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Evolver Troubleshooting Guide
Quick reference checklist — check the obvious things first
No Audio Output
- Master Volume is above 80 — this is the final output level, easy to overlook after a patch change
- Osc 1 Level and/or Osc 2 Level are above 80 — at least one oscillator needs to be feeding the mixer
- Env 3 Amount is greater than 0 and Env 3 Destination is set to VCA — Env 3 controls the amplifier by default
- Audio cable is connected to the Main Output (left output = mono sum) and your audio interface input gain is up
- Program is not a Bank 4 drone or external processing patch — try loading Bank 1, Program 128 (basic patch) to confirm audio works
Filter Sounds Wrong
- LPF Frequency is not fully closed (value 0) — a closed filter cuts all sound regardless of other settings
- Filter Mode matches what you expect — 2-pole (-12dB, gentler) vs 4-pole (-24dB, steeper, self-oscillates at high resonance)
- Resonance level is intentional — values above 90 in 4-pole mode cause self-oscillation, which can overpower the input signal
- Env 1 Amount is set and Env 1 is routed to the filter — this is the default filter envelope; check both Amount and Destination
- Audio Path is correct — verify both analog (Osc 1/2) and digital (Osc 3/4) paths are active if you expect both; check HPF position (pre/post) if highs are missing
Modulation Not Working
- Mod Destination is assigned — check Mod Matrix rows 1-4, each needs a valid destination selected
- Mod Amount is greater than 0 — even with correct routing, zero amount means no modulation
- LFO Rate is not at minimum (value 0) — a stopped LFO produces no movement
- Key Sync is set correctly — if the envelope or LFO should retrigger per note, Key Sync must be on
- Sequencer state matches your intent — if a sequencer track targets the same destination, it may override or sum with your modulation
MIDI / SysEx Issues
- MIDI Channel matches between Evolver and your controller/DAW — check the Global parameter (default: channel 1)
- MIDI cables are connected correctly — Evolver MIDI IN from controller MIDI OUT; check for swapped In/Out/Thru
- Local Control is set correctly — On for standalone playing, Off when using a DAW to avoid double-triggering
- SysEx Enable is turned on if sending/receiving patches or program dumps
- Program Change Receive is enabled if you want external program changes to work — check the Global settings