-1G; it suits my modest needs. You can get better ones, of course. Many have more inputs and outputs which can come in very handy for recording as well as having their own preamps and more sophisticated direct monitoring.

There is a separate forum for Cakewalk Audio and Midi interfaces on the board you might want to take a look at. There's a lot of info there on the UA-1G and similar devices. Many common problems have already been addressed and it's an excellent resource for someone just starting to use Cakewalk interfaces.

And no matter what you get be sure to read the Manual from beginning to end.

Cakewalk Audio & Midi Interfaces

Oh, and just one more thing. If the Wave Profiler didn't automatically run when you switched to WDM/KS mode you should try running that to see if it makes any difference.

update:  just plugged in UG-1A in.  Did the exact same steps as before and it works.  Very gratifying.  I hate that feeling when you are trying everything and nothing works!!  

I think the UG-1A is perfect for now. 

Thanks again guys.

Kalle,
What DVD do you speak of?  You mean a DVD that came with the software? I don't think I have a DVD.  I'll have to go back and check my software box.

LOL yes of course I installed the drivers.  Running in advanced mode.  Now I'm cooking with gas; can even layer synths.  

thanks again guys.

Marduk9

What DVD do you speak of?  You mean a DVD that came with the software? I don't think I have a DVD.  I'll have to go back and check my software box.

The DVD is the only thing in the box (aside from a yellow sheet of paper saying "READ THIS FIRST").

Marduk9

Kev999

Marduk9

What DVD do you speak of?  You mean a DVD that came with the software? I don't think I have a DVD.  I'll have to go back and check my software box.

The DVD is the only thing in the box (aside from a yellow sheet of paper saying "READ THIS FIRST").

LOL well LOOK AT THAT
http://i202.photobucket.c...6/MardukPan/sonar6.jpg

DUDE how did you remember that?  I bought this software package years ago when it was first released.  Do they even sell this version any more?

Impeccable memory!

I wish my memory really was that good.  However, I didn't rely on memory, I checked.  I still have the box on a shelf.  It actually became redundant when I upgraded to Sonar 7PE, but I tend to be a hoarder.