How to Record Music on the Computer

New technology has made recording music accessible to most everybody. Even if you’ve never learned to play an instrument it’s still possible to make music on the computer. It used to cost tens of thousands of dollars for all of the effects that come in one software recording program. Whether you’re an amateur musician who wants to dabble or you want to make pro-quality recordings, computers have revolutionized how music is recorded.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recording software
• Keyboard
• Recording interface
• Guitar
• Microphone
• Headphones

1. 

   Get a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). For Mac, the most popular software programs are Logic and Garageband. PC users can go with Cubase. Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Reason, or others. Make sure your computer has the right processing power. One gig of RAM is recommended for most DAWs.

2. 

   Get a recording interface, also called a Sound Card. It should include inputs for guitar, microphone, and headphones. A firewire interface is recommended: it plugs directly into your firewire port with no need for an AC adaptor.

3. 

   Get a keyboard. A Midi controller keyboard plugs right into your computer’s USB port. It cannot make sounds on its own, but triggers software sounds on the computer. If your keyboard isn’t USB compatible, you can purchase a separate Midi/USB interface. Your keyboard needs to have a Midi out port to trigger software instruments.

4. 

   If you want to sing or record an acoustic guitar, a condenser mic is recommended. Good quality headphones are also a must.

5. 

   Install the driver software for the recording interface and keyboard (if necessary). Configure the interface to communicate with the recording software.

6. 

   Play around with different software instruments and loops. Loops are pre-recorded tracks—drums, synthesizers, strings, etc.—that can be integrated into a song. Loops are the main way beginning musicians can sound closer to pro.

7. 

   Set the input level for the instrument, left/right balance, hit record and go for it. Don’t expect a masterpiece right away. It can take some time to become familiar with a software program. Read the manual thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get a recording interface with no latency problems. Latency is the amount of time it takes for you to hear a note in your headphones after it has been played. A significant delay can make recording very difficult.
• If all you want to do is record a few tracks, get a simpler DAW. The amount of features on a full-scale DAW can be overwhelming to novices.
• You could also buy a separate drum machine—or play and record live drums—but you can play drums directly on the keyboard.
• There are links to a number of software instruments and loops available online, free for download. There are also packages you can purchase.
• Buy products with good customer support: you are bound to have questions.
• Keep the volume on your headphones low. Prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to hearing damage.
• Only plug a firewire device into a computer that has been shut down. You could risk blowing out the firewire port.

[byron74]

on 9/7/2008 Thanks for the breakdown!