MXL USB.009 - Manual (Page 9)

Supported Sample Rates and bit-depths:
When setting up your computer and recording software, you may want to keep in
mind the supported sample rates and bit-depths shown in the following table:
Recording Computer Playback
24-bit 96KHz 24-bit 48KHz
24-bit 48KHz 24-bit 44.1KHz
24-bit 44.1KHz 16-bit 96KHz
16-bit 96KHz 16-bit 48KHz
16-bit 48KHz 16-bit 44.1KHz
16-bit 44.1KHz
Using the MXL USB.009
After you have mounted your microphone and setup your computer, plug a set of
headphones into the front 1/8-inch stereo jack located on the front of the microphone.
Important Note:
The headphone amplifier can produce very loud sound levels that, when
exposed to over a period of time, can cause irreparable hearing damage.
Please adjust the headphone level carefully!
You should now be able to hear your computer sound in high quality 24-bit
audio! When you’re ready to begin tracking, open your favorite recording
software and make sure its setup for use with the MXL
® USB.009 according
to the software manufacturer recommendations.
Computer Audio Tips:
• Audio recording can be very taxing on your computer, so it is recommended
that you close as many non-essential applications as possible.
• In many cases, using an external dedicated hard drive for your audio
sessions can dramatically improve track count and performance.
• Recording at 24-bit, 44.1 kHz is the recommended setting for most audio
projects to conserve disk space. This will produce great, professional
sounding recordings.
Software Tips
Windows:
To get started multi-tracking and overdubbing (where the MXL ® USB.009
really shines) we recommend the free 30 day trial shareware version of Reaper.
Go here to download Reaper: http://www.reaper.fm.
Macintosh:
Garage Band is the easiest way to get started if you are using a Macintosh
computer. Since it’s included on most Macintosh computers, you probably
have it installed and ready to go!
With the microphone attached to your computer, and your software application
running, snap your fingers in front of the grill, looking for a signal on your
software’s VU meters. Never “tap” on the grill to test for a signal present as
this could cause peaking if the capsule gain is set too high.
After you have properly setup your software and have a signal present, simply
position the microphone to best capture the performance. Begin testing the
sound source with the microphone and watch the software VU meters for
clipping. Clipping is usually represented by a red bar in your software and
should be avoided at all times for a recording free of poor sounding digital
distortion. Use the Gain control on the front of the microphone to best capture
the sound source without clipping.
If you would like to listen to computer playback while recording or practicing
live, use the Mix Control on the front of the microphone to create a balance
between computer playback and the live microphone input. The live microphone
is mixed to the headphones before any digital conversion to provide the
highest audio quality without sound delay (latency), often associated with
computer recording. The Headphone Control on the front of the microphone
can now be used to adjust the overall level of your mix.
While there is no right or wrong way to record a performance, please refer to
the included Getting the Best Results with Your MXL
® Microphone recording
guide to help you with the basic techniques. Remember, recording is a creative
process, so experimentation is the key for the best results.
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