These instructional videos are designed to help new users configure and utilize the library's audiovisual equipment. Available on demand and hosted by Stephanie Boilard, Library Systems Specialist, all videos include closed captioning.
All audiovisual equipment featured in these videos is available for checkout by UNF affiliates with an Osprey1Card. Adobe Creative Cloud software is available for use in the library building.
This video provides an overview of the library's audiovisual equipment and how library users can check it out from the library.
This video provides an overview and guided usage demonstration for the Behringer Audio Interface.
This video discusses the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface, including an overview and guided usage demonstration.
This video demonstrates the various microphones and microphone stands available for checkout.
This video demonstrates how to use the Rode Wireless GO microphone kit.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the most popular audio interfaces out there. Whether you're recording music, doing voiceover work, streaming, or podcasting, the Scarlett 2i2 gives you clean, professional-grade audio in a compact, easy-to-use device.
This guide is designed to help you get up and running quickly, even if you’ve never used an audio interface before.
Before you start, make sure you have:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2
A computer (Windows or macOS)
A USB cable
A microphone or instrument (guitar, keyboard, etc.)
An XLR or ¼-inch cable, depending on what you're plugging in
Headphones or speakers
Recording software (Audacity, GarageBand, FL Studio, Reaper, etc.)
Plug your microphone (XLR) or instrument (¼-inch) into Input 1 or 2 on the front of the Scarlett.
Use the included USB cable to connect the Scarlett to your computer. It powers itself through USB, so no separate power supply is needed.
Plug your headphones into the headphone jack on the front panel or connect studio monitors to the line outputs on the back.
Here’s what each part of the Scarlett 2i2 does:
Gain Knobs (1 and 2) – These control how much signal is going into your computer. Speak or play while adjusting the knob and watch the colored LED ring around it. Green means the level is good, red means it's too loud and clipping.
INST Button – Only press this if you're plugging in a guitar or bass. Leave it off for microphones or line-level instruments like keyboards.
48V Button – This sends phantom power to condenser microphones. Don’t use this with dynamic mics or instruments.
AIR Button – Adds a subtle brightness or “sparkle” to your sound. Try it and see if you like it; it’s optional.
Direct Monitor Switch – This lets you hear your input directly through your headphones without delay. Set it to ON (Mono or Stereo) if you want to monitor in real-time while recording.
Monitor Volume Knob – Controls the volume for your headphones or speakers.
Open your DAW or recording software (for example, Audacity or GarageBand). In the audio settings, select “Scarlett 2i2” as both your input and output device. Then create a new audio track and choose Input 1 or 2 depending on where you plugged in your mic or instrument.
Make sure to record in mono if you're using a single mic or instrument, and stereo if you're using both inputs at the same time.
Speak into your mic or play your instrument while adjusting the gain knob. Aim to keep the level in the -12 dB to -6 dB range inside your recording software. That gives you a clean signal without risking distortion.
Once your level is set, arm the track (usually a red “R” button), hit record, and you’re ready to go.
After you’ve recorded, export the file in a format that works for your project. In Audacity, go to File > Export > Export as WAV or MP3. In other software, you’ll find similar options labeled “Bounce,” “Export,” or “Render.”
Here’s how to set things up depending on what you’re recording:
Voice (Dynamic Mic like Heil PR40)
Use an XLR cable
Plug into Input 1
INST button: Off
48V: Off
AIR: Optional
Voice (Condenser Mic)
Use an XLR cable
Plug into Input 1
INST button: Off
48V: On
AIR: Optional
Electric Guitar or Bass
Use a ¼” cable
Plug into Input 1
INST button: On
48V: Off
AIR: Optional
Keyboard or Synth
Use dual ¼” TRS cables (for stereo) or one ¼” TS (mono)
Plug into Inputs 1 and 2
INST button: Off
48V: Off
The Heil PR40 is a professional dynamic cardioid microphone commonly used for podcasting, broadcasting, voiceover, and live recording. This guide covers the basics of using the PR40 on its own.
Heil PR40 dynamic microphone
XLR cable (3-pin)
Microphone stand or boom arm
Audio interface, mixer, or preamp with an XLR input and mic preamp (needed to power and amplify the signal)
Headphones or speakers (for monitoring)
Recording or streaming device/software (computer, recorder, mixer, etc.)
Attach the Heil PR40 securely to a microphone stand or boom arm using the included mount or compatible clip.
Position the microphone so the logo side (the front) faces your mouth or the sound source.
Keep the microphone about 4 to 6 inches away from your mouth for clear sound without distortion.
Connect one end of your XLR cable to the microphone’s XLR output connector.
Connect the other end of the XLR cable to your audio interface, mixer, or preamp that supports dynamic microphones.
Make sure your interface or mixer has a mic preamp to amplify the mic’s signal to usable levels. The Heil PR40 does not require phantom power.
Slowly increase the gain on your audio interface or mixer while speaking or performing into the microphone.
Aim for a clean signal level without distortion or clipping. Watch the input level meter on your device or software if available.
Use headphones connected to your interface or mixer to monitor your voice or instrument live.
Speak or sing directly into the front of the microphone (the side with the Heil logo).
Use a pop filter or foam windscreen to reduce plosive sounds (like “P” and “B” sounds).
Avoid handling noise by securing the mic firmly and minimizing movement during recording.
Maintain consistent distance from the mic for stable audio levels.
Use your recording software or device to capture the audio from your interface or mixer.
If streaming live, make sure your audio source is properly configured to use the microphone input.
Test your setup with a short recording to check levels and sound quality before going live or recording a full session.
Heil PR40 microphone
XLR cable (3-pin)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (any generation)
Computer (Windows or Mac)
Headphones (for monitoring)
Recording software (DAW) – We'll use Audacity for simplicity (free)
Plug the PR40 into Input 1 on the front of the Scarlett using your XLR cable.
Connect Scarlett 2i2 to your computer via the included USB cable (USB-C to USB-A or C).
Plug in headphones to the headphone jack on the front of the Scarlett.
On Input 1, turn the GAIN knob up slowly as you talk into the mic.
Talk at your normal level.
Aim for the halo ring to be green
Do NOT press the “INST” button – it’s only for guitar/bass.
Do NOT press the “48V” button – your Heil PR40 is dynamic and doesn’t need phantom power.
You can turn on AIR if you want a brighter sound—but it’s optional.
Set Direct Monitor to ON (Mono or Stereo) so you can hear yourself live with no delay.
Download Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/
Install and open it.
At the top, set:
Microphone/Input Device = Scarlett 2i2
Output Device = Scarlett 2i2
Recording Channels = Mono (you’re using one mic)
Click the red Record button in Audacity.
Speak into the mic — you’ll see your waveform appear!
When done, hit Stop (black square).
Hit Play to hear it back.
Export:
Go to File > Export > Export as MP3 or WAV.
Speak directly into the front of the mic (logo side), about 4–6 inches away.
Use a pop filter or foam cover to reduce plosives (like “P” sounds).
If the volume is too low, turn up the Gain slightly—but avoid red clipping.
