If you’re having trouble setting up a USB Microphone in Logic Pro X, then we can help you. This article will explain how you can set up your USB Microphone in four easy-to-follow steps.
A USB microphone is essentially the same as any other microphone you may come across. However, a few differences set a USB Microphone apart from its counterparts and change how you connect to Logic Pro.
How To connect a USB mic to Logic Pro?
Connecting a USB Microphone to Logic Pro is a far different process than connecting a microphone through a recording/audio interface. To connect a USB mic to Logic Pro, you need to identify what USB connector your mic comes with, plug the USB into your device, set up Logic Pro preferences correctly, create a new audio track, and then you’re ready to record.
1. Identify what USB connector your microphone has.
Almost all USB microphones come with a standard USB type-a connector, although some recent releases may come with USB type-c connectors. You’ll need to identify which connectors your microphone has and which USB ports you have available on your device.
Since Logic Pro is an Apple-only software, it’s important to note that since 2016 most MacBooks only come with USB type-c ports, so you’ll need to get an adapter if your microphone is USB type-a.
2. Get your microphone recognized by Logic Pro X.
Once you’ve plugged the USB into your device, you need to make sure Logic Pro and your microphone are talking to each other. To do this, you’ll need to:
- Open Logic Pro X.
- You’ll see ‘Logic Pro’ next to the Apple logo in the top left of the menu bar.
- Click on ‘Logic Pro’ to bring down the menu and select ‘Preferences’ (make sure you are opening Logic Pro preferences, not system preferences).
- Select the ‘Audio’ Option.
- Now change the ‘Input Device’ setting to the name of your Microphone.
- Click the ‘apply changes’ option in the bottom left. (If you get a message about initializing core audio, do not worry; this is a good thing, letting you know the settings are changing).
If your microphone isn’t coming up as an option:
- Double-check that your USB is plugged in correctly in both the port on your device and the port on the microphone.
- Select the microphone as an input within the system settings. To do this, open ‘system preferences,’ select ‘sound,’ and select your USB microphone name under the input section.
3. Getting ready to record
Once Logic recognizes your microphone, you must load up an audio track.
There are two main ways in which you can do this:
- Select the ‘Plus icon’. This allows you to open the ‘choose a track type’ menu.
- Then select the ‘Audio’ option and make sure it says your USB Microphone name. This option allows you to double-check that the correct input and outputs are selected and allows you to add multiple tracks at the same time.
- Alternatively, select ‘Track’ in the top menu bar and ‘New Audio Track.’ This option is faster and loads up a new audio track instantly with the current input and output setting but doesn’t allow you to see which input and output settings have been chosen.
4. Now you are ready to hit record and create your next hit
- Press the R key on your keyboard or press the Record option in the toolbar to begin recording.
It’s useful to remember that when creating a new project in Logic Pro will attempt to use the last device you selected, so if you’re changing input settings frequently, make sure you check before loading up a new audio track and beginning to record.
Troubleshooting
What to do when my Microphone doesn’t produce enough volume?
Some lower-end USB microphones may be too quiet, and we don’t want to have to scream into the microphone to be heard. Unless the microphone has a built-in gain setting on the side or bottom, you won’t be able to affect the gain without using some settings within logic.
I recommend you don’t use the volume fader; instead, use either the gain setting in the region menu or the gain plugin; this can be found in the utility section within the plugin drop-down menu.
What to do when Logic Pro X doesn’t recognize my USB Microphone?
If your microphone still isn’t being recognized by logic and you’ve tried the steps I previously mentioned, then there are a few options you can try:
- You may need to quit and re-open logic pro.
- You may need to do a complete system restart.
My USB Microphone is selected as the default input option, but no signals are coming through when recording?
If you’ve set up your microphone correctly and you still aren’t getting any feedback, then there are a few things you can try:
- A simple mistake is accidentally clicking the Mute and Solo options. Make sure the track you want to record on isn’t muted and that the solo option is either off or is selected on the right track.
- Some microphones have an on/off switch on the side or bottom of the microphone itself, so make sure if your microphone does have an on/off option that you select the on option.
- Make sure the specific track you’ve selected to record with has the correct input option. Even though you’ve set the USB microphone as the default option, each specific track may automatically load a different option.
Why choose a USB Microphone over an XLR or Line Input Microphone?
It is widely believed that USB microphones don’t produce the same quality as an XLR input microphone. This isn’t true at all.
Most USB microphones, especially the higher-end products, contain the same components as XLR input microphones, and there are many reasons why people choose USB over other options:
- USB Microphones are far better for travel than XLR options. They don’t require an audio interface to connect to laptops and other devices, meaning you need to carry less with you. You may need an adapter, but that is far smaller and lighter than any audio interface.
- Audio interfaces can be costly. You will need an audio interface to use an XLR input microphone. Audio interfaces can affect the microphone’s sound, so getting a good interface is essential but expensive.
- Ease of use. Simply plugging in a USB and getting to work is far more straightforward and faster than having the mess around with an audio interface or a mixing desk.
- USB microphones are often the cheaper option. Even a lower-end XLR mic will cost you more than a lower-end USB mic without the added purchase of an Audio Interface.
- Doesn’t need additional power. Almost all other microphone types will need power to work, requiring an adapter or an audio interface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, setting up a USB mic is easy and fast. This is one of the reasons that USB mics are becoming so popular.
Once you set up your mic for the first time, you should be able to remember the process, and the next time you’re setting up to record, it should be easy; however, if you’re struggling to remember, you can always come back to this article, and for any other audio related topics check out the many other articles on this website.
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I’m a Music Producer and Sound Engineer from the UK. I have been working with music my whole life and I’m currently studying Music Production and Sound Engineering at university.