How to Use Computer Audio Digital Inputs As Direct Sources

by Ryan Menezes
Use your audio port to input external sound.

Use your audio port to input external sound.

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Your computer accepts audio signals through its "Audio In" port. This port accepts microphone inputs, and it also accepts other devices that broadcast audio through a 3.5 mm pin. However, to accept these signals as direct sources in audio projects, you must select the devices using your computer's Sound options. Until you do this, the computer may continue to try to use its internal microphone or other recording device for audio input.

Step 1

Plug your audio device into your computer's audio port. Use the blue "Line In" port if your sound card has one; otherwise, use the microphone port, which is often pink.

Step 2

Click "Start" and type "sound" into the search box. Click "Sound" in the search results to open the Sound window.

Step 3

Click the "Recording" tab. Right-click an empty area of the window and select "Show disabled devices" if it is not selected already.

Step 4

Right-click the entry for the device that you plugged in. Depending on the port that you used, this device may be labeled "Microphone" or "Line In."

Step 5

Click "Enable" to enable the device, and then click "Set as default device" to select it as a direct source.

About the Author

Ryan Menezes is a professional writer and blogger. He has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Boston University and has written for the American Civil Liberties Union, the marketing firm InSegment and the project management service Assembla. He is also a member of Mensa and the American Parliamentary Debate Association.

Photo Credits

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