How to set up an audio interface

Take your next recording project to the next level with this powerful device that records sound and instruments directly to your computer.

HAVE Have you ever heard of audio interfaces? Well, the audio interface allows you to record live sound by connecting microphones, instruments and other sources to your computer.

In general, audio interfaces improve sound quality, reduce latency, and provide many additional features such as multiple inputs and outputs and recording monitoring capabilities. In other words, it is an essential piece of equipment for recording music, voiceovers, podcasts, and other types of content.

However, it is mainly used to convert incoming audio signals into digital audio that you can use in your DAW (Digital Audio Work). A DAW is an electronic device or application software used to record, edit, and create audio files such as Apple GarageBand, FL Studio, Cakewalk, and many more.

You might be wondering why you can’t just plug in a microphone and headphone jack on your computer to make music. The answer is: you can, but if you do, there will be significant quality compromises. The audio interfaces provide advanced analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion as well as music production-oriented functionality.

Therefore, recording at home with microphones may be difficult if you live near a noisy city street or if your room does not have the proper acoustic properties. You may still need a microphone to record vocals, but for pickup instruments like guitars and basses, you can record directly to your computer.

With direct recording, you can instantly connect your instruments to the audio interface and start recording right away. Direct recording is easier, cleaner and quieter than recording through a microphone, especially with amplifiers.

What will you need

Let’s start with what you need before setting up this audio interface. Generally, what you need will vary slightly depending on what you are using. You will have to decide which cables are required based on both your interface and your computer. Knowing how to connect an audio interface to a computer may be different than how to connect another brand to a laptop.

Secondly, of course, you will need the audio interface itself. One thing to consider before purchasing an audio interface is the number of inputs and outputs. Considering how this affects both price and workflow, this is probably the most important factor to consider before purchasing an audio interface.

There are many types, compatibility, brands, connection options and many more options. The 3rd generation Focusrite Scarlett Solo, the Audient iD4 MkII, and the inexpensive and beginner-friendly Behringer U-Phoria UM2 are top picks based on recommendations and reviews.

Connect to computer

The task of connecting an audio interface to a PC or laptop is quite simple in most cases.

The next step is to connect your interface to your computer. First, download and install the latest driver for your audio interface (if available). Then use a USB cable or Thunderbolt cable to connect the interface to the USB/thunderbolt input. Assuming it’s USB powered, make sure the audio interface is receiving power, which is often indicated by a light.

Connect your DAW or audio inputs and output settings on your computer so that the interface is detected by your computer. Connect an instrument or microphone to the interface inputs using an XLR connector or cable. Verify that the input signal is being received by gradually increasing the gain of the model.

Usually the green light comes on when you play an instrument, sing or speak into the microphone. Make sure you connect everything that comes with your device, as many interfaces require an additional power supply to function. Set your DAW input to your audio interface and you should be ready to go!

Connect your studio equipment

Connect your instrument cable to one of the audio interface inputs and check in your DAW that the correct interface is selected among the inputs. Then create an audio track, activate it and start playing. Most digital audio workstations come with a tuner so you can tune your instrument without unplugging it.

One of the biggest benefits of direct recording is that you don’t have to worry about background audio affecting your recording. So, instead of waiting for a quiet moment, you can start working on your audio recording right away.

The second benefit of direct recording is that the signal becomes cleaner and crisper, which improves the success rate of ramping with amp simulators. Many DAW programs also include great amp and pedalboard plugins that you can use to get the authentic sound of your instrument.