M-Audio manual KeyStudio 49i Audio Setup and Controls, Using the Mic and Instrument Inputs

KeyStudio 49i User Guide 20

KeyStudio 49i Audio Setup and Controls

14

Using the Mic and Instrument Inputs

Channel 1 of M-Audio KeyStudio 49i is a high gain, low noise microphone preamp. It is a low impedance input with an XLR connector for a dynamic microphone. Channel 2 contains a high impedance instrument preamp, designed to add gain to an electric guitar or bass, or even a high impedance microphone. You may also attach a direct box or passive transformer to the M-Audio KeyStudio Microphone Input (Channel 1), which will then allow you to plug another electric or acoustic guitar or other high impedance instrument into the M-Audio KeyStudio’s Mic Input. Additional information on using the Mic and Instrument inputs can be found in the next two sections.

Setting Input Gain

M-Audio KeyStudio 49i provides up to 45dB of gain on the Channel 1 Mic In and 35dB of gain on the Channel 2 Instrument In. Microphones, electric guitars, and electric basses typically emit a low signal level, requiring a “pre-amp” such as M-Audio KeyStudio 49i provides.

Plug in your microphone or instrument with the gain controls turned down, and turn the gain up incrementally while testing the mic or playing the instrument. When the green signal LED shows fairly consistent activity, you’ve reached a good signal level for the M-Audio KeyStudio mic preamp. Some users may wish to experiment a little further to find what audibly might be referred to as a “sweet spot.” Note that when the red clip LED lights, it is indicating that the preamp output is very close to peaking (-1 dB), and the input signal is on the threshold of distorting. Let your ears be the judge, but when the clip LED lights and stays lit, you are approaching or have reached distortion in your M-Audio KeyStudio signal.

The best method to find the ideal recording level is to turn up the input gain, and then turn it down once you’ve started to clip the input signal. You must also consider the level that is being sent from M-Audio KeyStudio to your recording software. Check the input meters within your software and make sure that they are neither too low nor clipping (too “hot”). An adjustment in gain on M-Audio KeyStudio may be necessary, but your optimal recording level within your software should approach but never reach the maximum level. Additionally, because the M-Audio KeyStudio 49i preamps provide quite a bit of gain, it is recommended to turn the gain all the way down on unused inputs. You will find more information on setting record levels in the manual of your music software.

Using the Aux Inputs

M-Audio KeyStudio 49i has a pair of line inputs labeled “Aux Input.” They are designed to interface with both the left and right input from a stereo source, such as a synthesizer, drum machine, or CD player.

Using computer software (like Ableton Live Lite or M-Audio Session) to record your MIDI sequences or KeyStudio 49i piano performances as audio tracks allows you to apply software plug-in effects to these tracks. MIDI sequences from an external sound module can be recorded by connecting your external MIDI module’s audio outputs to your KeyStudio Aux inputs. In Local On mode, the KeyStudio 49i built-in piano sound can be recorded as audio by selecting the inputs of KeyStudio 49i within your recording software and then playing the keyboard. After recording, you can mix those tracks with other audio tracks (such as vocals and guitar) entirely from within your computer.

Important: The Aux inputs and the built-in piano sound blend with the Instrument and Microphone inputs before their signals are sent to a connected computer via USB. If the Aux inputs or the built-in piano sound are used simultaneously with the Instrument and Microphone inputs, the resulting recording will be a mix of the various signals. It is not possible to separate these blended signals after a recording has been made. If you want to edit or mix the Piano, Microphone, Instrument or Aux inputs after the recording has been made, then you will need to do the recording of each of these sound sources one at a time and on separate tracks.