When installing or using the Neumann MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment software, many users may encounter the error “Audio Interface Not Displayed.” This issue is usually not serious and often occurs because the software cannot recognize the correct type of audio interface. The guide below explains the causes and how to fix them.
MA 1 Only Recognizes Devices with Both Input and Output
The MA 1 software is designed to work with audio interfaces that feature both input and output, meaning devices that can both record ( Microphone input) and play back (monitor output).
If you select a device with only output (like built-in laptop speakers) or only input (like a USB microphone), the software will not detect it.
For example:
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Built-in laptop speakers or Microphones are not supported
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Bluetooth headsets are not supported
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“Virtual” or single-output audio devices are not recognized
To ensure proper operation, always connect a dedicated audio interface, such as Neumann MT 48, RME Babyface Pro, Universal Audio Apollo, or Behringer UMC series, all of which provide full input/output functionality.
Bluetooth and Built-In Hardware Are Not Supported
Many users wonder why Bluetooth headsets or built-in laptop speakers do not appear in the device list.
The reason is that MA 1 requires low latency and high accuracy, whereas Bluetooth and integrated audio hardware typically have:
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High latency
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Signal distortion
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Unstable transmission
These issues make room calibration results unreliable. Therefore, Neumann deliberately excludes such devices from the supported list to ensure professional studio-grade accuracy.
For Windows Users: ASIO Driver Required
On Windows systems, MA 1 does not use the default WDM or MME drivers. Instead, it requires ASIO drivers, which are specialized for ultra-low latency and high-precision audio transmission.
If your device does not appear in MA 1, check the following STEPS:
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Visit the manufacturer’s website of your audio interface and download the official ASIO driver.
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Restart your computer after installation.
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Reopen MA 1 and select the correct interface under the Audio Interface menu.
If No Official ASIO Driver Is Available - Alternative Solution
Some entry-level or USB audio devices may not have their own ASIO drivers. In this case, you can use ASIO4ALL, a free universal ASIO driver that allows MA 1 to recognize your device as compatible.
How to set it up:
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Visit the official site asio4all.org
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Download and install the latest version
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Open MA 1 → Select ASIO4ALL v2 from the Audio Driver list
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Click the configuration icon (gear button) and enable the desired Input/Output devices
Although ASIO4ALL may not perform as well as a native driver, it is sufficient for stable MA 1 operation when no official driver is available.
Quick Checklist Before Starting Calibration
Before running your MA 1 calibration, make sure the following points are met:
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Your audio interface supports both input and output simultaneously.
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The ASIO driver is properly installed and recognized.
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The MA 1 measurement microphone is connected to the interface’s XLR input.
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No Bluetooth devices or audio-processing software are occupying the audio ports.
A few minutes of preparation will help you avoid the “Audio Interface Not Displayed” error and save valuable setup time.
Conclusion
The issue of MA 1 not displaying your audio interface is not a software bug - it’s a protective mechanism designed to maintain calibration accuracy at a studio-grade level. As long as you use a proper interface with full input/output and a valid ASIO driver, the calibration process will run smoothly, precisely, and reliably.
If you’re looking for audio interfaces fully compatible with Neumann MA 1, consider models like Neumann MT 48, RME Babyface Pro, or Behringer UMC202HD, available from Hoàng Bảo Khoa, Vietnam’s trusted distributor of genuine Professional Audio equipment, offering expert consultation and after-sales support.