Analog guitarist adjusting to DAW

[findmatt77]

Some newbie questions for the newbie forum:

I'm using Cakewalk Guitar Tracks 2.0 to record on my computer, but I'm having a problem controlling my levels.

1. With analog multi-tracking, I'm accustomed controling my record levels with the fader that corresponds to each individual track.

example: if my levels on "track one" are too hot, I slide the "track one" fader down.

But when recording on a PC, it appears the record levels are controled ONLY by the windows mixer. The individual track faders on my recording software don't affect the record levels. Am I seeing this correctly?

2. How do I monitor my record signal? The audio I'm getting from the line-out jack on my soundcard is not the same signal as what's being recorded.

example: if I'm recording a really low signal, I'm not hearing it becuase my line-out jack is linked to the mixer's play control, not the record control.

When I slide the record fader up or down, I expect to hear the result in my monitors.

Any help on these matters would be greatly appreciated.

 

[findmatt77]

The funds are limited right now, so I'm using my analog 4-track as a mixer.

I was trying to figure out a way of monitoring my signal AFTER it has hit my record device(the PC in this case). But I guess it makes sense to simply plug headphones into the 4-track and monitor my signal that way. The only problem with that... if the signal is recording too hot on the computer I'd never know because I'm monitoring the mixer.

 

[findmatt77]

CW Guiatr DOES have a meter on the console. And your certainly right .... that's one good way to monitor levels.

I didn't realize I would be able to hear the "clipping." That being the case, I guess the meter will be my only guide.

 

[TexRoadkill]

If you want seperate faders for the tracks you will need a control surface that works with Midi or USB. Or you can get a sound card with multiple in/outs and use an analog mixer.