What is an Audio Driver?

These days, there are quite a lot of devices that connect to your computer, right? Particularly, audio interfaces are often used with a computer. Given that, I’d like to touch on something crucial for using these devices: the audio driver.

*For more detailed information about audio interfaces, please refer to the Sound House’s comprehensive guide. Please check it out.

Related Article: What is an audio interface?

- Contents -

1. What is an Audio Driver?
2. What Happens Without an Audio Driver?
3. Common Issues with Audio Interface Operation

■ What is an Audio Driver?

An audio driver is a program required to operate an audio interface.

For example, when driving a car, you need to perform certain actions like “put the gear in D while pressing the brake, release the brake, and press the accelerator to move forward.” However, this isn’t something you can do without prior knowledge.

So how do you learn to drive? You go to a driving school first, right?
The audio driver plays a similar role to a driving school.

Just like a car, a computer needs knowledge—a program—to operate an audio interface.

The audio driver teaches the driver (computer) the rules, like “green means go” and “red means stop.”

Driving School → Audio Driver

Car → Audio Interface

Driver → Computer

Think of it like that.

■ What Happens Without an Audio Driver?

In reality, if you at least know that “pressing the accelerator makes the car move,” you can get the car moving.

However, if you don’t know the rule that “red means stop,” you won’t stop the car at a red light.

When applied to an audio interface, this means that while you might be able to input audio, errors like being unable to control output can occur.

The computer might fail to process input and output audio correctly, leading to issues like abnormal noise or no sound output.

■ Common Issues with Audio Interface Operation

・Unable to input or output audio

→ Check if your audio interface is set as the input and output device in your computer’s settings.
Also, verify the system settings in your software.

・Hearing popping noises

→ Try uninstalling unused audio drivers.
*If multiple audio drivers are installed, an incorrect one might be selected.

＜ For Focusrite Products ＞
→ The firmware may not be up-to-date. Try updating the firmware via ‘Focusrite Control’.
*You can install the audio driver, Focusrite Control, from the official website.
Focusrite Official Website

・Audio interface won’t start

→ This could be due to insufficient power. Check if the device is bus-powered or self-powered and ensure you are using the correct power source.

■ Conclusion

How was that?
In summary, an audio driver is a program that allows your computer to operate an audio interface properly.

I’ve focused on audio interfaces in this article, but other audio devices that connect to a computer, like small amps or USB microphones, may also require an audio driver.

Please check the product specifications and your computer environment to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Enjoy a smooth audio experience!

Thank you for reading to the end.