\u201cDirect\u201d and \u201cInput\u201d monitoring are both terms used when recording audio but are not the same thing. We\u2019ll explain the differences between the two and which is which so that you know when to use each while recording. Follow each of the sections below to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Direct monitoring<\/strong> is when your headphones receive the exact \u201cdirect\u201d signal input to your audio interface. The voltage produced by the microphone or instrument is amplified and sent directly<\/strong> to the headphones\/speakers. That means you\u2019ll be listening to whatever you\u2019ve connected in real-time, just like a live sound mixer. While you can still listen to and monitor any number of tracks from the computer, they\u2019ll sound a little delayed and your direct signal won\u2019t. TLDR: Direct monitoring is when you route the input signal directly to the headphones with no delayed computer processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Audio interfaces with a Playback\/Direct mix knob allow you to blend the computer playback and live input signals. Use the USB playback when monitoring your computer playback and blend in the Direct signal while recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DAWs like Pro Tools have a Low Latency Monitoring<\/em> setting which disables monitoring for record-enabled tracks while recording. That makes it easy to monitor your live inputs and computer playback tracks at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RETURN TO TOP<\/a> \u2191<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Input monitoring<\/strong> is when you listen to your live signal after it travels through and is processed by the computer. The input signal is delayed an amount of time equal to the time it takes for conversion and processing. That means the live signal starts at the microphone, converts from analog to digital, is processed through your DAW software, and then converts back to analog for amplification through headphones or speakers. This signal is slightly delayed by just milliseconds and sounds like a phase\/chorus effect when combined with the original \u201cdirect\u201d signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDirect Input and USB Playback mix knob<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Low Latency Monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is Input Monitoring?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n