How to Use an External Audio Interface with Push 3 (standalone)
Learn how to connect an external class-compliant audio interface with Push 3 in Standalone Mode. Connecting a class-compliant audio interface allows you to route audio through its inputs and outputs, instead of those built into Push.
Note: Connecting an external interface is only possible on Push 3 in Standalone Mode with Push 2.3 or later installed. For how to update Push, visit the guide Updating Push 3 Software and Firmware.
Connecting an external audio Interface with Push
Only class-compliant ("plug-and-play") audio interfaces are supported for use with Push. Audio interfaces that require additional drivers are not supported.
Connect the external audio interface
- Start Push in Standalone Mode
- Plug your class-compliant audio interface into the USB-A port on Push 3 (standalone).
- On Push 3, enter the Setup menu and select the Audio tab on the display.
- In Standalone Mode, a Device option is displayed at the top left of the display under Audio. The Device menu is not shown when Push is in Control Mode.
- Press the corresponding upper display button for Device to open the external interface menu.
Select and configure the Interface and its Inputs and Outputs
- Use the encoders to select your connected audio interface from the list in the Device menu.
- Highlight specific mono and stereo inputs/outputs using the encoders above the Config controls.
- Press Enable on the upper display buttons to activate the desired inputs or outputs for use with Push 3.
Note: It's only possible to use either the Push 3 Audio Interface or the external audio interface at a time. To reduce CPU load and simplify the routing list, activate only the inputs and outputs you need.
Connected audio interface settings
Within the Audio tab on Push, some options are hidden while an external interface is selected as Audio Input or Output Device. Some settings such as input gain, phantom power, and channel pairing must be configured on the external device itself, or via its companion computer software. If your interface requires an application to change certain settings, configure these using your computer before connecting the device with Push.
- Sample Rate and Buffer Size for the connected interface can be adjusted from the Audio tab on Push 3.
- Push does not provide control over the advanced settings of external interfaces, so preset these before connecting if needed.
Troubleshooting external audio interface issues
If you're not able to successfully connect your audio interface with Push (standalone), you can try these steps to troubleshoot:
- Read the manufacturer's documentation to verify that your interface is class compliant. You can also check online, for example using the search string “Is [Device name] class compliant?”
- Some audio interfaces feature a Class-Compliant-Mode, which may need to be set up using a computer.
- Power the audio interface using its power supply, if available.
- Push’s USB-A port provides up to 500mA. If the audio interface requires more, you can try using a powered USB-A hub.