Mr No Name

I found this page in the "manual" which may have explained the issue and how to solve it under "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 the Instrument track, MIDI track, or audio track is not muted. Make sure the MIDI notes are in the right range for the synth's patch. Make sure your MIDI/Instrument Track has its input assigned to the correct MIDI port. Make sure Cakewalk’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 the Input Echo button on the current MIDI track is set to Input Echo: Auto Thru or Input Echo: On. If your MIDI controller contains an onboard sound module, make sure its Local Control function is set to OFF. More Frequently asked questions. So the answer may have been found there in that location. On a side note, It has been said that the default position of the "input echo" button is ON, Does this infact mean that it is automatically illuminated on opening an instantiation of an instrument track? this thread has lead me to believe this to be the case? also does the fact an audio channel has an instance of "input echo" on it, bearing in mind an audio channel cannot use this function? (or can it, only if a recording input is selected?) could the fact that if a project template was opened that had an audio channel as first insert (and no need for "input echo") that this would automatically turn "input echo" off on all other inserted channels afterwards- regardless of weather an audio or midi channel was used? thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to write your patronising internet post. I think the most helpful post in this thread has been at the end of page one, where it was said that input echo is supposed to be on by default on a channel, the case is is that is was off by default and had to be switched on for the midi to function. This is backwards to how it is designed given that I have stated that I had not adjusted the settings in the midi folder for this function. This would lead us to believe that something has automatically changed the behaviour of this function in the software and is infact a bug. (if it is not designed to work this way) I don't have the time or inclination to reverse engineer the problem to find the solution, but the only reason I can think of is, it is something to do with hot plugging a usb midi keyboard while the program is running or changing/plugging/unplugging interfaces while the program is open. There quite clearly is some scenario whereby the software is changing its own settings in the midi functions folder. reason as yet unknown. thanks for your replies.

I have to say I'm not too impressed with the unfriendly tone this thread has gone in, not to mrntion the lack of sense of humour., that aside I still am a fan of the cakewalk DAW, but it has some serious flaws. fyi, I did infact use the help search function for my issue, the info it gave back was not useful and very basic, I had plugged that usb keyboard controller not too soon after it was d'l and it didn't work right off the bat, reason unknown. I had assumed for this reason the controller was broken, until it worked first time and with zero issues in cubase, I don't mess around with or change settings that I don't know the function of (rule 101) the problem was inherant in the software for some reason, cause which is unknown. I have used cakewalk for a year in audio for "mastering" and ignored midi there are some problems with the software I have encountered, the "manual" could be better the forum could be better, the daw could be better, but I still like it, and it was free, I managed to solve my own problem despite reading a "manual" and asking a "forum" look at this completely different issue relating to midi playback which is not mentioned in any manual. plagued him for years apparently.

thanks for the replies, every day is a school day. I still not convinced that this echo button is not just what used to be known as a "PFL" button? anyway, all sorted, and I didn't even have to read the manual.

Thanks for replies, I first d/l cakewalk about a year ago, and I have never been able to get that microkey 25 to work with vsti softsynths until today, or the virtual keyboard? strange. As regards the input echo function, it probably is very useful, but I'm sure it is something which could be achieved using channel input /output routing and solo/mute buttons, but it is still a nice DAW , I'd recommend development teams have at least one moderately stupid person on each team to point out when things are being over complicated. and get rid of manuals, no one should need to read manuals.

Solved the problem, There is a button next to the record button on the track called "Input Echo" this has to be activated. For what reason I do not know, but anyway. Bizarre.

Yes, inputs were selected in preferences- midi- devices, thanks for you advice, Regards

Neither the virtual keyboard or the micro key sends and messages(sound) at all , it's on wasapi shared mode, I've tried all modes, on soft synth track, virtual keyboard omni selected, nothing? microkey 25 omni selected, nothing? operating system win 10, it's beyond bizarre, I've tried every configuration 3 times and there is no defauit setting. I am giving up and using cubase instead, works immediately with no fuss.

yes, that is what I am saying. I used a korg microkorg previously which was set up via midi cables into an interface and returned back into the laptop via usb from the interface, but strangely doesn't seem to work directly from this "microkey 25" direct via usb ? I'm guessing microkey 25 isn't compatible with cakewalk. (even though it shows in the preferences as connected?)

that should read "Micro Key 25" thanks

I have a korg microkorg 25 usb plug and play midi keyboard, I have no sound coming from it when using vsti's? also the software inbuilt stock keyboard doesn't playback sound from vsti's either ?? The soft synths will play sound by their own keyboards on the plug in and inputting information on to the step sequencer will result in sound being played back. It's almost as if there should be a function in the plug in that needs to let the plug in be played from an external source? In cubase I just open the the soft synth and it plays automatically on the microkorg and computer keypads ? This runs on ASIO, is the fact cakewalk doesn't use ASIO anything to do with this? I would expect the inbuilt software cakewalk keyboard to playback automatically at the very least? I'm sure there must be a solution. thanks.