Software Synthesizers (Excerpt): Top Music Technology Pages Return to MusicWords Home

[The material below is excerpted from Software Synthesizers, published in 2003 by Backbeat Books.]

Here and there in this book, you'll read brief mentions of installation problems, system conflicts, and even bugs. Mostly, though, the tone of Chapters 2 through 7 is upbeat. Make a joyful noise and all that.

Sad to say, your experience with softsynths may not be quite such a bed of roses. Software is written by humans, and humans make mistakes (a.k.a. bugs). They also make choices (such as whether to create a VSTi or a DXi synth) that aren't mistakes from their point of view, but that may cause you problems. Since most music software runs in an environment where it has to work with software from other companies, there's plenty of room for system conflicts. And then there's the seemingly endless stream of problems created by user ineptitude, also known as "failing to read the manual." Truly, the list of things that can go wrong in a music computer is long and gruesome. Bugs are just the beginning.

When your softsynth doesn't make a peep, try running through the checklist below. I can't guarantee you'll find a solution to your problem, but if nothing in the list does the trick, when you call tech support they'll be impressed with your thoroughness, and they'll probably put forth a premium effort on your behalf.

Have you downloaded and installed the latest version of the softsynth? Check the manufacturer's website to find out if there's an update with a newer version number. An update with a bugfix will often solve the problem.

Have you downloaded and installed the latest version of the host application in which the softsynth is running?

Have you downloaded and installed the latest version of the driver software for your audio interface (soundcard)?

If you're hearing undesirable noise: First, turn down the softsynth's output somewhat. If the noise persists, try increasing the buffer settings for your audio output device. If that doesn't help, check to make sure your audio output isn't overloading your speakers. Make sure you aren't running through a distortion effect (on an auxiliary send, perhaps).

If the application shuts down unexpectedly -- if playback stops, or audio stops, or the audio starts stuttering -- you may be overloading your CPU. If the application has a CPU meter (many of them do), keep an eye on it while recreating the conditions. If the CPU is maxed out, you'll need to simplify. One common way to do this is to create a submix, in which several softsynth outputs are rendered to the hard drive as a single stereo audio track. After rendering the softsynth performance, you can mute the softsynth tracks, which should free up some CPU time.

If the CPU meter is spiking for no discernible reason, try disabling your plug-ins one at a time in order to isolate which plug-in (or combination of plug-ins) is the root of the problem. If a given softsynth is fighting with a plug-in effect, for instance, you may be able to render the softsynth track as an audio track, remove the softsynth, and run the effect on the audio track.

If the softsynth responds sluggishly to your MIDI keyboard, try reducing the buffer settings for your audio output device. If that doesn't help, or if you can't get at the settings, check whether your audio device has a lower latency mode (such as ASIO or WDM) that you can switch to.

If the softsynth makes no sound, start by checking the MIDI input settings. Is MIDI actually reaching the synth at all? If so, is the synth assigned to the correct MIDI channel? Is your MIDI keyboard's MIDI out jack plugged into the computer's MIDI in jack? If so, is the MIDI port you're using selected in the host app? (Look in the Preferences or Options dialog box.)

Still no sound? Check to make sure your synth isn't on a mixer channel or MIDI track that has been muted. If the audio level meters show activity within the software, make sure your audio interface is powered up. (Some of them have to be plugged in and switched on.) Make sure your amp or powered speakers are switched on, and that the cable from the audio interface is plugged into the correct jacks in the hardware amp or mixer.

If MIDI seems to be routed correctly to the softsynth, and the audio output seems to be set up correctly, but you're still not hearing any sound, simplify the setup. Start the host app and create a new, empty song/document. First, try loading an audio file from your hard drive into an audio track, and play it back within the song. If you can hear it, you know the problem isn't with the audio routing. Try loading a different softsynth, to check whether one synth works while another doesn't. If the problem is limited to one particular synth, take a look at how its parameters are set. The filter may be closed down, for instance, or all of the oscillators may be switched off.

If all else fails, then (to borrow a phrase from Firesign Theatre) maybe it's time to go live in a tree and learn to play the flute. There are worse fates.