Recently switched to a newer Cubase version and having difficulties getting MIDI with VST instruments to work. I can see that I’m getting signal from my controller since a little bar thing is moving but I’m hearing no sound and nothing gets recorded. I could really use a bit of help. Maybe sort of a step by step manual or list type thing (which I find easier than videos). I’m trying to use Halion Sonic 7 and maybe there is a setting I’m overlooking. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi,
Some screenshots from your side might help. Do you use am Instrument Track? Or a MIDI Track routed to VSTi Rack (Rack Instrument)?
Could you attach a screenshot of the track with the Routing tab open?
Did you load a sound/patch on the given Channel/Slot in HALion Sonic SE7? Could you attach a screenshot?
Thank you for the reply. I didn’t include screenshots because I haven’t encountered a specific problem that might be visible on the image. I think I just need a basic guide through the steps from the point where the MIDI controller has been connected. But I’ll do the screenshots later and maybe something will show up anyway.
Hi,
Sorry, my understanding was, that you don’t get a sound and MIDI data is not recorded.
My expectation is that the MIDI data goes to Cubase, but not to the track. So they might be blocked by any MIDI Remote Device, Quick Controls, or they don’t arrive at the Instrument correctly (or there is no patch) - but then you would be able to record the data.
It could also be in the Preferences > MIDI > MIDI Filter.
…or maybe the track just isn’t armed 
Hi,
He means: Record Enabled (how we call it in Cubase). 
You are right. I stand corrected. The issue was quite specific. I just feel that though the symptom of what I’m neglecting is visible and specific the cause could be a wide range of different things. But I’ll look into the things you mention and post a few screenshots later. Thank you.
Maybe this could help → How to Use Virtual Instruments | Cubase Tutorial | Steinberg
Hi,
There is Audio Activity on the Input Channels only, not on the Output Channels.
This indicates, there is no sound coming from the Instrument. Have you loaded a patch/sound in the Instrument?
Yes, if you don’t use MIDI Remote to control Cubase from your MIDI hardware as DAW (i.e. Transport, Mixer, etc.), then it should look like this.
Hi,
OK, the sound/patch had been loaded. Now, when you pay the MIDI keyboard, can you see the virtual keyboard in HALion Sonic is moving? Do you see the slot number is flashing in orange (incoming MIDI activity).
The Keys on the virtual keyboard do not move when I play the MIDI keyboard and the slot number flashes only when I “play” the virtual keyboard by clicking it with the computer mouse
Hi,
That means, the MIDI data don’t go to the track. Could you attach a screenshot of the Instrument Track’s Routing tab?
Btw, is the Thru option enabled in the Preferences > MIDI, please?
I’m afraid I don’t know what either of those are. Where do I find the MIDI Preferences you mention? And how do I get the tracks routing shown?
What other options are there apart from Minilab DIN THRU.
No Minilab MIDI in?
NB: you don’t have to create a new track these are shown and can be changed in the track inspector
The Input audio activity meter is disconcerting….are you sure you have your audio set up properly? Have you confirmed that you are able to get any audio to output from Cubase yet? A simple test would be to drag in an mp3 or other audio file and just play it.
I do get sound. I transferred som tracks from a Tascam DP-24SD and they play as expected
To piggyback off what @Grim mentioned, that is not the correct port to use for your MIDI Input, it says as much in the manual for your controller. You should maybe revisit how to set up your controller in the DAW.
