Although headphones are typically used as sound monitoring devices, they are capable of a secondary function: audio input. Modern audio interfaces can be used to reconfigure headphone devices as microphones. Although the audio quality produced by these reconfigured headphones is noticeably inferior to traditional microphones, they still serve as an adequate replacement when a microphone is not available. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly configure your headphones for use as a recording device.
Instructions
1. Locate the microphone or audio input jack on your recording interface or computer. Depending on your preferred audio input device, you may need to purchase a 1/4 inch plug adapter for your headphones. Plug the headphones into the jack.
2. Power on your computer and launch your preferred audio recording program. If you do not own any audio software, basic sound recording programs included with your operating system should provide the functionality you will need for recording.
3. Select your audio interface or microphone jack as the designated audio input source. This can be accomplished within the system settings menu on your computer as well within the preference menus of your audio software. Test your headphones by speaking into each earphone. Depending on the sensitivity level of your headphones, you may need to speak or sing loudly for the device to receive audio signals.
4. Press 'record' within your audio program and begin using your improvised microphone. When you are finished recording, press 'stop' and save your audio.
Tags: audio input, your audio, your headphones, audio software, preferred audio, your computer, your preferred