Use input monitoring with tracks in Logic Pro for Mac
You can turn on input monitoring to monitor audio tracks that are not enabled for recording. This is useful for setting levels or practicing parts before you commit to recording. You can leave input monitoring turned on before, during, and after recording.
On software instrument tracks, you can simply select (focus) the track to hear yourself play. Input monitoring is useful when you want to play multiple tracks simultaneously, or when used in conjunction with MIDI Input and MIDI In Channel settings to play a software instrument with an external MIDI keyboard, sequencer, or other external source independent of which track is focused.
Tip: For audio tracks, when input monitoring is on, the Record Enable button and the auto input monitoring feature do not affect software monitoring—that is, you can always hear incoming audio signals. When you’re punch recording, however, you should use auto input monitoring rather than the Input Monitoring buttons. For more information about auto input monitoring, see Punch in and out of audio recordings.
Turn on input monitoring for a track
In Logic Pro, click the Input Monitoring button (with the “I” icon) in the track header.
Click the Input Monitoring button again to turn off input monitoring for the track.
Note: On audio tracks, input monitoring always involves some latency. The amount of latency depends on the audio hardware and the driver settings. In certain configurations, it may be best not to turn on input monitoring, to obtain the best possible timing. Route the signal you want to record directly to headphones or a monitoring amplifier—and to the audio interface inputs, for recording. You won’t accidentally overdrive your A/D converters, because the input level meters display a clipping warning if an overload occurs.