Connect the Lexicon Alpha interface to a computer using the supplied USB cable and open your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software on your computer. The LED lights on the front of your Lexicon Alpha will turn on.
Connect the female end of an XLR cable to your microphone. Connect the male end of the cable to the XLR connector on your external mic preamp labeled "Input."
Connect the male end of your other XLR cable to the connector on the back of your Lexicon Alpha labeled "Mic." Connect the female end of the cable to the XLR connector on the back of your external mic preamp labeled "Output."
Turn the input control knob on your Lexicon Alpha labeled "Chan 2/Mic" all the way down. This prevents digital clipping (and sore ears).
Adjust the input volume on your external mic preamp so that the signal almost clips. Find this level by watching the clip light on your preamp and turning down your input slightly when the light flashes. Your optimal input level is the point at which the clip light no longer flashes.
Adjust the output level on your external mic preamp so that the corresponding volume meter on your DAW shows a level suitable for your needs. Watch to make sure the DAW meter doesn't show clipping. If clipping occurs, simply turn down the output on your external mic preamp until the signal is acceptably low.
Position your sound source (singer or instrument) in front of the microphone. Make sure the sound source is neither too far nor too close to the microphone. A badly positioned source cannot produce high-quality sound.
Press the "record" button on your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Monitor the channel meter while recording to ensure that the DAW is receiving sound at an appropriate level, as you configured in previous steps.
Adjust the sound level as necessary by tweaking the output control on your external mic preamp.
Press the "Stop" button on your DAW once the performance is complete. You have now captured a performance using an external mic preamp with the Lexicon Alpha.