Brand new to MIDI & frustrated!

I did a quick search of the forum and didn't see a related post, but if I missed it please just send me the link and I'll be on my way!

Using Sonar 8 Producer, a USB audio interface, and Yamaha keyboard is connected via MIDI cable to the interface. I can't hear a thing! but I CAN see notes showing up in the MIDI track while I'm recording. Should I be able to hear what I'm playing? I can't hear anything afterward when I hit Play either.

I don't know what to do, and I just get overwhelmed looking at the manuals, I hope that doesn't make me "lazy'... :-(

Help please! I would greatly appreciate any assistance. Thank you.

[KtA]

I've never used Sonar,but...if you can see the midi events on screen,the connection is obviously made. Are you triggering soft synths,or wanting to use on board sounds from your Yammy?

[Rachael Frazer]

Originally Posted by KtA

I've never used Sonar,but...if you can see the midi events on screen,the connection is obviously made. Are you triggering soft synths,or wanting to use on board sounds from your Yammy?

I honestly don't care where the sound comes from, as long as I can hear while recording, and after! I have read a bit about soft synths and thought that seemed like it was the only option with MIDI, but I can't figure it out. How ??

[KtA]

Well it can't be much different to other DAWs...
There should be an option to enable controllers/surfaces somewhere in the program.
Have a look,see if it is on...

[KtA]

I just found this...it may help...
How to Control Sonar Using a MIDI Keyboard ? SonarTricks.com Cakewalk Sonar Tricks

[Rachael Frazer]

Originally Posted by KtA

I just found this...it may help...
How to Control Sonar Using a MIDI Keyboard ? SonarTricks.com Cakewalk Sonar Tricks

I will have a look at that link, but I'm concerned that it might not relate to my situation because I'm using a USB interface. Midi from keyboard to interface, then by USB to computer. Is that a MIDI keyboard? I don't know... I'm sorry I'm so confused.

[Disfunktional-DJs]

The keyboard is the trigger you need a sound for the keyboard to trigger.

VST plugin

if you don't have a sound bank loaded on the midi channel your seeing midi notes...you won't get a sound

[KtA]

Yes it's still midi...I use a usb connection,but it's still midi

It's obviously connected,cos you can see it on screen...
So...silly question,but have you opened a soft synth?

[Rachael Frazer]

Originally Posted by Disfunktional-DJs

The keyboard is the trigger you need a sound for the keyboard to trigger.

VST plugin

if you don't have a sound bank loaded on the midi channel your seeing midi notes...you won't get a sound

VST plugin, is this something I need to download? Could you direct me to a good one, I looked it up and there are A LOT... How do I load a sound bank on the midi channel?

[Rachael Frazer]

Originally Posted by KtA

Yes it's still midi...I use a usb connection,but it's still midi

It's obviously connected,cos you can see it on screen...
So...silly question,but have you opened a soft synth?

No, I haven't, because I don't understand what soft synth is or know how to open one?