Select and configure a microphone in Audacity

Audacity Try it →Watch full video →Master Editor · Jan 2025

Demo summary

The narrator demonstrates how to use the 'Audio Setup' button to select a recording device, including how to rescan for newly connected hardware like the Scarlet 2i2 interface.

Step-by-step

Click on the Audio Setup button in the top toolbar
Hover over Recording Device to view the list of connected microphones
Identify your desired device by looking for the check mark next to its name
Click on a different device name to switch the active microphone
Select Rescan Audio Devices if a newly plugged-in microphone does not appear in the list
Verify the selection by reopening the Audio Setup menu to confirm the check mark location

Options

Select virtual microphones created by other software
Select a physical USB microphone directly
Select an audio interface to use microphones connected via XLR

Watch out for

Microphones plugged in after Audacity is already open will not appear until you rescan
Microphones connected via an interface will display the name of the interface (e.g., Scarlet 2i2) rather than the microphone model name

Tips

Be aware that different models may display unfamiliar labels or technical names in the list
Confirm your selection by ensuring the check mark appears next to the intended device

Highlights

“if this happens to you there's a simple fix”

All demos from “Audacity Step by Step Tutorial for Beginners - 2026”

2:422:00Select and configure a microphone in AudacityCurrentThe narrator demonstrates how to use the 'Audio Setup' button to select a recording device, including how to rescan for newly connected hardware like the Scarlet 2i2 interface.Audacity· AI Audio Editor
4:500:33Enable the Device Toolbar in AudacityThe user navigates to the View menu and Toolbars to enable the Device Toolbar for easier monitoring of active audio inputs.Audacity· AI Audio Editor
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13:580:15Playback recorded audioThe narrator demonstrates clicking a specific spot on the timeline and using the space bar to play back the recorded clip.Audacity· AI Audio Editor
Watch “Audacity Step by Step Tutorial for Beginners - 2026” →

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