"Layered" (?) recording - where do I start?

[jamstunes]

"Over-dubbing" - where do I start?

as in: recording a track while listening to a previously recorded track on the headphones - and then another, and another. I suspect I am needing to delve into the software end of this hobby. I need the typical advice a newbie always needs.

HELP

Thanks

 

[tedluk]

Well, you could start by telling us something about your setup- equipment, software, etc. Pretty hard to give you any help without something to go on.

And yes, it's going to involve learning the basics of your recording software.

Ted

 

[The Green Hornet]

IT MUST BE JELLY 'CAUSE JAM DON'T SHAKE LIKE THAT!"

Yo:

Well, I do lots of overdubbing. You need something, gear, DAW, PC stuff, in order to track and retrack and I don't retract that statement.

In addition, what is your goal? How good do you want the sound? How much are you able to spend? How much time can you devote to researching and listening to those brilliants on this site who offer so much info--FOR FREE.

Basically, I record a track that sets the meter/rhythm of what I am doing; OR, if I'm working with a vocalist, I record his/her music from CD. I can do the arrangements but it takes sooooo much time to do that. CD background is easy, very easy.

Once I have the meter established, it's the chords, then lead-solo and fill-in tracks. Like it's always nice to overdub some strings to mellow-out the rendition and/or arrangement.

You can begin simply with a 4-track tape box and then move forward to whatever interests you. The important thing, start recording and have fun.

Green Hornet

 

[jamstunes]

More info

Sorry I didn't elaborate on my setup. Over-dubbing - yea I learned a new term - thanks.

I'm recording single tracks using a condensor mic, eurorack 802, Soundblaster Live, and a P4 2Ghz with 512MB Ram. I'm using the Creative Recorder software that came with the SB Live.

Definetely on a tight budget. I just want to be able to have some fun trying different approaches to accompanying myself with various instruments and harmonies. all through the mic, no directs or MIDI.

I'm needing the scoop on the various software available and how you go about "over-dubbing" and then mixing down.

Thanks for all the help (in advance)

Jamstunes

 

[crankz1]

Check out Kristal Audio Engine .... it's free and has it's own Forum.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

Check out Kristal Audio Engine .... it's free and has it's own Forum.

Seconded, I used Kristal for a while when I was saving up for Cubase. It's not too complicated, perfect for a beginner.

 

[Dani Pace]

A good simple recording program (great for beginners because it's easy to use, has multitracking, effects and various other features,) is Audacity. It can be downloaded for free at http://audacity.sourceforge.net Although I do not endorse any product as being perfect for everyone, I do reccomend this recording/mixing program to anyone starting out. It has a lot of the same features as the expensive software and is so simple to use that it can make recording fun and save you a lot of frustration without costing you anything to learn the basics of computer recording. BTW it works great with Sound Blaster. Give it a try, all it will cost you is about three minutes to download and a couple more to install. It even comes with a tutorial which explains how to activate and use it's features. Good luck and have fun.