Troubleshooting Common Issues with Driver Modes in Cakewalk Sonar

Selecting the appropriate Driver Mode helps Cakewalk Sonar communicate correctly with your audio hardware. If you experience missing devices, audio dropouts, playback issues, or problems after changing audio devices, check your driver configuration using the steps below.

1. Use the Manufacturer's ASIO Driver

If you use a dedicated audio interface, we recommend installing the latest ASIO driver provided by the manufacturer.

To get the correct driver:

  1. Visit your audio interface manufacturer's website.
  2. Go to the support or downloads section.
  3. Find the latest driver for your audio interface and version of Windows.
  4. Install the driver and restart your computer if prompted.
  5. Connect and turn on your audio interface before opening Cakewalk Sonar.

Once installed, open Cakewalk Sonar and go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.

Set Driver Mode to ASIO, then select your audio interface under ASIO Device. Make sure the inputs and outputs you want to use are also enabled.

2. Use WASAPI Shared for Built-In Audio Devices

If you are using your computer's built-in audio device or your device does not have a dedicated ASIO driver, try WASAPI Shared.

To change the Driver Mode:

  1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
  2. Set Driver Mode to WASAPI Shared.
  3. Select the inputs and outputs you want to use.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.

WASAPI Shared uses the Windows audio system and allows Cakewalk Sonar to share the audio device with other applications. It is generally a good starting point when using your computer's built-in audio hardware.

3. Using an ASIO Wrapper

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

To use an ASIO wrapper:

  1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
  2. Set Driver Mode to ASIO.
  3. Under ASIO Device, select the ASIO wrapper.
  4. Select the inputs and outputs you want to use.
  5. Click Apply, then OK.

Note

ASIO wrappers may introduce compatibility or audio issues that Cakewalk Support may not be able to troubleshoot. If you experience problems while using an ASIO wrapper, switch to WASAPI Shared instead.

If your audio interface has its own dedicated ASIO driver, we recommend using the manufacturer's driver instead of an ASIO wrapper.

Troubleshooting

ASIO Device Does Not Appear

If your audio interface does not appear under ASIO Device:

  • Make sure the audio interface is connected and turned on.
  • Confirm that the manufacturer's ASIO driver is installed.
  • Check the manufacturer's website for an updated driver.
  • Restart Cakewalk Sonar after installing or updating the driver.

If the device still does not appear, restart your computer and check again.

Inputs or Outputs Are Missing

If your ASIO driver is available but some inputs or outputs are missing:

  1. Go to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
  2. Confirm that ASIO is selected under Driver Mode.
  3. Make sure the correct interface is selected under ASIO Device.
  4. Check that the required Input Drivers and Output Drivers are enabled.

If you recently changed the Driver Mode or ASIO Device, review your input and output selections again, as the available devices may have changed.

Problems When Using an ASIO Wrapper

If you experience audio dropouts, distortion, missing devices, or other problems while using an ASIO wrapper:

  1. Switch Driver Mode to WASAPI Shared and test again.
  2. If your audio interface has a dedicated ASIO driver, install and use that driver instead.

If the issue only occurs while using the ASIO wrapper, troubleshooting may need to be handled by the provider of that driver.

Problems with a Manufacturer ASIO Driver

If you experience problems while using the official ASIO driver for your audio interface:

  1. Make sure you have the latest compatible driver from the manufacturer's website.
  2. Close Cakewalk Sonar.
  3. Reinstall the manufacturer's ASIO driver.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Open Cakewalk Sonar and return to Edit > Preferences > Audio > Devices.
  6. Select ASIO under Driver Mode and choose your interface under ASIO Device.

If you are experiencing audio dropouts or glitches rather than a missing driver, try increasing your audio buffer size before reinstalling the driver.

Final Tips

If you continue to experience audio issues:

  • Make sure your audio interface driver and firmware are up to date.
  • Make sure Cakewalk Sonar is up to date.
  • Connect and turn on your audio interface before opening Cakewalk Sonar.
  • If you change Driver Mode or ASIO Device, review your selected input and output drivers.
  • If an ASIO wrapper is causing problems, switch to WASAPI Shared or use the dedicated ASIO driver provided by your audio interface manufacturer.

If the issue continues after checking your audio configuration, contact Cakewalk Support with details about your audio device, Driver Mode, and the issue you're experiencing.

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