HELP! I just want to record vocals onto a track but cubase records the music as well

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camelot_recordz

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Hey people wassup. I have a problem.
I am using cubase sx 2.0 and I import an audio file into a stero track. the audio file is an instrumental. not I want to record vocals on another track but everytime I hit record cubase records both my vocals and the instrumental on the same track. I don't want the instrumental track top be recorded.

my sound cards out put goes to one track of my mackie 32.8 and i have a channel insert going to the input of my soundcard.

so please someone help me.

Lee
 
If you have windows running, click on the little speaker on the tool bar in the lower right hand cordner then click on options then properties and choose recording and uncheck everything but line in.
 
wow thanks man, it was that easy! I been strugglin with this all day LOL. YOu da man. thanks. I'm know little something about this but its little things like that get me stuck for hours lol. Anyway thanks again.
Oh hey, do u know much about plugins? I have all these plugins and I dont know what to do with them. most of them seem to be variations of basic ones like compression, there are like 20 different compression plugins on my compter lol. maybe u can get me going with the basics.

compression?
auto gate?
De esser
quantizer?
etc.

Thanks man.

Lee
 
Hey there,
as you can see from my profile, I'm new here, but maybe I can help. Here's what I know about the effects you mentioned:

- a Compressor: (IMO the most important "effect") limits or expands an audio signal depending on the Threshold and the Ratio. A 4:1 compression Ratio means that it will "amplify" everything under lets say 10dB (your Threshold) 4 times. There are 3 more settings: Attack (how long it takes the compressor to kick in when a signal is below 10 dB) and Decay (how long it lasts) and Gain (how much you want to amplify your track). A compressor is used for vocals (to get "even" levels all throughout the song), bass/drums (to get more punch)... and all sorts of instruments. Sometimes even on your final track (it can tighten your mix). Once you learn how to use a compressor, your songs will never sound flat/dull again. (production wise :)

- Auto Gate: opens the audio signal when the signal reaches your Threshold value at a speed determined by the Attack/Decay value.

- De-esser: mainly for vocal tracks, it reduces sibilance (the "ss" "ch") because they tend to be louder.

- Quantizer: is for midi tracks, it quantizes your notes depending on tempo and note length (whole note, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8... 1/64). If you play your midi tracks with a Synth, you might need to Quantize (unless you are the incarnation of Mozart :) ). But if you write your notes using the pencil tool, you don't need to Quantize. (that is if your tracks are locked to note length, using the tool that looks like this >I<)

Finally, my advice is to experiment as much as you can with effects, specially compressor (on the same track, try to enable/disable them, compare... )

cheers!
T-Rex :D
 
Last edited:
thanks T-rex. i still dont know "how" to use threshold attack and decay. I know what they are but how do I use them to get good sound?

Lee
 
led

I thought maybe you didn't know their function in a compressor... but since you do let's move on to next level.

I found an interesting article that has a couple of examples (with Ratio, Threshold, Realease and Attack values) on uses of compressors.

http://www.electronicmusic.com/education/5312.html

Hope it helps
T-Rex :D
 
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