No sound in Studio 5

[theedge]

Hi all.

As you can see (Post Number 1!), I'm a noob here. Got a CI2 and Cubase Studio 5 last week. Getting on really well with Cubase, but had a bit of trouble getting the CI2 up and running.

In as much detail as I can, here's where I'm at. I am running Windows XP with an ASUS Xonar DS soundcard. My CI2 is all installed and the USB and AI ready lights are on. I have a guitar plugged into Input 1 and the Hi-Z switched on. Input 1 gain, Master and Mix are set at halfway.

When I start Cubase (Studio 5.5.0) and choose 'Clean E. Guitar and Vocals' from the assistant (which I can do with the Browse knob), the project opens and it says I have missing ports (Microphone 1 and 2 and Speaker 1 and 2). As they are the only options, I have chosen ASUS Xonar DS Audio 1 or 2 for all options. I'll ignore the AmpSim for now as I guess it has no bearing on this issue...

I've set my ASIO driver to Yamaha Steinberg USB Audio. Now, nothing is happening. My Input options are Stereo In 1 (Links and Rechts) and Mono in 1 and 2. None seems to have any effect (although, the other day, I did seem to be getting an input, as the levels were moving in time, though I can't remember what I was set at...). Outputs are Stereo Out Links and Rechts.

I've tried all I can, but have got to the point where I have to find help from more experienced peeps. Had a look but couldn't find a post that quite fit what I needed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

AJ

[DaveFry]

Hi AJ ,
No-one else has replied in over 24 hours so I'll try to help.

The Ci2 is a soundcard . Your Asus is the built-in soundcard of your computer . The C12 is the better soundcard for recording audio , but unfortunately ( I assume ) you want to play back through the computer speakers which are connected to the Asus.
Cubase is designed to run best with one soundcard only .
The best results would occur if you had an amp and speakers or powered monitors connected to the outputs on the back of the Ci2.

In the scenario you described above ( paragraph 3 ) you assigned the inputs and outputs of Cubase to your Asus,
but then ( paragraph 4 ) you selected the Ci2 s Asio Driver ( the Yamaha Steinberg USB Audio ) , so Cubase wants to use the Ci2 but it is taking the inputs from the Asus , hence no sound from the inputs of the Ci2.

Ideally , you should disable the Asus soundcard and use the outputs out of the back of the Ci2 ( as I said above ) so all audio is routed solely within the Ci2 with it's dedicated Yamaha Driver.
If you have headphones instead of powered speakers it might be best to try this simplest method first ;

Make sure the Ci2 is connected to your computer first , then open Cubase.
Ignore the Project Assistant for now , don't open a project yet , set up the driver (as you did before )( you may need to close the Project Assistant to proceed )
Devices menu > Device Setup > VST Audio System
Select the Yamaha Steinberg USB Audio...

Now steup the input and output ports to suit the Ci2 by ;
selecting the new "Yamaha Steinberg USB USB Audio " entry on the tree on the left (It should have appeared below the entry for VST Audio System that you selected before.
This brings up a Device Setup page where you can assign the inputs and outputs to the Ci2.

Now the inputs on the Ci2 will work and you can listen through headphones connected to the Ci2 ,
BUT of course now we have lost the Project Assistant because we cancelled it earlier .
The easiest way to get it back is to restart Cubase ! Now the ports should already be assigned to the Ci2 , so the inputs should work .

Have a play with that and post back if you have trouble , (a reply should be prompter than this one was ) and if you want to try to play back through your computer speakers ( not recommended) then post back as well for Kettle of Fish pt.2


_________________
Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player._____________________________
I7 920, 12GB RAM, Windows 7 x64
Cubase 5.5.2 x64, CI2
MOTU Electric Keys x64, The Grand 3.01 x64

[theedge]

Hi Dave

That's a big help, thanks.

I now have levels registering in Cubase. Unfortunately, I have to upgrade to a decent pair of speakers... (Any suggestions? Preferably under £100) Will have to make do with headphones for now.

Thanks for the help.

AJ

[DaveFry]

What sort of speakers are you using now ?
It may be just a question of getting the right cable(s) to connect them up to the Ci2's outputs for now ....
Maybe something like this ; http://www.amazon.co.uk/3m-3-5mm-Jack-RCA-Cable/dp/B001L0Z7C4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1287568127&sr=8-3 for example .

Glad you got started
_________________
Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player._____________________________
I7 920, 12GB RAM, Windows 7 x64
Cubase 5.5.2 x64, CI2
MOTU Electric Keys x64, The Grand 3.01 x64

[theedge]

At the moment I'm just using desktop computer speakers. The sound is ok, but obviously nothing good. (Some decent monitors were to be Part 2 of my 'Setting up home studio' plan!)

My speakers are powered and have a 3.5mm jack. Would I be able to use them through the CI2 with a 3.5mm to 1/4" jack adapter? If so, would it matter whether I plugged the into the left or right port? I'm not looking for amazing sound or anything - I'm only making music for my own enjoyment, with the occasional project for school (I'm a primary school teacher )

Thanks for your continuing advice

[DaveFry]

Yes indeed . A stereo 3.5 mm to 1/4" jack adaptor . Plug it into the headphone socket on the rear.

_________________
Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player._____________________________
I7 920, 12GB RAM, Windows 7 x64
Cubase 5.5.2 x64, CI2
MOTU Electric Keys x64, The Grand 3.01 x64

[theedge]

Brilliant.

Thanks again for all of your advice.

AJ

[DaveFry]

Hey , one of those children that you're introducing a REAL guitar to now might be the one that writes a song in 20 years time that averts a global war
You're doing us all a priceless service . Thankyou .
_________________
Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player._____________________________
I7 920, 12GB RAM, Windows 7 x64
Cubase 5.5.2 x64, CI2
MOTU Electric Keys x64, The Grand 3.01 x64