VI. Common Software Issues

1. How do I export or bounce audio from my DAW?

Make sure the correct tracks are selected, unmuted and un-soloed.

Make sure your start/end points are set properly in the timeline.

GarageBand: Share > Export Song to Disk

Logic Pro: File > Bounce > Project or Section

Ableton Live: File > Export Audio/Video

Select the format, sample rate, and bit depth that you need (WAV, 48000 Hz at 24 bits

will give a good quality file.)

2. Why is there no sound on my speakers or headphones?

• Select the correct output device on your computer and in your DAW.
• Make sure the volume is up and not muted.
• Check your audio interface connections if using one.
• Ensure correct output channels are selected in your DAW’s preferences.

3. How do I set up and troubleshoot an audio interface?

• Connect the interface to the computer via USB.
• The interfaces at the lab do not rquire drivers.
• In your DAW, go to Preferences > Audio and select the interface as both input and output device.

• Check sample rate settings (e.g., 44.1kHz or 48kHz).
• Test and adjust the gain of the input signal before recording.
• Reboot the computer if the interface doesn’t show up.

4. My microphone isn’t working. What should I check?

• Ensure it’s plugged into the correct input.
• When using the Rode mic (condenser), enable phantom power (48V) on the interface. This is not necessary in Dynamic mics such as shure sm57 or sm58.
• Make sure your DAW input tracks are set to the correct channel (1 and 2).
• Confirm macOS has granted microphone access (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone).

5. Why isn’t my DAW recording any audio?

• Make sure the correct input is selected for the track.
• Enable record arm on the track.
• Ensure the transport is set to Record, not just Play.
• Verify that the mic or instrument is properly connected and active.
• Check the track isn’t muted and the input signal is coming in.

6. In Logic, GarageBand, or Ableton, why is my mic recording but not my

instrument?

This is due to a recent macOS “Voice Isolation" mode update. macOS can apply a fea-

ture called Voice Isolation to the audio system, which filters out non-voice audio (such as

music, instruments and ambient noise).

To disable it:

• Start your DAW
• In the Menu Bar (top right of the screen), click on the microphone symbol in the top right corner of your screen.

• Click on the Mic Mode drop down menu and set it to Standard, not Voice Isolation.
• Your Mac will now return to standard audio processing and your DAW should record all sounds normally.

7. What causes latency or delay during recording or playback?

• Close unused apps to free CPU, specially other DAWs running in the background.

• Check your buffer size: Smaller = less latency (e.g., 128 samples), larger = more stable (e.g., 512+).

• Avoid CPU-heavy plugins when tracking.

8. My MIDI controller is not working or recognized. What should I do?

• Check that the controller is turned on.
• Check that it’s properly connected on both the controller and the computer(USB).
• Try a different USB port or cable.
• Ensure your DAW has the controller enabled in your DAW's MIDI settings.
• Open Audio MIDI Setup (macOS) to see if it’s recognized.
• Restart the computer and DAW.