I’m not sure how to designate this issue.
The sound coming from C15, wether an audio or instrument track, sounds as if the record-in levels are too high and buzzing
When mixdowned as an audio file and played back via the computer speakers - the tracks sound fine. anything played back in Cubase sounds terrible. Including any instrument sound played dry.
I’ve gone over my system several times including verifying the UR824 DSP software and I’ve not noticed anything out of order…
Any suggestions?
Sound like you have activated output in Control Room without removing the Main output.
Yes, but your settings looks right to me, so this is not the problem….
I guess you get the same issue if you reimport the downmix, right?
You should have a closer look at your CR inserts.
Do you get the same issue over headphones?
Using any room correction or headphone correction software in Cubase? If so, you need to disable it before you mix down
The OP uses Control Room and the downmix sounds fine on external devices. So it is has probably something to do with monitoring in CR or further up the chain (passive monitors - setup?).
@OisteinR2 's idea would have been my first guesy, too, BTW. Apparently, that’s not the culprit. Would have been such an elegant solition… 
answer is yes to both questions also not using any kind of room or headphone correction and no passive speakers.
Could it have anything to do with the UR824 DSP?
And I agree… @OisteinR2 's idea would have been my first guesy, too, BTW. Apparently, that’s not the culprit. Would have been such an elegant solition…
Yes, did you check the Master Output Level of your UR824 (manual p. 19)?
Yes all the mixes were found at infinity (closed) I pressed reset button and started cubase - no change in the sound quality. Went back into the DSP and lowered all the volume faders in every mix console to the bottom, restarted Cubase - still no change… In either speaker/headphone sound quality. The sounds seem to be distorted as if the record in levels are too hot. I’ve tried different microphones but still no change.
Do you think a re-install of Cubase would help?
I rarely fiddle with default settings in Cubase or any software program. I’m not IT savy.
You can try to start Cubase with preferences disabled, first. Hold down Ctrl + Alt + Shift while launching Cubase and you’ll see different start options. You could also try to start without 3rd party plugins (same dialog). No need to pull the big guns at this point 
It’s a good idea to check if preferenes have gone rogue this way 
Hi REco
Ok - 2 things…
1st- Holding down Control+Alt+Shift and clicking on the cubase shortcut on the desktop gave me the attached window… Is this what you expected… if so what steps should I take next from there?
I don’t see any start-up options in the dialogue box.
2nd- Holding down Control+Alt+Shift and clicking on the cubase icon in the start menu, ask if I want the C-15 program to take over the computer. I agree… C-15 starts up - I tried the sound = no change.
I tried both steps twice = same results
Wrong order. Double-click on the shortcut first and then hold down Ctrl+Alt+Shift.
Sorry, my bad. The instruction was indeed ambigious because I wrote “while”…
You need to press these keys simultaneously shortly after you double-clicked on the Cubase icon. In other words, during launch.
Here’s a more detailed description:
If this approach works we’ll take it from there
Oops, @stingray was faster 
Ok I did as instructed deactivated all 3rdparty plugins and disabled program preferences as found in the attachment. C-15 started and declared that Halion sonic SE does not have a license. I’m stuck at this point - All the plugins cannot be found (see attachment). But trying C-15 the sound is back to normal. Yeah!
Now what to do with Halion sonic se?
Hold on… I restarted Cubase - but I’m questioning the sound quality. Could it be possible the previous audio recordings had been corrupted by whatever made the sound bad in the first place. A piano instrument track appears to be alright but the rendered audio version seems to be corrupted.
I’ll wait for your reply - it’s been a busy day and I haven’t been at my desk as I would like. Sorry
Ok! I finally had a chance to properly look over the recordings. There doesn’t seem to be a problem with the Halion Sonic lisence. Everything appears normal. Any instrument track rendered after the reset are fine. Anything rendered before the reset are corrupt. So It could be either the preference or third party plugins… Had I not misread your instructions and reset one at a time I would be better in the know. (My error) But I know what to do now.
So thanks Much appreciated
Glad that it’s sorted out.
Did you permanently reset your preferences in the dialog’s options? Otherwise, it’s just a temporary fix.
If you have personalized Cubase you could save a Profile and activate it afterwards. This way, most of your personalized presets and settings are saved and can easily be carried over to your new system.
In case this problem reoccurs due to previous installations of Cubase let us know, there is an easy fix.
Sorry to trouble you again
I don’t know if this issue is related to the previous one… But now the monitor speakers do not work, only the headphones.
I’ve tried disconnecting and re-connecting each of the outputs individually in the Control room, but the headphones are the only connections that respond when being disconnected and re-connected. I verified the UR824 status in Cubase studio tab that seem ok.
I’m not computer savy and rarely touch default settings - I’m lost! Help!
I found the problem the DSP outputs were not set in manual mode - made the switch to auto = all is well.
