How To Use Your Computer as an Amplifier for Your Microphone
Recording your favorite covers or originals is easier than you think. Computer music has become popular recently and improves with every passing year. It is simpler to record great musical demos, voice overs and sound effects right from your computer desk. To record great computer music, the sound signals run through an audio interface, then into your computer where they are recorded. Using a control panel or musical software, you can increase volume and add reverb to amplify vocals and guitars.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Fast Track USB audio interface with M-audio driver installation CD
- USB cable
- XLR cable
- Recording microphone
- Guitar and guitar cable
- Head phones
- Speaker monitors with RCA cables
Instructions
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1
Place the M-Audio driver CD that comes with your Fast Track USB audio interface into the CD-ROM of your computer, then begin the installation of your drivers and your program. Do not plug your Fast Track USB audio interface into the computer.
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2
Follow the installation directions. Press the "Continue Anyway" button when you come across a hardware testing window. Follow the rest of the installation instructions, then reboot your computer when prompted.
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3
Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on your Fast Track USB interface, then plug the other end into an empty USB port on your computer. Windows should automatically detect the new hardware and the remaining driver files should be automatically downloaded.
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4
Double click the "M-audio Fast Track USB Control Panel" icon on your desktop to open the Fast Track USB control panel. You can use another sound recording and editing software if you have one. Use your manual or the help tutorial on your program to perform different functions.
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Plug your microphone into the XLR port on the back of your Fastrack Interface. If you have a guitar, run its 1/4-inch guitar chord into the 1/4-inch TRS input on the back of the interface. Press the "Input Level Switch" to guitar when you want to record your guitar into your computer.
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Plug your headphones into the 1/8-inch port on the front of the interface, then plug your speakers or monitors on the front of your interface with red and white RCA cables. Begin recording amplified music to your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many Audio interfaces, some with more advanced features. Research around if your interested in a different model. Familiarize yourself with the manual of your chosen audio recording program. They all have diverse features that amplify and enhance your sound.
