How to Set Up the Audient EVO 4 for Vocals: Smartgain and Monitor Mix

The Audient EVO 4 is a small interface with two mic inputs and a handy trick: Smartgain, which sets your recording level for you. Here's how to set up the EVO 4 for recording vocals.

1. Software and drivers

Download the software and drivers for the EVO 4 from Audient's website and connect the interface to your computer with USB. Then choose the EVO 4 as the audio device in your DAW.

2. 48V on or off?

Using a condenser mic, like a Rode NT1? Turn on 48V. A dynamic mic, like a Shure SM7B or SM58, doesn't need it.

3. Set the gain with Smartgain

Smartgain listens to your voice and sets the level for you. According to Audient, it works like this:

1. Press the green Smartgain button. The input buttons start pulsing.
2. Tap the input your mic is plugged into, for example 1.
3. Press Smartgain again. It flashes red and the ring around the big knob starts pulsing: it's listening now.
4. Rap or sing the loudest part you're going to record. Audient says Smartgain sorts it out in under 20 seconds.
5. When the button flashes green, your level is set.

Really use your loudest part. If you rap softer during Smartgain than in the real take, your recording can still end up too hot.

4. Prefer to set it yourself?

Tap your input's button and turn the big knob to adjust the gain. Rap your loudest part and make sure you don't hit the red.

Using an SM7B? It needs a lot of gain. According to Audient, the EVO 4 gives 58 dB of gain, and Shure mentions around 60 dB for the SM7B. Read Shure SM7B too quiet? for what to do.

5. Hear yourself with Monitor Mix

Monitor Mix sets what you hear in your headphones. Press the Monitor Mix button and turn the big knob. Turn it left to hear more of your inputs, so your mic. Turn it right to hear more of what your computer plays, like your beat.

Hearing your mic through Monitor Mix? Then turn off monitoring on your track in your DAW, or you'll hear yourself twice.

6. Volume and headphones

Tap the volume button and turn the big knob to set the volume. Plug in headphones and the EVO 4 mutes your speakers automatically. Handy, because then the beat doesn't leak from your speakers into your mic.

More recording guides: how to fix latency when recording and how to set up the Scarlett Solo for vocals, if you're still choosing between interfaces.

FAQ

Does Smartgain work for rap?

Yes. Just rap your loudest part while it listens, at the same distance from the mic as in the real take.

Why do I hear myself twice?

You're probably hearing your mic through Monitor Mix and through your DAW. Turn off monitoring in your DAW, or turn Monitor Mix all the way right.

Is the EVO 4 enough for an SM7B?

The EVO 4 gives 58 dB of gain. Shure mentions around 60 dB for the SM7B. That can be tight, especially if you rap quietly. A booster like a Cloudlifter can help.

Source: Audient's manual and support pages on the EVO 4 and Smartgain, and Shure on the SM7B.