Error: Unable to Open Audio Playback Device in Cakewalk Sonar

October 07, 2026 04:26

The Unable to open audio playback device message appears when Cakewalk Sonar cannot access the audio device selected for playback.

This can happen because of a sample rate mismatch, incorrect audio device configuration, another application using the audio device, or an issue with the selected audio driver.

Use the steps below to troubleshoot the error.

1. Check Your Audio Device

First, make sure your audio device is connected, turned on, and correctly configured in Cakewalk Sonar.

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
Check your Driver Mode.
Confirm that the correct input and output drivers are enabled.

If you're using an audio interface with a dedicated ASIO driver:

Set Driver Mode to ASIO.
Under ASIO Device, select your audio interface.
Enable the inputs and outputs you want to use.
Click Apply, then OK.

If you're using your computer's built-in audio device or a device without a dedicated ASIO driver, try WASAPI Shared.

2. Fix Sample Rate Mismatches

A sample rate mismatch between your project, audio device, and Windows audio settings can prevent Cakewalk Sonar from opening the audio device.

If the error only occurs with certain projects, check whether those projects use a different sample rate.

The project's sample rate is displayed in the Transport module in the Control Bar.

Common sample rates include 44.1 kHz (44100 Hz) and 48 kHz (48000 Hz).

Change the Sample Rate in Windows

To check or change the sample rate used by Windows:

Open Windows Settings.
Go to System > Sound.
Select the output device you're using with Cakewalk Sonar.
Locate Format under the device's output settings.
Select a format that uses the same sample rate as your Cakewalk Sonar project.

For example, if your project uses 48 kHz, select a format that uses 48000 Hz.

If you're also using the device for recording:

Return to System > Sound.
Select your input device.
Locate Format.
Set it to the same sample rate.

Try to keep the Windows input, Windows output, audio interface, and Cakewalk Sonar project using the same sample rate when troubleshooting.

Change the Sample Rate Using Your Audio Interface

If you're using an audio interface with a dedicated ASIO driver, the sample rate may be controlled by the manufacturer's software instead of Windows.

Open your audio interface's control panel and locate its Sample Rate setting.

Set it to the same sample rate used by your Cakewalk Sonar project.

Depending on your interface, you may also be able to access its control panel from Edit > Preferences > Audio > Driver Settings > ASIO Panel.

If ASIO Panel does not open the manufacturer's control panel, open the interface software directly from Windows.

Check Cakewalk Sonar's Audio Settings

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Driver Settings.

Review your current audio configuration and make sure it is compatible with your audio hardware and project.

After matching the sample rates, close and reopen the affected project and test playback again.

3. Release Audio Device Conflicts

Another application may be using the same audio device and preventing Cakewalk Sonar from accessing it.

Close applications that may be using audio, such as:

Web browsers
Media players
Zoom, Discord, or other communication applications
Streaming or screen recording applications
Other DAWs or audio software

After closing these applications, return to Cakewalk Sonar and test playback again.

4. Check for Conflicting Audio Devices

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.

Make sure the playback and recording drivers you intend to use are enabled.

If you're using a dedicated audio interface, temporarily disable other audio drivers you don't need, such as your computer's internal sound device, and test again.

If you're using ASIO, confirm that the correct interface is selected under ASIO Device.

After changing the Driver Mode or ASIO Device, review your selected input and output drivers again.

5. Try WASAPI Shared

If you're using your computer's built-in audio device or another Windows audio device and the error continues, try WASAPI Shared.

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
Set Driver Mode to WASAPI Shared.
Select the appropriate input and output devices.
Click Apply, then OK.
Test playback again.

WASAPI Shared allows Cakewalk Sonar and other Windows applications to share access to the audio device, which can help avoid conflicts caused by exclusive access.

Recording issue

If playback works but Cakewalk Sonar cannot access your microphone or recording input, check the Windows microphone privacy settings and make sure desktop applications are allowed to access the microphone.

6. Check Your Audio Interface Connection

If you're using an external audio interface:

Make sure the interface is turned on.
Disconnect and reconnect the device.
If it's a USB interface, connect it directly to your computer when possible instead of using a USB hub or dock.
Confirm that Windows recognizes the device.

If the interface was disconnected while Cakewalk Sonar was running, close Sonar, reconnect the interface, then reopen Sonar.

7. Update or Reinstall Your Audio Driver

If you're using a dedicated audio interface, check the manufacturer's website for the latest compatible driver.

If the problem continues:

Close Cakewalk Sonar.
Uninstall the current audio interface driver.
Restart your computer.
Install the latest compatible driver from the manufacturer.
Reconnect your audio interface.
Open Cakewalk Sonar.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
Select ASIO under Driver Mode and select your interface under ASIO Device.

If your audio interface provides firmware updates, check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure the firmware is also current.

8. Test a New Project

Create a new empty project and test playback.

If the new project works: The issue may be related to the original project's sample rate, audio configuration, or routing.

If the error occurs in every project: The issue is more likely related to your audio device, driver, or Windows audio configuration.

If You're Using an ASIO Wrapper

If your audio device does not have a dedicated ASIO driver, you may be using an ASIO wrapper such as ASIO4ALL or Steinberg Built-in ASIO.

ASIO wrappers may introduce compatibility or audio issues that Cakewalk Support may not be able to troubleshoot.

If the error occurs while using an ASIO wrapper:

Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
Change Driver Mode to WASAPI Shared.
Select the appropriate input and output devices.
Click Apply, then OK.
Test playback again.

If your audio interface has a dedicated ASIO driver, we recommend using the manufacturer's driver instead.

Still Getting the Error?

If you continue to receive the Unable to open audio playback device message, contact Cakewalk Support.

When contacting us, include:

Your audio interface or audio device
Your selected Driver Mode
Your selected ASIO Device, if applicable
Your project sample rate
The sample rate selected in Windows or your audio interface control panel
Whether the error occurs in all projects or only certain projects
Whether the audio device works normally in other applications
A screenshot of the error message

This information will help us narrow down whether the issue is related to the project, audio configuration, driver, or device.