How to Use an ADAT Recorder

Believe it or not there was a time when there were no multi-track recorders. Elvis, the Beatles and the Stones all took advantage of new multi-track recording technology. The multi-track recorder made it possible for musicians to isolate clear sounding recorded tracks and mix them into an audio image. This mixing of tracks was new age and it helped make a mediocre singer into a superstar in the studio.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• ADAT recorder
• Sound studio
• Keyboard
• Sequencer
• Musicians
• Vocalists
• Sound engineer

1. Turn on your ADAT recorder—press the "power on" button.
2. Record the drums and other percussion instruments first. It is important to lay these tracks first since all other tracks build on this foundation.
3. Select which tracks you want to use to record on the ADAT recorder.
4. Determine what tracks will be used for which instruments, voice and other input sounds.
5. Play previously recorded tracks back and mix them with percussion and voice tracks; this is called a mix.
6. Create a sub-mix by recording old and new tracks into one track—this erases the old previously recorded tracks.
7. Take all the tracks recorded and do a "mix down." Use a mixing console and send your recorded tracks into a two-track stereo recorder. Choose a format that can be duplicated for distribution.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes the best recordings were by accident.
• Don't spend a fortune in a recording studio on musicians. Technology can turn a mediocre musician into a genius.