Fix no sound, noise, or an unexpected effect

By Landon McCoy · Updated September 10, 2026

Check the physical audio path first, then the device’s mode, volume, installation status, and effects chain.

Applies to: Stratus and Nimbus.

No sound

  1. Turn listening volume down before changing cables. Check your instrument directly through the amp/interface.
  2. Reconnect the hardware’s input and output. Confirm the destination is set to the input you used.
  3. Check master volume and exit Tuner, which mutes audio. A MIDI CC7 value of 0 also mutes.
  4. Load a simple preset with an installed effect. Check the effect’s bypass, Mix, Input, and Output controls as applicable.
  5. Wait for any file installation to finish before judging the sound.
Follow the signal to find the problem. Physical path: Check guitar, cables, input, and destination. Volume + mode: Exit Tuner; check master volume and CC7. Simple chain: Use installed effects; check bypass and levels. Turn listening volume down before changing connections.
Turn listening volume down before changing connections. Open image at full size.

Noise or distortion

  • For Stratus, check isolated power and polarity.
  • Reduce levels one stage at a time to find overload.
  • Compare the NAM capture with and without an added IR; a full-rig capture may already include a cabinet.
  • Simplify the chain and check CPU feedback.

Wrong preset or effect

Confirm the preset list has synced to this device. MIDI uses list positions: reordering presets or effects changes what a message targets.

Before contacting support

Record the exact steps, preset/effect name, connections, power supply, app/firmware versions, and any error. A short clip can help explain the behavior.

Still need a hand?

Email support@chaosaudio.com. We’re here to help.

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