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Music Technology
Week 1: Podcasts
Day 3: Microphone Setup & Sound Check

Day 3: Microphone Setup & Sound Check

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

Objectives

  • I can set up a microphone and audio interface for recording.
  • I can adjust gain levels to get an appropriate recording volume.
  • I can record a sound check in GarageBand.

Warmup: Microphone Setup Video

Watch the Edpuzzle video on how to set up the microphone and audio interface for recording. Pay close attention to the steps — you’ll be doing this yourself in the work session.

Step 1: Go to Clever and log in with your school credentials.

Go to Clever.com

Step 2: Find and click on the Edpuzzle icon in your Clever dashboard.

Step 3: Watch the microphone setup video and answer all questions.

Checkpoint: Warmup

  • I have watched the microphone setup video on Edpuzzle.
  • I understand the steps for connecting the microphone and audio interface.

Work Session: Sound Check

We will set up the microphone and audio interface together, then each record a short sound check in GarageBand. This is practice for the podcast recording sessions coming up soon.

Setup Checklist

Follow these steps in order:

  1. Connect the microphone to the audio interface using the XLR cable.
  2. Connect the audio interface to the computer using the USB cable.
  3. Turn the gain knob up to an appropriate level (not too quiet, not too loud).
  4. Position the microphone about 6 inches from your mouth.
  5. Open GarageBand and create a new empty project.
  6. Add a new audio track with the input set to your audio interface.

Record a Sound Check

Once your setup is complete:

  1. Press the record button in GarageBand.
  2. Speak clearly into the microphone at your normal volume. Say your name, today’s date, and count to ten.
  3. Stop the recording and listen back.
  4. If the recording is too quiet, turn the gain up slightly and try again. If it’s too loud or distorted, turn the gain down.
  5. Adjust until your voice sounds clear and the levels stay in the green/yellow range (not red).

Checkpoint: Work Session

  • I have connected the microphone and audio interface correctly.
  • I have created a GarageBand project with an audio track.
  • I have recorded a sound check and adjusted my gain levels.
  • My recording sounds clear and is at an appropriate volume.

Closing: Next Steps

Now that you know how to set up and record, we’re almost ready to start working on podcasts. You’ll get to pick your own topic, write a script, and record your own podcast episode using the equipment you practiced with today. We’ll share the finished podcasts with the class.

Tomorrow you’ll brainstorm podcast topics and write two intros.

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Day 2: Sound WavesDay 4: Podcast Brainstorm