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Old 04-29-2008, 09:44 AM   #1
willowhaus
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Default Computer Recording - the basics

I'm starting a thread for links to outside resources for the complete newbie. We've encountered a few true beginners to the craft lately, and it seems apparent that some folks that end up here need to start at Square One. This is the place to point them there.

We've all been there before - but sometimes, as we get further down the road, we forget how complicated it seems from the outside. Let's help the new people to take advantage of the vast resources of the WWW! Post your favorite tutorials here!

To get things started: Here is a link to a getting-started tutorial that starts with general instructions, then goes on to list specific ones with Audacity, Krystal, and (wha?!?) Reaper.
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:01 AM   #2
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http://reaper-howto.blogspot.com/
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Old 03-23-2010, 08:42 PM   #3
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This one is awesome but last post was Aug 2008? Is the author still maintaining this blog. I hope so!
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:08 AM   #4
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1. http://www.theprojectstudiohandbook.com/directory.htm

2. http://www.computermusic.co.uk/page/..._beginner_pdfs

-mr moon
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:21 AM   #5
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http://www.cockos.com/wiki/index.php/Pre-First_Time
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Old 05-02-2008, 04:56 AM   #6
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i dont have a LINE IN socket tho..................vids to advanced for me and miss out eveything up to this point.too much theory not actually how to do it. still not conected anything to anything. whats a basic set up for a begginer? is an exernal mixer needed etc? i have 1 IN socket and 1 OUT, that all.do i need a bigger pc?do i need to down load this other thing? the LOW whatchmacallit THINGY or will it record ok with out? when will some one go over setting up a basic home studio for begginers? just looking to do this for fun,i work enogh professionally, just a couple of tracks nothing fancy, guitar,vocals/harmonies etc not a concept album so no need to go into the intricasies of mixing etc etc..........just simple.
yes im trying again..........................................
thanks.
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Old 05-02-2008, 11:55 AM   #7
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"i have 1 IN socket and 1 OUT, that all."
This should do to get you started.
Now,do you have a plug(wire,guitar cable,microphone cable)that will fit this plug?

Lets do this small step by small step,taking nothing for granted.
OK?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peterjkirk View Post
i dont have a LINE IN socket tho..................vids to advanced for me and miss out eveything up to this point.too much theory not actually how to do it. still not conected anything to anything. whats a basic set up for a begginer? is an exernal mixer needed etc? i have 1 IN socket and 1 OUT, that all.do i need a bigger pc?do i need to down load this other thing? the LOW whatchmacallit THINGY or will it record ok with out? when will some one go over setting up a basic home studio for begginers? just looking to do this for fun,i work enogh professionally, just a couple of tracks nothing fancy, guitar,vocals/harmonies etc not a concept album so no need to go into the intricasies of mixing etc etc..........just simple.
yes im trying again..........................................
thanks.
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Old 05-03-2008, 11:15 AM   #8
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Basic explanation of EQ, compression, mixing, and other stuff at AudioMinds


tj
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Old 05-09-2008, 12:16 PM   #9
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Not exactly the basics part 1, but "sound on sound" mag keeps some articles, for example about the art of sampling, something about composing and mixing and so on HERE. Some few of the topics there, like using Reason or Logic,are of course outdated and not useable for Reaper-users. Their review of Reaper was, as most of us know, more of a praise.

And HEERIO they answer some questions about sound, for example their opinion to classics like "should I EQ or compress first" or "is reverb cumulative" and so on. After having read through the worthwhile links above, some of those SOS - articles might be of interest. And besides the already mentiones link to CM (Computermusic) - the mag is generally a good ressource for beginners too, dealing with how to use an EQ, a compressor, and much more. There are mixed feelings about those mags, but I like CM much since years.
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Old 05-16-2008, 08:49 AM   #10
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This is a link to "Low-To-No-Budget PC Recording"
Just replace the DAW software he recommends with REAPER

http://www.guitarists.net/lessons/view.php?id=117
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Old 07-16-2008, 05:02 PM   #11
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http://www.gearslutz.com/board/tips-...echniques.html
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Old 11-11-2008, 03:19 PM   #12
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Default Computer Music Special

This months (Dec '08) Computer Music Special called something like 'Make Music Now' deals with the basics and, for most of the articles in there, Reaper is used as the DAW of choice - so lots of 'how to' stuff using Reaper. There's also a disc with some freebie plug-ins and samples - and a copy of Reaper! Not bad for £6. You can probably get a copy via their web-site if you can't get it at your local WH Smiths or similar.

And no - I don't work for them or anything.
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Old 01-09-2009, 09:30 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Al View Post
This months (Dec '08) Computer Music Special called something like 'Make Music Now' deals with the basics and, for most of the articles in there, Reaper is used as the DAW of choice - so lots of 'how to' stuff using Reaper. There's also a disc with some freebie plug-ins and samples - and a copy of Reaper! Not bad for £6. You can probably get a copy via their web-site if you can't get it at your local WH Smiths or similar.

And no - I don't work for them or anything.
Yo! Big Al . . . izzzzzatt youuu? From SOS Forums?
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Old 07-25-2010, 08:54 AM   #14
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Default I finally found myself

Now I know what I am, a "complete noob". Thanks for recognizing some of us are completely new at pc-recording, even if we've got nearly 30 years of recording experience and formal education in recording under our belts...
Update: I made my first recording last night and I had ZERO problems. I can't believe how easy it is to use the basic recording and effect functions! And I must add that my ft ultra interface was easy, too. Just plugged in vdrums into channel 1 and it worked. The output worked, too. Didn't have to do any setup at all. I guess I'm easily impressed.

Last edited by the masked drummer; 07-29-2010 at 01:20 PM. Reason: added note
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Old 08-30-2010, 03:49 PM   #15
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I am so pleased with this community, you guys are truly amazing. You've all help me out so much. These links are very useful!

I do have a question though, slightly because I'm being lazy and it may be a matter of opinion.

I have finished my first song in Reaper! and I'm trying to render it to an mp3, but the kick and snare drums sound horrible! I assume this is a compression issue, but what would you recommend?
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Old 08-30-2010, 05:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cassie View Post
I am so pleased with this community, you guys are truly amazing. You've all help me out so much. These links are very useful!

I do have a question though, slightly because I'm being lazy and it may be a matter of opinion.

I have finished my first song in Reaper! and I'm trying to render it to an mp3, but the kick and snare drums sound horrible! I assume this is a compression issue, but what would you recommend?

Nevermind, this was entirely due to my inability to mix. I feel like I find the answer after I post something stupid.

*goes back to browsing links*
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Old 10-18-2010, 08:30 PM   #17
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Default Scratchin' My Head

Okay, I am not a beginner and not an expert. I'm having issues trying to get my MIDI going. I'm using a M-Audio MIDISPORT 1x1 interface with a Roland electronic Piano that is not new enough to have a USB MIDI out (hence the need for the interface). I'm a little clueless as to why I'm getting MIDI info into REAPER, but not back through the keyboard. I've got the hardware connected properly. I show MIDI graphics recorded as a MIDI track on REAPER, but am not getting sound out of the keyboard when I playback. Any ideas? I'm using REAPER for the first time and would love to be able to purchase a license if this works out as I'm using it in my role as a public school music teacher. Thanks for anything that helps me see what I'm clearly missing!!
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Old 10-20-2010, 06:37 PM   #18
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Right click on the track at the "input" (maybe output)button I think should display choice of midi. I had this prob before but not at my CPU at the moment
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Old 08-22-2011, 01:39 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willowhaus View Post
I'm starting a thread for links to outside resources for the complete newbie. We've encountered a few true beginners to the craft lately, and it seems apparent that some folks that end up here need to start at Square One. This is the place to point them there.

We've all been there before - but sometimes, as we get further down the road, we forget how complicated it seems from the outside. Let's help the new people to take advantage of the vast resources of the WWW! Post your favorite tutorials here!

To get things started: Here is a link to a getting-started tutorial that starts with general instructions, then goes on to list specific ones with Audacity, Krystal, and (wha?!?) Reaper.
You need to be a member of that site to read it.
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Old 09-07-2011, 06:37 AM   #20
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Default Waveform drops, popping noise

I'm very new to recording, and I have a problem while recording my band. I have a 4 channel M-audio USB interface; Condensor mic for an overhead; Sm57 for my guitar, and a couple cheap mics for the bass and 2nd guitar. We let the overhead pick up the drums and vocals for now because we are on a budget. I have a new Lenovo Laptop that I'm using to record.

Ok, now for the problem: the wave form drops, visually, on the screen while we are recording. When I play it back, it creates a popping noise. It does it on all tracks at the same time (so all of the tracks have a void at the same time). It looks like the waveform goes completely to the bottom, stays flat for a small amount of time, and then goes back to normal.

I hope this makes sense. I don't know all the correct terms, and I'm sorry if this is on another forum, but this is my first forum. Thanks for any help.
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Old 09-07-2011, 10:04 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jnhall2520 View Post
I'm very new to recording, and I have a problem while recording my band. I have a 4 channel M-audio USB interface; Condensor mic for an overhead; Sm57 for my guitar, and a couple cheap mics for the bass and 2nd guitar. We let the overhead pick up the drums and vocals for now because we are on a budget. I have a new Lenovo Laptop that I'm using to record.

Ok, now for the problem: the wave form drops, visually, on the screen while we are recording. When I play it back, it creates a popping noise. It does it on all tracks at the same time (so all of the tracks have a void at the same time). It looks like the waveform goes completely to the bottom, stays flat for a small amount of time, and then goes back to normal.

I hope this makes sense. I don't know all the correct terms, and I'm sorry if this is on another forum, but this is my first forum. Thanks for any help.
Perhaps you could use this tool to evaluate your system: http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml

More info here: http://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=30896

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Old 05-03-2012, 02:53 AM   #22
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Thank you very much for a newbie thread like that. I belong to the group of complete beginners and take the links as advice for my initial study of the software. It truly seems a bit complicated at first sight. I hope I'll improve soon...
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Old 09-26-2014, 11:53 AM   #23
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I love this thread! A lot of good info in it. Didn't see this one listed, it's been helpful for me. It is geared towards izotope, but is not exclusive to it.

Mixing and Mastering pdf guides.

https://www.izotope.com/en/support/s...ources/guides/
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Old 10-01-2014, 07:26 PM   #24
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Default Pitch control

How do I edit pitch control, I open an envelope or something?
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Old 01-27-2015, 05:54 PM   #25
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Great thread, it's really helpful with all the links and suggestions for books etc on where to start.
I only just realised there is a newbie section on the forum. And of course that's AFTER I posted my first post in the general section. But no-one called me out to say go look at the newbie section, or get the basics first and then ask your question, everyone was so helpful and friendly, and I was confused about what exactly is MIDI So thanks for that!
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Old 05-18-2015, 05:31 AM   #26
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Default No output device

When i renderAS to a WAV file I get an empty file. I see it rendering but there is no signal. WHen I render as SAve file output to disk (bounce) I get this error msg. "Audio device not open, can't save live output!" I use the Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 ASIO interface. I recently installed the new driver for the Scarlet.
ANy ideas?
Thanks.
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Old 05-10-2016, 08:59 AM   #27
Geoffrey Chaney
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willowhaus View Post
I'm starting a thread for links to outside resources for the complete newbie. We've encountered a few true beginners to the craft lately, and it seems apparent that some folks that end up here need to start at Square One. This is the place to point them there.

We've all been there before - but sometimes, as we get further down the road, we forget how complicated it seems from the outside. Let's help the new people to take advantage of the vast resources of the WWW! Post your favorite tutorials here!

To get things started: Here is a link to a getting-started tutorial that starts with general instructions, then goes on to list specific ones with Audacity, Krystal, and (wha?!?) Reaper.

If I have two vocal recordings each recorded at different time (both singing the same song) and I put them both into Reaper on separate tracks, is there a way I can synchronize them so they sound like they were singing their songs together. I have a fair know knowledge Reaper but this is somehow getting past me. Thank you.
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Old 10-01-2016, 12:52 AM   #28
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Solid text tutorials covering the processed and tools involved in digital audio from Melda:

https://www.meldaproduction.com/text-tutorials
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Old 10-03-2018, 01:50 AM   #29
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Free video tutorials to help all levels:
https://www.samplecraze.com/free-tutorials/

Hope it's of use to someone.
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Old 01-17-2019, 12:24 AM   #30
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I am trying to record my electric guitar. I have plugged it into the aux input in my laptop but I don't know how to select it so reaper records with that input?
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Old 01-17-2019, 03:15 AM   #31
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Hello willieaames and welcome to these forums. You'll find many helpful people here and a lot of useful information. Make sure that you:
Assuming that the levels are OK, you select that audio input from the list for the track (right-click the RecArm to see the Input list). Details can be found in the User Guide.

Also, can you post a pic of the audio inputs available in Reaper's Preferences / Audio / Device?

How to describe your hardware set-up (in Post #3)
How to post screenshots (in Post #2)
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Old 01-20-2019, 01:13 PM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willieaames View Post
I am trying to record my electric guitar. I have plugged it into the aux input in my laptop but I don't know how to select it so reaper records with that input?
Are you using a interface?
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Old 09-24-2019, 05:03 PM   #33
Blzpowr
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Default Need some guidance, please

I will be recording live theater music performances. I want to record all vocals, instruments, tracks etc. which comprise the live show. This would all feed to Midas M32 digital board for the mix.

Question: can I run usb cable from USB port on front center of the board to a laptop directly and record to Reaper direct OR do I need an interface between the Midas and the computer with Reaper?

I want to record all the individual lines in/tracks for later manipulation and balancing in a post production setting. Probably 8 to 16 tracks.

Thank you in advance for your help.
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Old 08-13-2020, 01:37 AM   #34
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Very interesting, thanks for all the great input!

Here is a good youtube video on how to use a computer audio interface in Reaper:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTZsMG2rqMc

I hope some of you may help this!
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Old 08-27-2020, 12:37 PM   #35
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Default guitar

I find some of these relaxing

https://www.jazzguitar.be/blog/joe-pass-chords/
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Old 09-23-2020, 05:33 AM   #36
swetajoshi
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Default Need Suggestions

Hello all, i want to record my Mac book air screen, can any one suggest me the good software that will record my Laptop screen with the audio.
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Old 10-01-2020, 07:04 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swetajoshi View Post
Hello all, i want to record my Mac book air screen, can any one suggest me the good software that will record my Laptop screen with the audio.
If you want to start with an easy beginners tool I recommend QuickTime Player since it is really intuitive.
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Old 10-01-2020, 07:13 AM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swetajoshi View Post
Hello all, i want to record my Mac book air screen, can any one suggest me the good software that will record my Laptop screen with the audio.
Alternatively, you can literally just use SHIFT + Command + 5 to record your screen. When you look under "settings" you can also add audio recording to the video.
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Old 04-06-2021, 06:26 AM   #39
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Default V2?

Many of the links given on this forum are no longer in service, outdated or nothing to so with the subject in the title, which is hardly surprising given the age of the posts.
It may be an idea to start again?
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Old 03-30-2022, 06:01 AM   #40
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Default Grabacion

soy nuevo en esto,gracias por los links son de mucha ayuda
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