Are you connecting the synths properly? Midi should be midi and if it's not making noise, something isn't connected in the software properly.

That has been my experience. When I get the time, I will try that experiment for myself.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.