Recording and/or streaming with a computer can be done with a 3Dio microphone by using an audio interface. An audio interface is a device that has two primary functions:
- It boosts the volume of the signal from a microphone level to a line level.
- It converts that analog signal from the microphone into a digital signal that a computer can understand.
Not all audio interfaces are compatible. The audio interface will need to have at least 2 (two) identical channels.
- When using a 3Dio FS model, the audio interface must have two (2) 1/4" inputs (or combo inputs). To connect the FS model to a 1/4" input or a combo input, you'll need to use a 3.5mm to dual 1/4" splitter cable like this.
- When using a 3Dio FS XLR or Pro II model, the audio interface must have two (2) XLR or two (2) 1/4" inputs. To connect an FS XLR or Pro II model to the XLR inputs, you'll need two (2) 3-pin XLR cables like this.
These audio interfaces are affordable and will work with all FS series microphones:
#1 - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - The Scarlett 2i2 offers 2 identical 1/4"/XLR combo inputs which is compatible with all 3Dio 2-ear mics. It also has a stereo headphone output, which bypassing any potential latency issues. This is ideal for live streaming and monitoring via headphones during recordings.
#2 - Presonus Audiobox USB 96 - The Audiobox is a great, affordable option. Nearly identical in sound quality when compared to the Scarlett. However, it doesn't offer L/R panning of each channel for the headphone output, which makes it not binaural. When monitoring via the headphone output of the computer, you may experience a lag in the audio. This can usually be fixed by changing the buffer settings, but not all recording/livestreaming apps offer that ability.
When plugging headphones directly into the headphone output of an audio interface, it is important to make sure that any adapters used, like a 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/8" to 1/4") adapter, must be compatible with the either TRS or TRRS or TRRRS connectors, or some combination of them. Incompatibility can result in one channel (L or R) not being heard, or cutting out. It may also introduce static. If one channel cannot be heard, the signal going into the computer should be fine; it is only the headphone output that is affected by the adapter/headphone incompatilibility.
