Can't hear Midi output in Cubase SX 3

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Member Since: Apr 20, 2008

Hi folks,

I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this kindof stuff, so if I mention something blatantly obviously wrong, bear with me!

I've been setting up my own home recording set up with Cubase SX 3 and it seems to be set up ok. The only problem I have is I can't hear any midi playback.

Recording it is ok, I select the midi track to record, hit record and tap the keys on my midi keyboard and they register in the track. The bars also appear when I'm recording it and also when I'm playing back. Everything seems ok, but I just can't hear any midi coming out!

In the device setup, I've set my midi out to "Microsoft GS Wavetable software synth" which should be the right one and this output is also set on the track.

Any ideas folks?

Thanks,

Sirius.

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 20, 2008 07:00 pm

Just so I have it straight. You midi track which you are recording to is set to have its output going to the audio track which is the GS wavetable synth? And the output of the GS synth is set to you audio outputs, correct?

If so that should be working correctly.

Have you tried simply dumping in a general midi file and seeing if it plays that back correctly?

Member
Since: Apr 20, 2008


Apr 22, 2008 02:41 pm

Thanks for the reply mate.

In the inspector, the output of the midi track is set to "Microsoft GS wavetable synth" and when I go to devices then device setup and look at the Default midi ports option, Midi output is also set to Microsoft GS wavetable synth. I dunno what else it could be...

I have tried playing a midi file in cubase but it doesn't seem to recognise midi files for some reason. I can play midi filed in Windows media player though, so my audio drivers must be ok.

I've had another look at it and still dunno what it could be...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Apr 22, 2008 10:08 pm

Sirius, if someone else doesn't pop in shortly with an answer I'll try and get a look into the online help at Steinberg and see if I can figure it out.

It should be as stated a very simple thing. And it sounds like you have everything on your end just as it should be. And if the WMP is playing a midi file then that tells me for sure that the MS GS wavetable synth is working properly as well. So it is a bit of a mystery on this end as well. Though I am not hugely familiar with Cubase LE most midi implementation is pretty much the same other then a few switches and stuff.

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002


Apr 22, 2008 11:18 pm

hmmm.... ok lets be sure we're on the same page...

you have a midi track in cubase
you have the input of that midi track selected as your keyboard
you have the output set as your MS wavetable synth

That SHOULD work.

One thing you can try is to download a free softsynth vst or something, install it, and then try setting it up that way and see if you get sound maybe?


Member
Since: Apr 20, 2008


Apr 28, 2008 07:36 am

Cheers Loki -

I took your advice and downloaded a free synth which actually seems to work ok, hinting that the problem is within Cubase...

I thought i might need to upgrade to the latest version, but it's already up to date.

I might just try uninstalling everything and reinstalling it. I've got a Cubase SX 3 manual which shows the correct order everything should be installed, so I'll have a go at that and hope for the best I think... Unless Noize manages to come up with something.

Thanks for the advice.

Member
Since: Apr 28, 2008


Apr 28, 2008 04:28 pm

I am using Lexicon Omega with Cubase Studio 4 and for some reason I have to go to the devices menu and hit reset everytime I start Cubase to hear the midi out. I believe it is in the device setup pulldown. Your device will be visible, just hit the reset button.

I am at work (so much for working), so am doing this by memory. I can check when I get home tonight to be sure which pull down it is if you need it.




Member
Since: May 22, 2008


May 22, 2008 06:15 am

I've noticed that sometimes I have to change the Midi channel from a number to ANY and then my instruments can be heard. Maybe there's something else that needs to be setup to avoid this, but might resolve part of the problem.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


May 22, 2008 10:04 pm

Well one thing to remember is the midi channel on everything must be the same when you are trying to play it through Cubase or any other DAW live or to record. But even when simply playing the already recorded midi track through any synth the output midi track channel must match the input synths input channel whether it is software synth or a hardware synth.

Member
Since: Jun 09, 2008


Jun 20, 2008 02:08 pm

This is very similar to my current situation...although I can hear my track. To do so, I had to go into Asiobay VST and then to select Mulimedia Asio as my driver. Before I was using Asio4All and with that I couldn't hear the playback. Perhaps if you switch back to your onboard general driver you might get some sound returned, no? Just a thought anyway, and as I am not an expert, I'd probably just take it with a pinch of salt. Still, I thought it might be worth mentioning.

Member
Since: Dec 10, 2008


Dec 10, 2008 04:34 am

This might sound a bit too noobish, but have you ever checked SW synth to see if its up not on 0 mark? If you don't know what I mean, go on windows its (Start>All Programs>Accessories>Entertainment>Volume Control
Now once your in "Volume Control", you will see something called SW Synth, if the bar thing is way down, then you won't be able to hear. This probably might not help you, but if other synth programs work for you, then again it can be something else but most synth programs don't actually use SW Synth.

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