diff --git a/sound/firewire/fireworks/fireworks_midi.c b/sound/firewire/fireworks/fireworks_midi.c
index 6d3d942e2dce..fd17777981e4 100644
--- a/sound/firewire/fireworks/fireworks_midi.c
+++ b/sound/firewire/fireworks/fireworks_midi.c
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ static int midi_open(struct snd_rawmidi_substream *substream)
 	if (err >= 0) {
 		++efw->substreams_counter;
 		err = snd_efw_stream_start_duplex(efw);
+		if (err < 0)
+			--efw->substreams_counter;
 	}
 	mutex_unlock(&efw->mutex);
 	if (err < 0)