• Before proceeding, make sure you run the NI Service Center and install the latest updates for your software.

• At first, you should deactivate the onboard audio card. You can do this in the device manager of Windows. Go to Start>Run and then type devmgmt.msc into the dialog box. The device manager will pop up. Go on "Audio-, Video-, Gamecontroller". Right-click your audio card and choose "Properties". On the bottom of the general tab you can choose to deactivate the respective device.

If this does not help you should subsequently deactivate other sound cards until the application launches. If it comes to the situation where you even have to deactivate the soundcard that you actually want to use with the application, you should make sure to have the latest driver installed. Refer to the homepage of the manufacturer of your soundcard for driver updates.

• Furthermore, you should avoid that two or more applications try to use the soundcard simultaneously. Disable other applications such as Audio-Chat-Applications etc..

• It may also be helpful to install the standalone freeware ASIO driver called ASIO4ALL and use your soundcard with this driver. Generally, after a driver conflict occurred it may be necessary to restart the computer.

• Check the minimum system requirements for the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS software which you want to use; you can find these on the individual product pages on our website. The minimum requirements are the very least you can get by with, and are often not enough for larger projects. TIP: if your project calls for more instruments, more plug-in instances, etc. adding more RAM may help significantly.

• Make sure you have the most recent updated version of your NATIVE INSTRUMENTS software.

• Make sure that you have not clicked on an outdated application alias / shortcut. Try starting the application directly from the C:\\Program Files\Native Instruments\ folder on your hard drive.

• Try restarting your computer. You may also try (temporarily) disconnecting any audio interfaces and computer peripherals like printers, scanners and the like.