Troubleshooting

Use this page when Miao does not behave as expected.

Check the Audio menu first for monitor state, MIDI connection, and audio errors.

Use the Project menu to verify unlock, save, export, history, and file cleanup actions.

Project Is Silent

Check these in order:

1. Press Play and confirm the playhead moves.
2. Check output meter in the transport.
3. Confirm the relevant track is not muted.
4. Confirm no unrelated track is soloed.
5. Confirm track volume is not at -60 dB.
6. Confirm the track routes to Master or a bus that reaches Master.
7. If it is a MIDI region, load a built-in instrument or custom sample.
8. If it is an audio region, confirm the audio file is restored or reimported.
9. Check master gain and limiter/effects.

Playhead Does Not Move

Try:

• Click Play again.
• Reload the page.
• Confirm the browser allows audio playback after a user gesture.
• Check for visible audio errors in the Audio menu.

Imported Audio Region Has No Sound

Try:

• Unlock the project so remote audio files can download.
• Check the Library tab for ready/saved status.
• If Miao says reimport audio, import the source file again.

Instrument Preview Does Not Play

Try:

• Click the preview button again after a user gesture.
• Make sure browser audio is not muted.
• Load the instrument by clicking its name to verify the instrument sample is available.

Preview does not change the selected sampler sound. It is only for browsing.

Recording Does Not Start

Check:

• An audio track is record-armed.
• Browser input permission is allowed.
• Input device is selected at the OS/browser level.
• The Record button is not in processing state.
• Count-in may be active before recording starts.

Input Meter Shows Nothing

Try:

• Open Audio and click Monitor On.
• Arm an audio track.
• Select the audio track.
• Check the system input device and browser permission.

MIDI Device Not Listed

Try:

• Use desktop Chrome.
• Open Audio and click Connect MIDI.
• Check browser MIDI permission.
• Reconnect the MIDI device and click Connect again.

Cannot Create MIDI Region

MIDI regions require a MIDI track. Add a MIDI track first.

Chord-to-MIDI Does Nothing

Chord-to-MIDI generation requires at least one chord and one MIDI track.

Try:

• Add a MIDI track.
• Add or select a chord in the chord lane.
• Use To MIDI, Arp, or Bass in the Notes inspector.
• If no chord is selected, Miao converts the full chord lane.

Drawn MIDI Notes Are Moving to Different Pitches

Check whether Snap notes is enabled in the chord/key panel. When enabled, newly drawn MIDI notes snap to the nearest note in the project scale.

Export Fails

Try:

• Save first.
• Confirm the project is unlocked.
• Confirm remote audio files are available.
• Try exporting again after the project has finished syncing/saving.

Unlock Fails

Check:

• Project ID is exact.
• Password is correct.
• Temporary lockout may apply after too many failed unlock attempts.
• Unlock tokens expire after 12 hours; unlock again if needed.

Collaboration Does Not Connect

Check:

• Both users unlocked the same project.
• Both users have valid unlock tokens.
• WebSocket connections are not blocked by browser/network.
• Save and reload if the document appears stale.