Difference between midi and SW Synth in volume control?

[Delzvir]

This questions pertains to the use of a laptop with SONAR. I have used a desktop for a long time now with SONAR and have never had a problem assigning midi outputs. I now have a laptop (more powerful than my desktop) and want to use it to record with sonar. I was hoping to just use the onboard sound card which is Sigma Tel, but when I load SONAR it asks me to assign midi inputs/outputs. No problem with the desktop, but with the laptop it wont accept Microsoft midi mapper as an output selection. Does my laptop lack the capability of making midi files? It plays downloaded midi fine with winamp, but SONAR wont make a sound with midi.

When I checked the WindowsXP volume control, I have no control for midi like I do on my desktop. Instead, only SW Synth. What is the difference? I have a bad feeling my computer lacks the capability to process midi like I want to.



BTW, this is not a question about inputs. I found this same problem addressed and people were answering as if inputs were the problem. I dont use midi inputs.

Thanks!!

[Steve Durand]

I run Sonar on a laptop.

I have Sonar 6 and a Dell Inspiron E1705 which also has a Sigma Tel soundcard.

I really never use MIDI outputs and I have never used Microsoft MIDI mapper. But when I look at the MIDI devices I have a choice of Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth which must have come with the computer because I didn't load it.

If I don't connect any other devices this is just the default for MIDI.

Do you have this option?

[Delzvir]

No thats not an option. All I have is Microsoft Midi mapper. I also get an error message associated with my Sigma Tel audio card when I start the program.

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This is the error when I try to select Microsoft Midi Mapper

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[Steve Durand]

I can't see the pictures of your screen prints.

What type of audio driver are you using. You may have to set in on MME to get the Sigmatel card to work. It may not support WDM or ASIO.

If you can afford to, you should really get an external card. I use an Edirol UA-25 that also has a preamp and phantom power for my condenser mic. There are several other equivalent products out there.


Edit: Also, you shouldn't need Microsoft MIDI Mapper at all. If the program recognizes your device you should be able to address it directly.

[Märk]

You don't have ASIO drivers installed (I doubt there's such a thing for SigmaTel chipset) but you need it (or MME, but don't use that) for Midi to work properly in Sonar (according to the FAQ)

Luckily, I came along and read your post, and I can point you in the right direction. ASIO4ALL is a generic ASIO driver for just about every audio chipset you can imagine, and it works really, really well. Download it, install it, and select it in Sonar as your audio driver, all your problems should disappear.