Reference Guide

1263
No sound from my software instrument/synth
Troubleshooting
No sound from my software instrument/synth
Symptom: I have inserted a soft synth but when I play notes on my MIDI keyboard I don't hear
anything.
Solutions:
• Make sure that the Instrument track, MIDI track, or audio track are not muted.
• Make sure the MIDI notes are in the right range for the synth's patch.
• Make sure that SONAR’s audio engine is engaged. The Audio Engine button in the Control Bar
(Transport module) is lit when the audio engine is engaged.
• Unless you are using a dedicated Instrument track for the soft synth, make sure the current MIDI
track’s Output control is assigned to the soft synth.
• Make sure that the Input Echo button on the current MIDI track is set to Input Echo: Auto Thru
or Input Echo: On.
• If you MIDI controller contains an on-board sound module, make sure it’s Local Control function is
set to OFF.
More “Frequently asked questions” on page 1251.
SONAR doesn't recognize new plug-ins
SONAR supports both VST and DirectX effect and instrument plug-ins. You will first need to
determine which of these two types of plug-ins you have. Most third-party plug-ins are VST.
For VST Plug-ins
When you install a new VST plug-in, be mindful of the folder where it is installed. Common default
locations include:
C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\VstPlugins (recommended location)
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugins
C:\Program Files\VstPlugins
VST plug-ins appear in SONAR via the integrated VST scanner. If you have installed VST plug-ins to
a common location, like the folders listed earlier, you may not need to take any additional steps. If
the new plug still does not appear, you will need to point SONAR's VST scanner to the exact
directory where your new VST plug-in is installed.
To do so:
1. Go to Edit > Preferences > File - VST Settings.