sustain appears on when the pedal is released and off when pressed
MIDI is event data, not audio. A controller can send correct MIDI messages while a DAW still stays silent because instrument, track, routing or device settings are wrong.
Do not jump to the most invasive fix
Do not troubleshoot speakers or audio drivers as the first step when the missing evidence is MIDI input itself.
Retest the same condition
The DeviceOK MIDI monitor should show the expected note/control messages before you move into DAW-specific routing.
Rule out the simple causes
- 1
Use DeviceOK Sustain Pedal Test to confirm the control values reverse with pedal movement.
- 2
Power-cycle the controller with the pedal in its normal released position if the manufacturer uses startup polarity detection.
- 3
Check a physical polarity switch or controller pedal-polarity setting.
Work through the problem in order
- 1
If the browser receives reversed values, fix polarity at the pedal/controller before changing DAW mappings.
- 2
If values are correct here but reversed in one instrument, inspect that app's MIDI mapping/interpretation.
- 3
Avoid rewiring a pedal until you have checked its supported polarity/configuration.
If the matching DeviceOK test succeeds, prioritize the affected app, browser policy, operating-system setting, or configuration before assuming complete hardware failure.
If the same capability also fails in DeviceOK and another trusted diagnostic path, broaden the investigation to connection, operating-system/device state, official driver or firmware support, and finally hardware.