MXL USB Mic Mate Pro - Manual (Page 6)

9
Windows:
To get started multi-tracking and overdubbing, we recommend the free 30 day trial shareware version of
Reaper. Go here to download Reaper: http://www.reaper.fm.
Macintosh:
Garage Band is the easiest way to get started if you are using a Macintosh computer. Since it’s included on
most Macintosh computers, you probably have it installed and ready to go!
Using the Mic Mate ™ Pro:
After you have connected your microphone and set up your computer, plug a set of headphones into the
1/8-inch stereo jack located on the end of the Mic Mate
™ Pro.
Important Note:
The headphone amplifier can produce very loud sound levels that, when exposed to over a period of time,
can cause irreparable hearing damage. Please adjust the headphone level carefully!
You should now be able to hear your computer audio playback as well as the live microphone. When
you’re ready to begin tracking, open your favorite recording software and make sure it’s set up for use
with the Mic Mate
™ Pro according to the software manufacturer recommendations.
Using the MicMate™ Pro
10
With everything set up, and your software application running, snap your fingers in front of the grill, looking
for a signal on your software’s VU meters. Never “tap” on the grill to test for a signal present as this could
cause peaking if the microphone gain is set too high.
With the signal present, simply position the microphone to best capture the performance. Begin testing
the sound source with the microphone and watch the software VU meters for clipping. Clipping is usually
represented by a red bar in your software and should be avoided at all times for a recording free of poor
sounding digital distortion. Use the gain control knob on the Mic Mate ™ Pro to set the input level to best
capture the sound source without clipping.
Recording Tips
While it is important to record at a loud enough volume to hear the performance over any background
noise, keep in mind that with multitrack recording, each track will eventually be added together
(summed) into a final Left and Right stereo mix. Since this summing increases the level of the final
signal, tracks should be recorded with a fair amount of space between your maximum signal level and
the OdB clipping level (this is called headroom). In addition, this will greatly benefit the use of any
effects or other signal processing you wish to add later.
If you would like to listen to computer playback while recording or practicing, use the volume
control in the computer in combination with the headphone volume on the Mic Mate ™ Pro to create a
balance between computer playback and the live microphone input. The live microphone is mixed to
the headphones before any digital conversion to provide the highest audio quality without sound delay
(latency), often associated with computer recording. While there is no right or wrong way to record a
performance, you can find our Getting the Best Results with Your MXL ® Microphone Recording Guide
at www.mxlmics.com to help you with the basic techniques. Remember, recording is a creative process,
so experimentation is the key for the best results.