An audio interface is a key device in any music making set-up. As well as being able to output your audio to connected speakers or headphones, an interface gives you the option to record audio into your project from microphones, instruments, and other audio devices, adding to the creative possibilities.
This guide aims to serve as an introduction to good recording practice, covering the process from start to finish. Whilst each guide features its own standalone tips, you can also follow along in order:
Setting Levels
One element that can contribute to a clean, professional sounding recording is the level, or volume. Too quiet a recording, and this can mean that lots of post processing is required to make the recording heard in a mix - this runs the risk of introducing unwanted elements, such as noise. On the other end, setting the level too high can cause clipping, which is when the signal is pushed beyond the maximum limit, resulting in distortion.
Aiming for a middle ground, of approximately -6 to -15db (or thereabouts) would be advisable. Different people will have differing opinions on the exact levels, but as a starting point this range will leave plenty of headroom between -6 and 0db (beyond which would be clipping), whilst also not being too quiet.
Knowing how to monitor the input level is covered in the next stage, 'Recording to a DAW'.
Input Gain
The input gain knob on your interface plays a crucial role in adjusting the level of the input. This adjusts the amount of gain applied to the input channel. Please also take into account the level of the device you are using as a source. For example, electric guitars will have a volume knob. Increase the level here first, as this means you will need to apply less gain on the audio interface. This tends to reduce the amount of noise in the recording.
Signal LEDs
M-Audio interfaces feature visual feedback, indicating the level of the incoming signal. These are either through Signal Clipping LEDs, or LED Meters. The former will flash green to indicate signal is being received, and red when the signal is clipping. LED Meters are a little more detailed, featuring db indicators that show the level at which the signal is reaching, as well as a red clipping light.
Dynamic Performances
One last thing to be aware of when setting levels, is any changes to the volumes of the source during a recording. For example, a singer may get louder when belting a chorus. It can be a good idea to test where the loudest parts of the audio are reaching prior to a recording, to avoid unintentional clipping.