SILENT SYNTH
CHECKLIST.
Five initial checks for a silent synthesiser. Change one setting at a time and record the result.
A returning signal can be much louder than you expect. Bring the level up gently after each check.
- 01
Is there a sound source?
A MIDI controller can light up and send notes without making audio of its own. Check that your synth or software instrument is powered or loaded, using the power arrangement specified for that exact model.
- 02
Follow the audio cable.
MIDI messages tell an instrument what to play; they are not the sound. Trace the synth's audio output to your interface, mixer, speakers or headphones. USB audio is only an option when the instrument supports it.
- 03
Check where you're listening.
Confirm the selected input and output. Check mute, volume and monitoring controls. In a DAW, make sure the instrument or audio track reaches the output you are actually hearing.
- 04
Try the shortest route.
If your instrument has its own keys or a preview control, try those first. If it has a headphone output, that may help you check the instrument separately from the rest of your audio path. Follow its manual and start quietly.
- 05
Then follow the notes.
If the synth makes a sound locally but not from your controller, check the MIDI connection, the selected device and the transmit and receive channels. Write down what changed before moving on.
Further troubleshooting
The longer field guide follows different routes for hardware, MIDI, software and sequences. This checklist is only a starting point, not a hardware diagnosis.
Explore the full guide