Connect an audio interface to your computer. An audio interface converts audio signals into digital signals, so that your computer can interpret the data. Depending on the make and model of the interface, connect either a Firewire or USB cable to the "Output" jack. Connect the other end to the Firewire or USB port on your computer.
Connect two 1/4-inch jack cables to the "Speaker Out" jacks on the rear of the interface. Connect one to each speaker, via the "Input" jack on the rear.
Attach the female end of an XLR cable to a microphone. Connect the male end to the "XLR In" socket on the front of your interface. Using a microphone lets you record live audio, such as voice and acoustic guitar. To record an electric instrument, such as keyboard or electric guitar, remove the XLR cable from the interface and plug a 1/4-inch jack cable into the "Audio In" jack on the interface, and connect the other end to your instrument.
Attach a USB cable to the "Output" port on the back of your MIDI controller. Connect the other end to the second USB port on your computer. MIDI stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface." MIDI controllers let you send commands to the audio software to trigger synthesized sounds, such as electric drums, orchestral strings and brass sections, giving you access to a sonic arsenal that would otherwise be impossible to achieve in the home-studio environment. You play a MIDI controller exactly as you play a synthesizer.
Double-click the desktop icon for your preferred audio production program to open it.
Click "File" and select "New MIDI Track." This opens a MIDI channel strip and assigns the MIDI controller as the default input device. Click "Instrument" and select a sound, such as "Piano," "Strings" or "Drums." Control the virtual instrument with the MIDI controller.
Hit "Record" and use the MIDI controller keyboard to play the virtual instrument onto the recording.
Click "File" and select "New Session." Click "File" again and select "New Audio Track." A strip will appear on screen that represents a recording studio channel strip. Because it is audio, the audio interface is the default signal. Anything you record via the interface is recorded to whichever audio track is highlighted. Change audio tracks by clicking on a different channel or opening a new track.
Press "Record" on the production interface and play your instrument. Once finished, hit "Stop." Click "Save As" once finished to cut the track.