# Quick Start: Recording a Song

Note: After installing the program, you can go to the Studio menu's Devices option to select the audio and MIDI devices you want to use.

Follow these steps to record a song and make a CD:

### Step 1: Create a New Song

Create a new (empty) Song using the Song → New menu option. A new (empty) folder will be created automatically.

### Step 2: Add Click Track (optional)

If you're recording a song from scratch, you'll probably want to add a click track (metronome). Use the Add Track menu's Click Track option to do this.

### Step 3: Add Audio or MIDI Track

Add a Track with an empty audio or MIDI file using the Add Track menu. Use a mono audio file if you're recording a mono source like a microphone.

### Step 4: Record the Track

Click the track's Rec button. If you're recording audio, a Recording Level Fader will appear at the top of the window (provided your sound device supports this). Alternatively, you can click the Input button to access the recording level controls.

Note: Depending on the sound device, there may be a dedicated software control panel or hardware knobs to set the recording level. Please refer to the sound device's manual.

Now you can start recording by starting the Transport. You will hear the Click Track, which was created in step 2, while recording. Stop the transport when you're done.

### Step 5: Record More Tracks

Add more tracks (using the Add Track menu) and record them (repeat steps 3 and 4). You will hear the previously recorded tracks while recording a new one. At this stage, it is quite common to add Reverb to vocal tracks using an Effect Return section.

### Step 6: Mix Down to Master File

Now you can fine-tune the individual track volume levels and add any effects. If your song sounds good, you can mix it down to a single .wav file using the Mix Down menu's Mix down to audio file option. This new file can be used for burning a CD-R.

Note (Pro edition only): Make sure it is a 16-bit stereo file if you want to burn it to a CD-R. CD burning software typically can't read 24-bit (or higher) files.

### Step 7: Play Back Master File (optional)

Use the Mix Down menu's Playback mixed down file option to play back and verify the master file.

### Step 8: Burn CD-R

Now you can burn the file created in step 6 to a CD-R using the software that came with your CD writer.