Audio Configuration for Spark – Win10 with a 4i Audio Interface

It seems that many Spark users are having trouble getting the audio configured correctly for recording. While there are a few methods, I use the
following since it has the benefit of also being able to record the backing track. That is something not possible using the Spark app recording
method.

Hardware:

• Spark headphone out to a stereo 1/8M 2 x 1/8F splitter. Be cautious to obtain a stereo splitter to avoid damage to the Spark headphone
output.
• 1/8m stereo to 2 x ¼m mono splitter. This plugs into the L and R Audio Interface line inputs. This frees up the AI’s combo inputs for 1 or
2 mics/guitars.
• Rather than a 4i style of AI, a 2i style of AI is sufficient but does not allow for a microphone into the AI.
• Use of the first splitter in the chain is not necessary but does allow for a 2nd set of headphones.

Then USB from the AI to PC

Software:

In the Win10 Control Panel click on Hardware and Sound, then click Manage Audio Devices. Set the Playback and Recording tabs as follows:
Playback

Make sure the levels are high.

Recording
Make sure the levels are high

The recording levels will be affected by the Spark headphone volume, the Spark App device volume, and the PC recording levels. I believe
changing the Spark App device volume will allow for getting the desired levels between the backing track and the Guitar. Otherwise one will
over power the other.
DAW

Since the Spark output and the backing tracks are in stereo I created a stereo audio track in the DAW. Unfortunately the two sources get
recorded on one track. It needs to point to the two (L and R) inputs

A separate track should be used for the microphone with the gain adjusted on the AI.

Sorry for all the pages but the images were not readable when I re-sized them.
Hopefully this is helpful to all Sparker’s.