Connecting different types of equipments to an audio interface can be a bit daunting for the first time. You need different types of cables, analyse each port carefully and then pair all the instruments one by one. In this Audio Interface Setup diagrams, we are taking a deeper dive at three major parts:
- Equipments needed beforehand,
- the actual audio interface setup diagrams,
- And the cables requried.
In the schematic representation, I have used the IK Multimedia I/O audio interface. But these connections work universally whether you have a budget or a high end audio interface.
Also Read: Setting a Home Recording Studio – A step by step Guide!
AUDIO INTERFACE SETUP DIAGRAMS
Collect all your instruments mentioned in the below list. We are going to pair them all with an audio interface.
CABLES REQUIRED
When you are connecting different types of instruments to an audio interface, different cables will come handy. That is why I have prepared a list of cables that you’ll require while setting up your audio interface.
[Also check: Top 15 Things to consider before buying an audio interface]
Before making the actual connections, grab some of these below mentioned cables:
- XLR cables,
- 1/4″ TRS cables,
- MIDI cables.
These wires are must to begin pairing up your audio interface with different instruments.
A BASIC SETUP DIAGRAM OF AN AUDIO INTERFACE
Here is an audio interface setup diagram that’ll help you to connect instruments and microphones to the interface.
HOW TO CONNECT AN AUDIO INTERFACE TO COMPUTER/LAPTOP?
Different audio interfaces provide different options to connect to a computer or a laptop. Some audio interfaces connect to a computer using Type A to Type B printer cables while an interface like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or PreSonus Studio 24c or Studio 26c have a USB-C port on them.
For the representation purposes, I have used the IK Multimedia AXE I/O.
HOW TO CONNECT A MIXER TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE FOR AUDIO RECORDING?
Follow these exact foolproof steps to connect a mixer to an audio interface. Also, refer the diagram given above for more visual explanation.
- Grab two TRS to TRS 1/4″ cables and a single XLR cable,
- Connect the XLR cable to the connect Mic to the audio interface,
- Make sure the gain levels are set to zero on both the mixer panel and the audio interface,
- Turn the EQ knobs to exact middle,
- Set the level knob and Main Mix Knob to the ‘U’ or Unity level,
- For Mono recordings, connect either of L or R to any of the Mic inputs,
- For Stereo recordings, connect both L and R to two of the Mic inputs,
- Increase the gain slowly,
- Make sure that the gain ranges between decent levels,
- Never let the gain levels reach so high that the signal clips off!
[Also check: Different types of Inputs & Outputs on an audio interface]
HOW TO CONNECT A MIDI INSTRUMENT TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE?
First, let us connect your MIDI instrument like a MIDI keyboard to the interface. Connecting a MIDI keyboard to an audio interface is quite simple. Just follow the below steps.
Related: A step by step guide to connect a MIDI keyboard controller to an audio interface!
- Connect the MIDI IN of the MIDI keyboard to the MIDI OUT of the audio interface.
- And then connect the MIDI OUT on the audio interface to the MIDI IN of the interface,
- Make sure to use the MIDI cables in proper form so that the pin heads do not bend.
[Also check: These audio interfaces under $500 have a MIDI port also!]
HOW TO CONNECT A MICROPHONE TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE?
To connect the microphone to the audio interface:
- Use XLR cables to make the proper connections.
- Plug one end of the XLR cable into the mic input and the other end into the microphone.
- In addition, turn on the phantom power when recording using a condenser microphone.
[Also check: Mic vs Line vs Instrument/Hi-Z level audio signal]
HOW TO CONNECT AN ELECTRIC OR BASS GUITAR TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE?
To connect bass or electric guitars, you’ll have to use the 1/4″ TRS cables. Simply, plug in the TRS cables to both the audio interface and the guitar. This way the signal will travel from guitar to audio interface and then from audio interface to the line outputs/studio monitors.
The reason I have used AXE I/O audio interface in this article because it can connect to almost every studio gear you might possess.
It is one of the best audio interface for guitar recordings as well as any other studio equipment.
It has got a built in tuner, built in DI box, an option to connect to external pedals, MIDI port, two Mic line & Hi-Z inputs and a complimentary bundle worth of $1000. The bundle contains all the necessary software for amping up the guitar recordings.
HOW TO CONNECT AN AMPLIFIER TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE?
To connect an audio interface with an amplifier, make sure that the interface has AMP OUT port. One end of the 1/4″ TRS cable will connect straight to AMP OUT port of the interface and the other end will go into the amplifier.
I am using AXE I/O audio interface which is the best-in-class to record guitars for its current price.
HOW TO CONNECT STUDIO MONITORS TO AN AUDIO INTERFACE?
Here’s come the fun part!
I always loved buying and using new studio monitors. So, if you are excited too, give me a mention down below in the comments.
Next steps: A guide to connect studio monitors to an audio interface!
To connect a pair of studio monitors to an audio interface:
- Grab two TRS cables,
- Pair the left o/p of the interface to the L of studio monitor,
- connect the right o/p of the interface to R of the studio monitor,
- Start Recording!
[Also check: Do you REALLY need an Audio Interface for Studio Monitors?]
Conclusion
Okay! Now, you are all set to squeeze and get studio quality recordings from your home studio.
All in all, this is how to connect different types of instruments to an audio interface. I hope the audio interface setup diagram explains all the necessary connections.
Almost every audio interface under $200 will give you an option to connect most of your studio gear like guitars, MIDI instruments, mics, monitors etc.
Only problem I see with audio interfaces under $200 is that you do not get an option for great guitar recordings.
However, the method of connecting different studio gear to an audio interface gets even more complex.
There are a lot of studio gear like EQ, compressors, mixers etc that we have not considered.
But, for a beginner, this article will work just fine.
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