Audio Recording and Podcasting Kit (2-microphone set-up)
*All audio and podcasting kits can be checked out from the Library & IT Desk on Level A
What you’ll find in the kit:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Focusrite 2i2 case
- Shure SM58 Mic
- 1 XML Cable
- 1 Tabletop Mic Stand
- 1 Microphone windscreen
- 1 pair of Headphones
- Gear bag
- USB to USB-C Adapter
How to set up the kit:
Step 1: Check your gear.
Run through the inventory list, and make sure everything is in the gear bag that you checked out. If anything is missing, please alert Library & IT Desk staff.
Step 2: Start with your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface.
Remove the Focusrite interface from its protective case. Now plug the cable that comes with the Focusrite into the back of the Focusrite box. Take the other end of the cable (the end that will plug into a usb port) and plug that into your computer (use the usb-c adapter provided if using a mac). The Focusrite is what will transmit sound from your microphone into your recording software, or digital audio workstation (DAW) on your computer.
Step 3: Set up your mic.
Assemble the desktop mic stands provided by screwing the stand into the base. Take the mic clips and screw that into the top of the stand. Then, take the microphone and place it in the mic clip.
Step 4: Connect your mic to the interface
For each mic, take the xml cable provided and attach it to the mic (you will hear it click into place). Take the other end and insert it into the Focusrite interface.
You will notice other settings on the interface you can use to adjust your sound. These are important functions to familiarize yourself with:
Step 5: Plug in your headphones
Remove the headphones from the gear bag and plug into the designated headphone jack on the Focusrite. Press the “direct monitor” button on right side of the Focusrite and make sure the circle icon just above the button to the left lights up green. This will let you hear your playback in mono.
Step 6: Adjust the sound settings on your computer
Go to your control panel and make sure the sound setting lists “Scarlett 2i2” as the input and output device. (For Mac users, System Preferences > Sound to find the “output” and “input” settings)
Step 7: Prepare to record
Open the recording software of your choice (we recommend Audacity, a free and open-source recording software. Mac users may also use Garageband. Some other paid options include Audition, Hindenburg (available in our Story Labs), ProTools, or Reaper).
Go into “Preferences” (In Audacity, this is located in the top right corner under “Audacity”) to make sure the sound input and output are set to “Scarlett 2i2.” In Audacity, this is under “Devices” in “Preferences” where it’s labeled “Playback” and “Recording.” Click “ok” and return to your session. Click “File” and then “Save project as” to name your file before you begin. Click “ok.”
Step 8: Check your levels
With headphones on, practice speaking into the mic and adjusting the “gain” dial on your Focusrite. This will adjust the strength of the audio signal you’re recording. In Audacity, you can click the microphone symbol in the top right of the screen and then “start monitoring” to monitor your audio. There, you’ll see the audio level of your recordings measured in db (or decibels). Good sound is in the range of –12 db.
- You can capture good sound by sitting or standing no further than 6 inches away from the mic.
- You can find other tips to use the mic effectively here.
Step 9: Create a track and record
To record one microphone on one track (in Audacity): In the toolbar, select “Track” and then “Add new.” Add a “mono” track. [“Mono” sends all recorded channels to one channel in headphones whereas “Stereo” sends one channel to each ear].
To record two microphones on two separate tracks (in Audacity) (this is preferable for interviews, etc.): select “Tracks” > “Add New”> “Mono” in the toolbar. [“Mono” sends all recorded channels to one channel in headphones whereas “Stereo” sends one channel to each ear]. Do this twice, to create one track for each microphone input. Then, click on “Audacity” in the top left corner of the toolbar and then “Preferences” and then “Devices.” Under “Recording” select “2 (Stereo)” from the “Channels” dropdown menu (see image below). Now, when you’re ready to begin recording, hit “record.” Each speaker will appear on their own track. To stop, hit “Stop.” When you’re ready to begin recording, hit the “record” button. To stop, hit “stop.”
Step 10: Export when finished.
To export your recording, go to “File” and then “Export” and select the file type of your choice. To share your file as a podcast or audio track, export it as an “mp3.”
Next Steps:
- For other tips on recording and editing in Audacity, see our tutorial
- For other tips on recording and editing with Hindenburg, see our tutorial
- For other tips on recording and editing with Garageband, see this LinkedIn Learning class (Sign-in with your Trinity login):
To return your kit:
- Repack the gear bag as you found it
- Return to the Library & IT Desk on level A
Notice:
If any gear is returned damaged or lost during checkout, the user will be charged a replacement fee.
Contact and Support
If you have questions, please contact our Student Technology Assistants (STA):
- Stop in at the STA desk M-F 9-5
- Make an appointment at http://tinyurl.com/trinstas
- Email sta-help@trincoll.edu
- Call us at 860-297-2589
You can also email Mary Mahoney (Digital Scholarship Strategist) with questions.
Further Resources:
Record and edit with Hindenburg Pro
See our guide to podcasting for more tutorials and resources.