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: Make new Song
Make a new (empty) Song using the Song->New menu option. A new (empty) folder is 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. Note that you can tap the tempo on the space bar.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 now appears at the top of the window (provided your sound device supports this). Alternatively you can click the Input button to get access to 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 step 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's volume levels and add any effects. If your song sounds fine 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 CDR.Note (Pro edition only): make sure it's a 16 bit stereo file if you want to burn it to CDR. CD burning software typically can't read 24 bit (or higher) files.