Just a Simple Answer

  • Thread starter Thread starter netalt
  • Start date Start date
Re: NO POSTINGS

I can't do anymore than repeat the good advice everyone else has already given you. But, I'll do it anyway.

I also use a) the Soundblaster Live! Value card that came with my PC and b) n-Track. Given that my setup is similar, maybe it will make you feel better to here that I *AM* indeed able to lay down instrument tracks, lay down vocal tracks, mixdown, as well as do a whole lot more with n-Track. I may not be doing it well yet, but I am doing it nonetheless. You can also do all those things with any of the other programs people mentioned, but for $39 n-Track's a steal.

You can also get a free version of Pro Tools which is, of course, free. But I think you're limited to a small number of tracks (8 maybe?). Note that n-Track has no such limits, other those imposed by the resources on your PC. However, if you can live with 8 (or whatever it is) and you like the program, then by all means save the $39 and go with that.

If you want more info on n-Track, try the following sites. Both also have a page for people to post work they've done and get constructive criticism of their work. That's not only valuable for the person posting their work, it's good for your own general education.

- The Fasoft discussion board : http://serv1.n-track.com/ntrackforum/index.html
- The n-Track User Forum right here at HomeRecording.com : https://homerecording.com/bbs/forumdisplay.php?forumid=18
 
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Oh, yeah ...

... and "gordone" is right. There's a step-by-step tutorial in the beginning of the n-Track manual. I'm looking at my copy right now and if you follow the tuortial you'll learn to:

- Set up recording mode.
- Record your first track.
- Delete it because you're not satisfied with it.
- Re-record your first track and assume you're happy with it.
- Save the song and create a brand new "project" so you can save all the files associated with a single song in a single project.
- Overdub a additional tracks on top of the first and save that in a new WAV files.
- Process tracks with plugins.
- Record multiple takes within the same tracks - the "punch in" feature.
- Process tracks with built-in effects (EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, etc.).
- Set markers.
- Use some the "fader automation" feature.
- Do a mixdown.

If you want more than that, you'll have to make arrangements with Flavio Antonioli (the author) to have him fly from Italy to give you in-house training. :D That may sound like a wiseass comment but it's not. That chapter of the manual is about as comprehensive a hand-holding walkthrough as you'll get for any piece of software. And it's a good one to boot.

I realize it's hard to jump in when you're not sure what you're doing. Here's a tip from the time I spent writing CAI software. Read the tutorial first to learn about what you're going to learn. Then work through it, actually doing everything you just read about. Finally, read the tutorial again to learn about what you just did. That three-step approach is EXTREMELY effective and I've seen it work well not only in CAI, but in lots of other work and non-work situations.

But most of all, have fun with it!
 
Hey Netalt,
At the risk of sounding like a Candy Ass, I understand your frustration! A little over a year ago, being a half-assed guitar player and drummer with several guitars, amps and drums, I thought I was going to stick a Radio Shack mic into my computer and produce CDs that would make Eddie VH proud of me and make my friends melt with envy. I thought this because I had built several computers from scratch for gaming and just knew I must be a natural computer genius... Armed with this dangerous computer knowledge, I assumed it was just a matter of finding the "PROGRAM" that would submit to my wishes and "DO IT" for me.... cause It's the computer and I'm the Genius! Well Holy Shit, Batman...I down-loaded the "Magic Program" (Pro Tools), I stuck that mic into an 1/8" plug on the back of a sound blaster and presto-chango...I produced a multi track piece that sounded like I was screaming for help from down inside a coffee can. My drums sounded like I was throwing rocks at the side of that can! My guitar sounded pretty cool except for the fact that it was like hearing your neighbor's stereo from next-door.
Bottom line..I quickly realized (with a little dismay) that my expectations were quite naive and complacent. I know ..."all you wanna do is make some music". Well, I don't wish to discourage you, but the fact is, if you're at all passionate about this, you need to accept from the on-set that it's a relatively complex endeavor and you'll need to do some research to avoid erroneous purchases and produce viable results.
My advice to a fellow rookie would be to identify and list the significant aspects and components involved: soundcards, mixers, mics, effects, ect. vs your own expectations. Research each area and develop some level of comfort with your knowledge before you spend your first dime.
This site continues to be my primary source of info and has led me to some solid preliminary purchases and advice on technique. I generally like to compare brands of similar products as a way to become familiar with the equipment itself and what it's actualy used for.
These fellas that have been doing this awhile have already given you some real choices for software to learn on. I didn't want to spend alot on tools to help me learn, so based on recommendations from users here, I bought a Darla24 soundcard and Ntrack software and was instantly impressed. There's more sophisticated cards out there, but I'm learning how to use a cheapie and hopefully determine what I'll want/need in an upgrade.
Very few folks here will endorse Behringer mixers. This bums me out because they seem to offer alot of bang for the buck, but hey, that tells me to bone-up on mixers and find out what constitutes a usable, quality mixer. Microphones...just another area worthy of serious study. Where's the Excedrin?
In a nut shell (since I've already invoked "The bottom line"), nobody can recommend "Home Recorder in Box.. Product contains EVERYTHING needed to produce studio quality recordings, perfect every time in your own home". Doesn't exist.
Best of luck. Go to work..


:)
 
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