I tried using my beloved BOSE T4S (used previously only for live sound reinforcement) as an audio interface for the first time today with my MacBook and GarageBand. I am an experienced GarageBand user and, as expected, it immediately recognized the T4S and connected it automatically as an audio interface.
I then tried to record using my Shure SM58 mic (plugged into the T4S with Tone Match set correctly for the SM 58). Unfortunately, I could not get enough level to even make a passable recording (only distortion after having to turn up the channel control and the trim knob almost all the way for it to even be audible. The levels are set correctly in GarageBand, and the SM58 reads on the meter, but only about 1/2 way (even with the T4S knobs turned up almost all the way).
I must be doing something wrong. Can anyone help? Apologies if I have duplicated a topic as I saw a previous thread on this. However, after reading through the entire thread, none of the solutions presented worked for me.
Sorry you're having this problem. I would double check that the T4S is set to output the Master Left & Right channels via USB-B to PC - see page 29 in the owner's manual.
If the trim levels have been adjusted, what levels are the channel volume knobs set to?
Is there still a healthy signal coming from the audio outputs on the T4S?
Thanks for your reply, Dylan. I looked at p.29 of the manual, and the output appears to be set correctly (photo below). When I try to record a vocal, the knobs (trim & channel) have to be up well past 50% to even hear a sound, and then the level is still not enough for a meaningful recording. When I tried to record audio from my keyboard, I got bad distortion- more distortion than keyboard sound. Anything else I can try? Thanks.
If the keyboard is distorting, make sure the volume level on the keyboard itself isn't set too high. Do the input signal LEDs on the T4S turn red at any stage?
The audio output via USB should give you plenty of headroom when recording into a DAW, so you may need to turn up your monitors/headphones when tracking. What are you using as the audio output device in Garageband?
