JBL Monitors
Mac Computer
Cardioid Condensor Microphone (Groove Tube GT55)
MIDI Keyboard (M-Audio Oxygen25)
Audio Interface (PreSonus AudioBox USB96)
The AudioBox USB96 interface allows you to connect microphones and instruments to your computer for recording and playback.
Connect the AudioBox USB96: Plug the interface into the Mac using a USB cable (the interface is plugged into the Mac by default).
Set DAW Input/Output: Ensure that the inputs and outputs in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) are set to “AudioBox USB96”.
Connect Your Gear: Connect your gear into either of the two mic/line inputs on the front of the interface. Ensure that the red 48V button is illuminated if you are using a condenser microphone.
Adjust Mixer Knob: Turn the “mixer” knob all the way to the right for playback.
Input Monitoring: Use the “mixer” knob to adjust how much you hear your inputs – by turning this knob anticlockwise, you’ll be able to hear what your connected gear sounds like with no latency. Make sure input monitoring is muted in your DAW to prevent feedback and echoing.
Adjust Monitor Volume: Use the knobs labelled “monitors” and “headphones” to adjust their respective volumes for playback.
Adjust Input Gain: Use the knobs labelled 1 and 2 to adjust the input gain of your connected gear when recording.
Connect MIDI Keyboard: Use a USB 2.0 cable to connect the keyboard into the USB hub next to the Mac mini. Turn the keyboard on using the switch on the back.
Setup in DAW: In your DAW's MIDI settings, ensure that "Oxygen 25" is selected as an input.
Connect Microphone: Plug the microphone into the audio interface using the orange XLR cable.
Enable Phantom Power: On the audio interface, ensure phantom power ('+48V') is switched on and illuminated red.
Positioning: The GT55 is a side-address microphone. Position the logo towards the sound source being recorded.
Power On: Ensure monitors are powered (check RMC button on the left speaker).
Input Source: Verify that the 'Active Input' section on the back of each speaker is set to 'analog'.
Use Adapter: There is a 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter next to the USB96 interface. Always return it after use.
Connect Headphones: Use the 1/4" headphone output on the AudioBox USB96 interface to plug in your headphones.
Control Volume: To adjust headphone volume, use the knob labelled "headphones".
No Sound? Check that the interface is selected as the input/output in both your DAW and your computer’s audio settings. Ensure the “mixer” knob is turned to the right.
Crackling or Pops? Adjust the buffer size in your audio settings to a higher value if your computer struggles with processing.
Latency Issues? Lower the buffer size for better real-time monitoring.
No MIDI Signal? Ensure the keyboard is powered on and connected properly. Check the DAW settings to confirm the keyboard is recognized.
Keys Not Responding? Unplug and replug the keyboard or restart your DAW.
No Sound from Microphone? Verify that phantom power is enabled. Check cable connections and ensure the microphone is positioned correctly.
Distorted Sound? Adjust the gain levels on the interface to avoid clipping.
No Sound from Monitors? Check connections to the AudioBox USB96. Ensure correct output is selected in your DAW. If required, turn monitors off and back on using power button.
No Sound in Headphones? Ensure the headphones are plugged in securely and that the headphone volume is turned up.
Hissing or Static? Check for loose connections and ensure the headphone jack is clean. Try a different pair of headphones if required.