Avid Technology Pro Tools Quartet User manual

Pro Tools®| Quartet User Guide

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Guide Part Number 9329-65462-00 REV A 09/14

Pro Tools | Quartet User Guide iii
Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System Requirements and Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About www.avid.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2. Pro Tools | Quartet Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Displays and Touchpads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 4. Pro Tools IO Control Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Input Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Output Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mixer Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Device Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Output Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Pro Tools IO Control Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 5. Using Pro Tools | Quartet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Controller Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
OLED Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Input Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting Headphones or Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Output Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting Input and Output Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting Multiple Speaker Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pro Tools | Quartet Touchpads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Recording Software Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Pro Tools IO Control Output Routing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Software Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 4
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Pro Tools®| Quartet, a professional audio interface with studio control center for your Mac OS X and
Windows. Pro Tools | Quartet I/O features Apogee’s industry-leading AD/DA conversion technology and world-class mic preamps.
Pro Tools | Quartet lets you perform the following audio functions:
• Record up to four analog inputs simultaneously (microphone, line-level or instrument).
• Connect up to eight additional inputs digitally via ADAT/SMUX optical for a total of 12 inputs.
• Connect and power any compatible MIDI USB device.
• Connect up to three sets of powered monitors.
• Mix and monitor in 5.1 surround.
• Record with most audio software programs that run on Mac and PC:
Pro Tools, Logic, Final Cut, GarageBand, Ableton Live, as well as Core Audio and ASIO compatible applications.
This guide describes how to:
• Set up Pro Tools | Quartet with your selected device.
• Connect speakers or headphones to play back music.
• Connect mics and instruments to record your own creations.
Package Contents
The following items are included in the Pro Tools | Quartet box:
• Pro Tools | Quartet
• USB cable
• Universal Power Supply with standard 3 pin-IEC cable
•Pro Tools | Quartet QuickStart Guide
Software, firmware and the Pro Tools | Quartet User Guide are available online only. Please register your product and download
the latest installer here: http://www.avid.com/quartethelp

Chapter 1: Introduction 5
System Requirements and Compatibility
Avid can only assure compatibility and provide support for hardware and software it has tested and approved.
The following are required to connect Pro Tools | Quartet to a computer:
•Connection: An available USB port on the computer
•Power: DC power supply included
Mac
•Computer: Avid-qualified Apple computers running OS 10.8.5 or 10.9
•Total System RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB required for video playback
PC
•Computer: Avid-qualified Windows computers
•Total System RAM: 4 GB minimum, 8 GB (or more) recommended
•Windows Versions supported: Windows 8 Standard and Pro editions; Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ulti-
mate editions (Service Pack 1 only)
For complete system requirements and a list of qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, visit:
http://avid.com/compatibility
About This Guide
This guide provides a basic overview of Pro Tools | Quartet’s features and functionality.
Conventions Used in This Guide
All of our guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:
:
The names of Commands, Options, and Settings that appear on-screen are in a different font.
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control key and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control key and click the mouse button
Right-click Click with the right mouse button
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the most from your system.
Important Notices include information that could affect your data or the performance of your system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in this guide and other Avid guides.

Chapter 1: Introduction 6
About www.avid.com
The Avid website is your best online source for information to help you get the most out of your system. The following are just a
few of the services and features available.
Product Registration Register your purchase online.
Support and Downloads Contact Avid Customer Success (http://www.avid.com/US/support); download software updates and the
latest online manuals (http://www.avid.com/quartethelp); browse the Compatibility documents for system requirements
(http://avid.com/compatibility); search the online Knowledge Base or join the worldwide Avid user community on the User
Conference.
Training and Education Study on your own using courses available online or find out how you can learn in a classroom setting at
a certified Avid training center.
Products and Developers Learn about Avid products; download demo software or learn about our Development Partners and their
plug-ins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events Get the latest news from Avid or sign up for a demo.

Chapter 2: Pro Tools | Quartet Tour 7
Chapter 2: Pro Tools | Quartet Tour
Your Pro Tools | Quartet consists of the Top, Rear, and Side panels.
Top Panel
Rear Panel
Top Panel
Rear Panel
Input Display Output Display
Controller Knob
Assignable Touchpads
Input Selection Output Selection
Touchpads Touchpads
Analog Inputs
Analog Outputs
DC Power
Digital Inputs
Word Clock Output
USB 2.0Combination Mic/Inst/Line
ADAT/SMUX MIDI (USB)

Chapter 2: Pro Tools | Quartet Tour 8
Side Panel
Displays and Touchpads
The Input and Output each have displays and Touchpads to monitor and control their functions.
Side Panel
Input Display (left); Output Display (right)
Headphone output

Chapter 3: Installation 9
Chapter 3: Installation
To install Pro Tools | Quartet Software:
1Connect Pro Tools | Quartet’s Power Supply to the DC power input on its rear panel and the appropriate IEC cable to a wall outlet.
2Connect Pro Tools | Quartet’s USB port to a USB port on your Mac using the supplied USB 2.0 cable.
3Download the latest Pro Tools | Quartet software installer from: http://www.avid.com/quartethelp.
4When the download completes, double-click the installer icon to run the firmware updater.
5When the firmware update completes, double-click the open-box icon to run the software installer.
6When the installation completes, restart your computer.
When your computer restarts, a dialog box appears.
7Choose Pro Tools | Quartet for sound input and output, and click Yes to exit the dialog.
You are now ready to use Pro Tools | Quartet with your computer.

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 10
Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software
Pro Tools IO Control is an interface control application made for Mac and Windows. Featuring a single window design, and mul-
tiple tab interface for quick access to all device and system settings, Pro Tools IO Control makes software control of Pro Tools |
Quartet easy. The software works the same on Mac and Windows; this section shows Mac screens.
Input Tab
•Device Icon & ID Button - A device icon and ID button is placed adjacent to each row of parameters to identify the hardware
unit to which the row belongs. By clicking on the ID button, the front panel of the corresponding hardware unit illuminates. Each
hardware unit is assigned a Peripheral Prefix (A–Z, found in Pro Tools IO Controlʼs Device Settings tab window) which is dis-
played on the ID button.
•Analog Level - Use this menu to select microphone, instrument, or line input.
•Soft Limit - Use this menu to engage Soft Limit. Soft Limit is Apogee’s proprietary analog process for taming transients before
A/D conversion. By gently rounding transients in a transparent manner, it’s possible to maximize level BEFORE the A/D con-
version stage. Soft Limit is most effective with signals with large transients such as drums, percussion and plucked instruments.
Soft Limit may not be the appropriate choice for signals such as bass or organ.
•Input Level - The gain of each input is controlled with these software knobs. The gain level is indicated in the value box below
the knob.
•Analog Input Meter - This meter displays the level of the analog input after A/D conversion.
•Group On/Off - Use this to group the gain setting of inputs so that the controller knob on Pro Tools | Quartet or one software
gain knob controls both input gains simultaneously. If a gain offset is present between inputs when Group is set to On, this offset
is preserved.
•Phase - Check this box to reverse the polarity of the input signal. Under certain circumstances, when two mics are used on one
source, reversing the polarity of one mic may result in a fuller sound. For example, when miking the top and bottom of a snare
drum, a fuller sound is obtained when the polarity of the bottom mic is reversed.
•48 V/Phantom Power - Engage this button for 48 volts phantom power on the XLR connections. Condenser mics require phan-
tom power to operate.
Input Tab

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 11
Output Tab
•Device Icon & ID Button - See the description in “Input Tab” on page 10.
•Analog Output Meter - This meter displays the level of the analog output before D/A conversion, in the range -48 to 0 dBFS.
•Analog Out Format - This menu sets the format of the analog outputs:
Line: all six analog outputs are configured as line outputs; monitor functions such as level control, Mute, Dim and Sum to Mono
are disengaged.
Stereo: Outputs 1–2 are configured as speaker outputs (with all monitor functions available) while outputs 3–6 are configured
as line outputs.
2 Speaker Sets: Outputs 1–4 are configured as two pairs of stereo outputs. Switch between the stereo pairs with the Speaker
Select buttons (or using the top panel Touchpads).
3 Speaker Sets:All six outputs are configured as three pairs of stereo outputs. Switch between the stereo pairs with the Speaker
Select buttons (or using the top panel Touchpads).
5.1: All six outputs are configured as speakers outputs, suitable for connection to a 5.1 speaker system.
•Speaker Out Level - When Analog Out Format is set to Stereo, 2 or 3 Speaker Sets or 5.1, this knob controls the speaker output
level.
•Headphone Level - This knob controls the output level of the right side headphone output.
•Mute - Click Mto mute the speaker (or headphone) output. Pro Tools | Quartet’s top panel Touchpads may be set to engage Mute
on the Speaker outputs, the headphone outputs or both at the same time. See “Device Settings” on page 13.
•Dim - Click D(for Dim) to lower the speaker (or headphone) output level by 15 dB. This function is a convenient way to briefly
lower the playback volume in the speakers or headphones in order to hold a conversation without completely muting the output.
Pro Tools | Quartet’s top panel Touchpads may be set to engage Dim on the Speaker outputs, the headphone outputs or both at
the same time. See “Device Settings” on page 13.
•Sum to Mono - Click Σto sum the left and right channels of the speaker (or headphone) outputs to mono. At many points of the
production process, this function is useful to check mono compatibility. For example, when recording with a stereo pair of mics,
it’s always a good idea to sum both channels to mono and check for unevenness in the frequency range caused by phase cancel-
lation and reinforcement of particular frequencies. If the sound changes significantly or sounds hollow when summed to mono,
this may indicate phase issues caused by a less than optimal mic placement.
When mixing, it’s also a good idea to check mono compatibility. Beyond questions of phase, any masking caused by overlapping
frequencies is most easily heard when listening in mono. Try starting a mix with Sum to Mono engaged – once you have some-
thing that sounds good, then disengage Sum to Mono and revel at the beautiful stereo mix you’ve created!
Pro Tools | Quartet’s top panel Touchpads may be set to engage Sum to Mono on the Speaker outputs, the headphone outputs or
both at the same time. See “Device Settings” on page 13.
Output Tab

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 12
Mixer Tab
•Device Icon & ID Button - See the description in “Input Tab” on page 10.
•Pan - This rotary knob pans the input signal between the left and right sides of the Pro Tools IO Control mixer’s stereo output.
•Input Level Fader - This slider sets the level of the input signal in the Pro Tools IO Control mixer’s stereo output.
•Meter - This bar graph style meter displays the pre-fader input level.
•Input Level Value Window - The Input Level fader value is displayed in this window. Fader values between 6 and -48 may be
directly entered.
•Solo - This button mutes all other channels whose Solo buttons are not engaged.
•Mute - This button mutes the input channel.
•SoftwareReturn Fader- This stereo input channel provides level control, metering, and mute/solo functions for the signal from
the software application containing playback. Match your recording software application’s mixer output and the Software Return
menu selection. In most cases, the recording software mixer output and Pro Tools IO Control’s Software Return will be set to 1–2.
•Mixer Master - This is the level control and meter for the mixer’s output.
Mixer Tab

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 13
Device Settings
•Device Icon & ID Button - See the description in “Input Tab” on page 10.
•Peripheral Prefix - Use this menu to assign a letter prefix (A–Z) to each peripheral device displayed in the Devices Sidebar. The
letter prefix is included in all graphic representations of the peripheral as well as I/O labels in Pro Tools IO Control and Core Au-
dio compatible applications.
•Touchpad Assignment - Use these menus to select the parameter controlled by the user assignable Touchpads:
Mute Outputs - To mute the speaker and headphone outputs, assign one of the user assignable Touchpads in Pro Tools IO
Control to the desired mute function.
Dim Outputs - The Dim function lowers the output volume by 15 dB.
This function is convenient when you want to briefly lower the playback volume in the speakers or headphones in order to hold
a conversation without completely muting the output.
Sum to Mono - The Sum to Mono function is used to examine phase relationships on stereo tracks. When it is engaged, phase
errors become more noticeable.
•Toggle Headphone Source - Used to switch the Headphone output between Out 1–2, Out 3–4 and Mixer.
This function is especially useful for digital DJs to switch the headphone output between the House output (sent to Out 1–2) and
a cue output (sent to Out 3–4).
•Clear Meters - The Clear Meters function will remove held peak and over indicators on software and OLED meters when Peak
Hold or Over Hold (in the System Setup tab window) is set to Infinite.
•Lock Home View - When Lock Home view is checked, the OLED display doesn’t jump to the Detail view when the Controller
knob is turned. If Lock Home view is not checked, the OLED display shows details for the selected input or output when the Con-
troller knob is turned.
•Encoder Push Assignment - Use this menu to select the action when clicking the top panel Controller Knob.
Device Settings

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 14
Output Routing
In the Pro Tools IO Control Output Routing tab, route Mixer 1 (or Mixer 2) to Line 1/2. If Analog Out Format is set to 2 or 3
Speaker Sets, route Mixer to all the analog outputs in use, as shown below.
Output Routing tab
Mixer routing to analog outputs

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 15
System Setup
•Device Icon & ID Button - See the description in “Input Tab” on page 10.
•Sample Rate - This menu selects the sample rate. Under certain circumstances, (for example, when a DAW session is open) this
setting will be overridden by software sample rate settings.
•Peak Hold - This menu sets the time that peak indications are held on software and front panel meters.
•Over Hold - This menu sets the time that over indications are held on software and front panel meters.
•Keyboard Volume Control - The Audio Output menu sets the hardware output that’s controlled by the computer keyboard vol-
ume control.
Pro Tools IO Control Menu Bar
Pro Tools IO Control Panel Menu
•About Pro Tools IO Control - Choose this menu item to display version information.
•Preferences - Choose this menu item to display Pro Tools IO Controlʼs Preference panel. Check Launch Pro Tools IO Control
automatically when connecting a device to launch Pro Tools IO Control when the computer is started. Check Display Pop-ups
to show top panel encoder adjustments.
•Hide Pro Tools IO Control - Choose this menu item to hide the Pro Tools IO Control application.
•Hide Others - Choose this menu item to hide all other open applications.
•Show All - If any open applications have been hidden, choose this menu item to reveal all open applications.
•Quit Pro Tools IO Control - Choose this menu item to quit Pro Tools IO Control.
File Menu
•File>Rescan- Choose this menu item to re-initialize the link between Pro Tools IO Control software and the hardware connected
to the computer, in the case where the hardware is correctly connected and powered on but not detected in Pro Tools IO Control.
System setup
Pro Tools IO Control Menu Bar
Pro Tools IO Control Menu Bar

Chapter 4: Pro Tools IO Control Software 16
Window Menu
•Window>Minimize - Choose this menu item to minimize the Pro Tools IO Control window to the OS X Dock.
•Window>Zoom - Choose this menu item to maximize the size of the Pro Tools IO Control window.
• Open any currently active tab by typing Command + number.
Help Menu
•Help - Choose a Help menu item to get information on Pro Tools | Quartet or Pro Tools IO Control.
Pro Tools IO Control Window Menu
Pro Tools IO Control Help Menu

Chapter 5: Using Pro Tools | Quartet 17
Chapter 5: Using Pro Tools | Quartet
Controller Knob
Pro Tools | Quartet’s Controller Knob allows you to easily adjust the levels of all inputs and outputs and also provides a quick and
easy way to mute the outputs. By default, the Knob Push Button is assigned to mute all outputs. Alternatively, you can assign it in
Avid’s Pro Tools IO Control software to mute only the speaker or only the headphone outputs.
OLED Displays
Pro Tools | Quartet’s input and output OLED display provide full color metering and visual feedback.
Pro Tools | Quartet Controller Knob
Home View of Input Display (left) and Output Display (right)
Controller Knob

Chapter 5: Using Pro Tools | Quartet 18
Input Configuration
1Connect a microphone or instrument to one of the XLR-¼-in combination jacks on Pro Tools | Quartet’s rear panel.
2Open Pro Tools IO Control software (found in your Mac’s Applications folder), and select the Input tab.
3Select the Analog Level setting that corresponds to the device you have connected to Pro Tools | Quartet’s input(s). For example:
if you have an XLR microphone connected to input 1, select Mic from the Analog Level menu on channel 1.
If you have a ¼-in instrument connected to the input, select Inst.
If you use a condenser microphone that requires phantom power, select the 48V box on the Input tab of the appropriate channel
in Pro Tools IO Control. Phantom power is indicated on Pro Tools | Quartet’s display by a red dot above the microphone icon (see
“Input Tab” on page 10).
Pro Tools | Quartet rear panel
Analog Inputs
Combination Mic/Inst/Line

Chapter 5: Using Pro Tools | Quartet 19
Connecting Headphones or Speakers
1Connect headphones to the headphone output on the right side of Pro Tools | Quartet.
2Connect Pro Tools | Quartet’s ¼-in analog speaker outputs 1-2 to the inputs (balanced or unbalanced) of your studio monitors
or amplifier.
Pro Tools | Quartet headphone jack on side panel
Analog outputs on the Pro Tools | Quartet rear panel
Headphone output
Analog Outputs

Chapter 5: Using Pro Tools | Quartet 20
Output Configuration
To set Pro Tools | Quartet’s speaker output level:
1Connect Pro Tools | Quartet to the computer:
2Open the Pro Tools IO Control software (found in your Mac’s Applications folder), and select the Output tab.
3Select your Output source from the Speaker Output menu for desired playback (Line, Stereo, 2 Speaker Set, 3 Speaker Set or 5.1).
Stereo is typically the default Output source on most recording software.
To change Pro Tools | Quartet’s headphone output level:
1Connect Pro Tools | Quartet to the computer.
2Open Pro Tools IO Control software (found in your Mac’s Applications folder), and select the Output tab.
3Select your Output source from the Speaker Output menu for desired playback (Line, Stereo, 2 Speaker Set, 3 Speaker Set or 5.1).
Stereo is typically the default Output source on most recording software.
Setting speaker output level