Phantom track -- the only one that plays no matter what

Very strange. No matter what project I open, exisiting or brand new (with no tracks), when I click on play on any project, all that plays is this one, same track. It is an existing track from a project, but not part of that project. It’s like a phantom track. I can’t find it. I can’t get rid of it. I do notice that it always starts lower in volune, then gets louder.

I’ve rebooted, no change. All worked fine yesterday. Where is it? Could there be a hidden project? Any thoughts?

Cubase Pro 14.

Did you do create a File>New ?

What if you download the Cubase demo project and play it. Do you still just hear that solo track?

Same track plays with demo project.

Now I see that all the tracks in my Cubase “backed up” projects are gone. The folders are there, but no files. Another mystery. I can’t help but wonder if I will need to do a total Cubase reload.

This is almost always a waste of time.

When you hear this Audio do you see a signal on Stereo Out? Are you using the Control Room, and if so do you see a signal there?

What is your Audio Interface? What does its interface show is happening?

Aha. Had to do with control room – which I’ve always used and like alot. Now, each time I open Cubase, I need to studio out in audio connection in order to get audio. And, if I go to a different project, sound doesn’t work and I have to reconnect studio out again.

I’ve had lots of issues lately with drivers. Reloaded them many times. Do I need to do so again?

What track were you hearing in every project you played?

Rick Astely - Never gonna give you up.

Must be that new RickRoll VSTi.

I heard on good authority that the second verse was actually recorded as, and slated to be,

“I’ll play you in my DAW forever”,

but at the last moment, just before release, an unhinged producer from Brooklyn insisted it be re-recorded. Word on the street is he thought the original line didn’t swing enough.