Record & Playback Simultaneously?

[amgproductions]

Hi everyone,

I have a very newbie question that I need help with.

I'm looking for software that will let me record while playing a song.

The best way I know how to ask this question is through visualization. So, let's say I have something like this:

|song1.wav|------------------------|
|blank|------------------------|

What I'd like to do is have synchronization so taht when I hit "go" (or whatever) song1.wav will start playing and simultaneously, recording will happen in the second slot (blank).

The idea is to have both be exactly the same length...When song1.wav starts, recording begins; when song1.wav finishes playing, recording stops.

Another way to look at it could be:

|instrumental1.wav|------------------------|
|acapella1|------------------------|

So I could record the vocals as the instrumental is playing--then, adjust levels and lay the acapella right over the instrumental without worrying about synchronization/time differences.

Can Cool Edit / Adobe Audition do something like this? I ask only because I am quite comfortable using those programs. If not, which program (for Windows) could I use?

I apologize if I did not use the proper terminology to describe what I'm hoping to achieve here.

Thank you all for your help. I look forward to your responses!

 

[Bobbsy]

Pretty much every DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) provides that facility. Indeed, you're not limited to playing back a single track--you can record multiple instrumental tracks and have them all playing.

There are lots of different DAWs and you'll get tons of recommendations. I'd probably suggest you download one called Reaper ( REAPER | Download ) I'm not saying it's best but you can try it for free as long as you want and if you decide to buy it, it's only about $70.

The other thing to consider though is the audio interface you use to get things in and out of your computer. You'll find that the built in sound card on virtually any computer is not designed for any serious recording--it's more for gaming and Skype calls. You'll have problems with audio quality on the input and also trouble with real time monitoring. The easiest option would be a USB audio interface--again there are lots of ones to choose from and you'll get lots of suggestions. One of the cheapest (but still good enough) ones would be the Alesis iO2 which goes for around $100 most places. Whatever device you choose, one thing to watch for is "Direct Hardware Monitoring". This lets you monitor what you're doing without it doing a round trip via the computer. That round trip can introduce latency (delay) which can make it hard to keep proper time/rhythm. With the best computer set up just for recording, it CAN be possible to monitor via the computer but the direct monitoring on the interface is a good way to get going.

You WILL want other things: a microphone obviously, closed headphones, hopefully some monitor speakers to mix on. You'll find the stickies on this forum are a wealth of information.