Setting Up Audio in Live

Before we can start working with Live, we first need to set up the audio. You can do that in the Live preferences, which you can access with either:

• Command + Comma on Mac
• Control + Comma on Windows

Audio Interface Recommendation

Generally, it's recommended to use an audio interface instead of the built-in sound card for better sound quality. Built-in sound cards are primarily designed for playback from any software on your computer, but they're not ideal for music software. This is especially true if you want to record real instruments and vocals. Fortunately, these days, you can get a decent audio interface for a reasonable price.

Steps to Set Up Your Audio Interface

1. Check for Drivers

   • If you have an audio interface, check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver and possibly control software. Download and install these if available.

2. Connect Your Audio Interface

   • Connect your audio interface to the computer, generally via USB or FireWire.
   • Connect it to a power source and switch it on.

3. Open Live Preferences

   • Start Live and navigate to the Live preferences.

Mac Setup

On Mac, the setup is fairly straightforward:

• Driver Type: You have two options:

  • Core Audio
  • No Audio (which doesn't make sense)

• Audio Input Device: Choose your input device:

  • No Device (if using only the built-in sound card)
  • Built-in Microphone (as well as options)
  • Select Fireface (or your specific audio interface)

• Audio Output Device:

  • Choose Built-in Output (for recording or sound while making this video)
  • Otherwise, select Fireface for better sound.

Windows Setup

As I am on Mac, I will show you the Windows setup with screenshots (not available here).

• Driver Type: Set it to ASIO.

  • MME DirectX is unsuitable for sequencing software and would introduce too much latency (audio delay).

• Driver Installation:

  • If there is no driver available for your audio interface or if you are using the built-in sound card, install the ASIO4ALL driver (link provided below).

• Audio Device: Set this to ASIO4ALL or the ASIO driver of your audio interface.

Hardware Setup

Click on the Hardware Setup button to open the driver's control panel. This might look different from the example I have:

• Ensure you set your active input and output correctly.
• If you can't make changes, click the wrench icon in the bottom right.

Sample Rate and Bit Depth

• Sample Rate: This can often be grayed out in Live preferences. If so, set it in the driver or control software or directly on the audio interface.

  • 44,100 Hz is CD quality; you can also choose higher sample rates if available.

• Bit Depth:

  • Available under Record Warp Launch.
  • Typical settings: 16 (CD quality) or higher for better depth.

Latency Settings

• Buffer Size:

  • Adjust the buffer size to manage latency. A larger buffer size results in more latency.
  • Example: With 128 samples, my input latency is 4.63 ms and output latency 4.01 ms.

• Testing Buffer Size:

  • Start by setting the buffer size to 16.
  • Use the test tone set to 440 Hz (standard pitch) to check if the buffer size is sufficient.

Additional Buffer Size Tips

If you encounter clicks or audio issues, try adjusting:

• 32 or 64 samples (if issues arise)
• 128 samples typically works well on Windows.
• If issues persist, increase to 256 or 512 samples.

Final Steps

• Don't forget to plug in headphones or connect your audio interface to speakers to hear sound.

Driver Error Compensation

You can set up Driver Error Compensation, although I won't delve into details here. Instead, check under Help in Live:

1. Click on Help View.
2. Select All Built-In Lessons.
3. Scroll down to Hardware Setup and find the lesson on Driver Error Compensation.

Important Note

Driver error compensation is only necessary if you use direct monitoring. This means that in Live, monitoring tracks would be set to off while recording so that musicians hear only their own instruments (especially acoustic ones) or their monitoring through another mixer.

Now you are ready to set up your audio interface and start working with Live!