Audio interfaces & microphones

Connect your audio interface to the Mac and install its manufacturer's driver or control app if required. Connect headphones or speakers to the output you intend to use. Connect the microphone or instrument to an appropriate interface input. Follow the microphone and interface instructions for input mode, instrument impedance and phantom power.

1. Open Settings or Preferences with Command+comma.
2. Choose Audio → Devices. Select Input device and Output device.
3. Choose a sample rate supported by the device. Stop playback and recording before changing the buffer.
4. Add an audio track. Right-click its header and choose Capture Audio.
5. Select the input channels. A single microphone normally uses its one mono input; a stereo source uses the intended pair.
6. Check record arm and the input meter while speaking or playing.

If macOS asks for microphone permission, allow it for Dawnamite when you intend to record. If denied, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, then return to the app. A software track fader does not repair clipping that occurred in the interface. Set input gain on the hardware while watching its meter and Dawnamite's input meter.

Turn on the track's I control for software monitoring through the computer. If your interface provides direct hardware monitoring and you use that instead, turn software monitoring off to avoid a doubled or delayed signal. The interface's hardware monitor mix is adjusted on the interface or its control app.

Record a short passage, stop, play it back and confirm the correct channel, timing and level. Wired headphones usually avoid the extra delay of Bluetooth. For crackles or lag, see Troubleshooting.

Reported latency and a measured loopback are different values. In Preferences → Audio → Recording, Measure plays test clicks and listens for their return. Follow the connection instruction shown by the app and read the status. No signal, an unclear result or a timeout leaves no compensation to apply. A usable reading offers Apply; measuring alone does not change Input compensation. Apply stores that value for the active input/output route and sample rate. Recheck alignment with a short recording after changing the route. This describes the implemented workflow; no measurement or hardware qualification was performed for this guide.