Q: Do Audio Interfaces Improve Sound Quality?Īs most microphones only produce low voltage levels, the built-in preamps in an audio interface are required so that its output becomes usable for recording. Most interfaces also have outputs, so you can listen to your creation, whether via a recording or in real-time. This function allows you to record and process audio on your computer. There are plenty more Ableton Live tutorials where this one came from.An audio interface is a device that converts your mic's or instrument's analog signals into digital signals and vice versa. You need to change it back manually in the Preferences.Īnything to ask, add or remark? Just leave me a comment.

If your audio interface is off, Live will default to No Device as Audio Input Device and Built-In Output as Output Device. If you’re using an audio interface, don’t forget to plug in headphones or connect it to speakers. This should always be a power of 2 (64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 and so on) to avoid issues with the driver of the interface. Or you can try to find a setting that gives you low latency without audio drop outs. A Buffer Size of 512 seems to work for most.You can set the Bit Depth in Preferences > Record/Warp/Launch. It’s not saved with the Live Set, but is set universally so beware if you tend to switch, e.g. (Note: Since Live 10 it’s possible to label them for convenience.) You can activate the needed mono and/or stereo in- and outputs under Input and Output Config respectively.Choose the built-in output or the one of your audio interface as Audio Output Device.Otherwise arming a track will greet you with some nasty feedback. You can also choose the built-in microphone, but then do yourself the favour and use headphones. Choose either the built-in input or the one of your audio interface as Audio Input Device.

Make sure Core Audio is chosen as the Driver Type.

Start Live and go to the Preferences > Audio.

Check the manual if there are any other setup steps necessary.

Connect your audio interface to the Mac (via USB or Firewire most likely) and to a power source if needed (most do).

Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver (some offer none though) and possibly a control software.

Looking for the tutorial to set up audio on Windows? If you have an audio interface, read on as there’s a little more to take care of. If you simply want to use the built-in sound card, the process is pretty straight forward and you can skip the first two steps.

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