Setting up your audio.

Having trouble hearing sound in Melodics? Follow this guide to set up your audio output device, latency, and mixer settings.

Practicing your instrument is more than just pressing keys and hitting pads, it also involves a lot of listening. Whether you’re using an external audio interface or your computer’s built-in audio output, it’s important to set up your audio right so that you’re getting the best sound possible.

Melodics lessons will expose you to a world of different instruments; from piano, to bass, to 808 kicks. Bass lessons in particular may test your speakers, and some built-in computer speakers just won’t cut it. To make sure you’re hearing things properly, a pair of decent headphones or speakers is a worthy investment.

This guide will show you how to set up your audio device and explain how to use the built-in mixer to find the right balance that works for you.

Connecting your audio output device.

The term ‘audio output device’ refers to any speakers, headphones, or audio interface that attaches to a computer for the purpose of playing sound. The term can also refer to your computer’s built-in speakers or headphone output.

The default device selected in Melodics settings is called ‘OS Default’.

Default audio output.

By default, Melodics will output sound through your computer’s default audio output device. This may be your computer’s built-in speakers or the headphone jack output – it depends on what device you have selected in System Preferences (Mac) or Sound Settings (Windows 10). While you’re there, check that your volume level is up.

External audio interfaces.

If you are using an external audio interface connected via USB, you can choose this device in the audio output ‘selected device’ dropdown menu in settings. Or if you are also using this audio device as your operating system’s default output, you can simply select the Melodics output as ‘OS default’.

Note: if you make changes to your system audio, you will need to restart Melodics for these changes to take effect.

Interface connection Issues?

If your external audio output device and it is not available to select in Melodics settings, try the following:

• Make sure you have any necessary device drivers installed and check they’re up to date. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for more information on this.
• Restart Melodics or your computer.
• Try using a different USB cable or USB port on your computer.

Adjusting your mixer settings.

It’s important to get comfortable while playing Melodics. As well as adjusting your seat height and fixing your posture, make sure your audio is at a comfortable listening volume. If it’s getting a bit too hot, you can turn everything down using the ‘master volume’ in settings. You can also finely control the volume of each track using the built-in mixer.

Once you feel confident playing by yourself, try turning down ‘guide notes’ so it’s just you playing.

Can’t hear yourself clearly over the backing track? Use the built-in mixer from within the lesson to turn down the ‘backing track’ or turn up ‘your notes’.

Metronome too quiet? Try turning everything else down and turn the metronome up. You can also customise the sound of the metronome in the metronome menu.

If you are using your drum module as an external audio interface, you will need to choose to turn down your module sounds or turn down ‘your notes’. Check out this guide for more information on how to correctly set up your mixer settings.

Reducing latency.

Some audio output devices are faster to respond than others. If you’re noticing a significant delay between when you hit a note and when you hear the note, you may need to adjust your latency settings.

The latency slider.

The latency slider in the settings screen should be in its minimal setting – all the way to the left. This will ensure the minimal amount of latency possible with your audio output device. Sometimes there can be processing errors, so if you hear a distorted or ‘clicking’ sound, try increasing the latency slider a little bit.

Audio drivers.

All audio output devices require a driver to control and manage your hardware. Sometimes drivers will be installed and updated automatically, but you can check the manufacturer’s website for more information on available drivers for your device.

If you have already checked that the latency slider is in its minimal setting and you’re still experiencing high latency, try the following:

• Make sure your audio driver is up to date. (Applicable to Windows only.)
• Some drivers will have adjustable settings. Check your driver settings to see if you can reduce the ‘buffer size’.
• If you’re using your computer’s built-in speakers or headphone output, you may find ASIO4ALL drivers can reduce your latency. (Applicable to Windows only.)
• If you’re using an external audio device, try using a different USB cable or USB port on your computer.

Bluetooth audio devices.

Most Bluetooth audio devices such as wireless headphones or speakers will inherit significantly more latency than a wired connection. This is unfortunately the nature of most wireless devices, so we recommend using a wired connection where possible.

Still need help setting up your audio? Get in touch.