🎧 USB Audio Interfaces & Mixers

🎙️ Overview

For events that demand professional sound quality, using a USB audio interface or mixer gives you better control over levels, clarity, and routing. These devices allow you to connect high-grade microphones and mix multiple inputs into a single audio stream for InterScribe.

Common use cases include:

• Worship services with a soundboard feed
• Multi-speaker panels
• Classroom or hybrid environments with multiple mics

This setup works seamlessly with both the Streamer Dashboard and Desktop Streamer Agent.

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🪜 Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Choose your hardware

   • Select a USB audio interface or mixer with USB output. Examples:

     • Focusrite Scarlett Solo / 2i2
     • Behringer U‑Phoria UM2 / UMC22
     • Yamaha MG10XU (USB mixer)

   • Confirm support for your microphone types (phantom power for condensers, etc.).

2. Connect your audio sources

   • Plug microphones, instruments, or auxiliary outputs into the interface’s XLR or ¼‑inch jacks.
   • For soundboard feeds, use line-level outputs (e.g. AUX send or main out).
   • Use a DI box or isolation transformer to eliminate ground loops.

3. Connect the interface to your computer

   • Plug in via USB using the provided cable.
   • Install drivers if your device requires them (Windows systems especially).

4. Configure audio in InterScribe

   • Launch the Streamer Dashboard or Desktop Agent.
   • Choose the USB interface from the Audio Device dropdown.
   • Watch the input meter while speaking or playing sound to ensure clean levels.

5. Start streaming

   • Click Connect Audio.
   • Use your mixer to balance levels from multiple sources. All signals should be mixed into a single mono or stereo output routed to InterScribe.

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✅ Tips & Best Practices

• Use balanced cables (XLR or TRS) to reduce noise and interference.
• Gain staging matters. Set levels so peaks stay around –6 dB on your interface meter. Avoid the red.
• Monitor with headphones. Plug into your interface to check clarity and mix in real time.
• Watch for hum or buzz. Isolate devices on the same power strip or use a ground‑lift adapter.
• Label your channels. For larger setups, color code or mark each input to reduce mistakes.
• Mono is best. InterScribe does not process stereo differently — use a mono mix or ensure both L/R carry the same signal.

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🖼️ Visual Aids

📸 Diagram – Interface Connection

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🛠 Troubleshooting / FAQs

Issue	Cause	Solution
Device not detected	Missing drivers or bad cable	Reconnect USB, switch ports, or install drivers from the manufacturer.
Clipping/distortion	Gain too high	Turn down gain knobs; aim for green/yellow signal meters.
Buzz/hum noise	Ground loop	Use a DI box or lift the ground; power all devices from a common outlet.
Left/right imbalance	Stereo signal not summed	Set mixer/interface to output mono or pan all channels center.

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🔗 Related Articles

• 🎧 Basic Setups: Mic & Agent on Laptop
• 🎚 Managing AV Channels & Inputs
• 🧪 Testing & Troubleshooting Audio