diff --git a/src/synth/fluid_synth.c b/src/synth/fluid_synth.c
index 8525689f..329bfe9a 100644
--- a/src/synth/fluid_synth.c
+++ b/src/synth/fluid_synth.c
@@ -555,7 +555,9 @@ new_fluid_synth(fluid_settings_t *settings)
   fluid_sfloader_t* loader;
   double gain;
   int i, nbuf;
+#ifdef LADSPA
   int with_ladspa = 0;
+#endif
   
   /* initialize all the conversion tables and other stuff */
   if (fluid_synth_initialized == 0)