Advanced: Multi-Track Recording

What is Multi-Track Recording System?
Multi-Track Recording refers to the entire process of building up multiple sound sources by recording each of sound sources such as various instruments onto individual tracks.
When you set up the system for multi-track recording session, you may find it helpful to use the mixer for taking controls of multiple audio inputs such as instruments and microphone.
An example of Multi-Track Recording System
Creating a rhythm track
In multitrack recording, you will need a metronome sound (also known as a Rhythm Guide) to keep the tempo and groove right on time.
To create a rhythm guide, do the followings. In the example below, we will use a sound file designed for rhythm guide on the MySoundStudio CD-ROM.

Sound files for rhythm guide are stored in the folder named "Rhythm Guide" on the MySoundStudio CD-ROM.
Refer to the following list for the tempo setting assigned to each of those files, and choose a file with the tempo closest to the song you will be recording.

080.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 80
090.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 90
100.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 100
110.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 110
120.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 120
130.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 130
140.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 140
150.wav ..... Tempo (Quarter Note) = 150
*Each file is approximately 20 seconds long.

1. Load a Rhythm Guide file to Track 1.
2. If the song you are about to record is longer than the rhythm guide, you need to extend the rhythm guide first. To do this, simply copy entire waveform and paste it immediately after the original waveform. Repeat these steps until you get the right length.
These steps be done by using commands available in the Edit menu or equivalent keyboard shortcuts:
* Using menu commands: Select All - Copy - Goto End - Paste
* Using keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+A - Ctrl+C - End - Ctrl+V
Multi-Track recording using the Record While Playing feature
During multitrack recording session, you will need to record new sound while playing the tracks previously recorded. In MySoundStudio, you can do this by enabling the Record While Playing option.
1. Record an instrument while playing back the rhythm track.
On the Controller, click the Record While Playing checkbox to enable it.
2. Adjust the recording level of the instrument you want to record.
Click either Stereo or Mono recording channel button, depending on the output channels of the recording source.
Enabling Monitor checkbox on the Mixer Control allows you to monitor the recording level of the sound source.
For better recording result, it is very important to adjust the recording level appropriate for the sound you will record. If the level is too high, the recorded sound will be distorted. If the level is too low, the recorded sound becomes noisy.
3. Start Recording.
Click the Record button on the Controller panel to make MySoundStudio stand by for recording.
Click the Play button. When the rhythm guide starts playing, start playing the instrument.
4. Stop Recording.
Click the Stop button on the Controller to stop recording.
5. Recorded data is displayed in the Multi-track window.
Repeat the steps above with additional instruments until your song is built up.
Mixing down multitrack sound
Once you complete all instruments you want to include in your song, it is time to mix what you have recorded down to a pair of stereo tracks.
1. Click Mute on the Rhythm Track to mute it.
*A muted track is treated as silence in the mixdown process.
2. Adjust the volume balance of each track (Mixing).
If the Play Level Monitor on the Main Volume clips, adjust the Master Volume Control.
3. Playback the song, adjust Track Volume Control and Track Pan Control sliders on each track as needed until you are satisfied with the overall balance.
When you finish adjusting the balance, choose File - Export to open the Export dialog.

Name the file, click the Mixdown checkbox to enable it, and then select the WAV format in the Save as type.
4. The following message appears. Click Yes.
5. Mixed down WAV file opens in a new window.