Audacity Audio Recording for Rookie

[PapaJ166]

I've downloaded and installed Audacity (AVS4YOU), and I've registered and activated the recorder. Once upon a time, I did "sound-on-sound" tape recordings -- I pray that I can do something similar with this software.
How do I lay down a single track, then come back and lay down a second track while simultaneosly listening to the first track. I used to have a little four track cacette recorder that would do that??? What's the checklist for this?
Thanks, Joe

[Tom Engelhardt]

Here’s how I do it, please note that I’m very new at this too.

I have a Mackie 406M connected to my computer using a Behringer UCA202. I’m running Audacity under VISTA and have a very cheap pair of headphones connected to the Behringer.

First, I lay down the first track. After I messed with in or whatever I have to do, I…
Secondly, insure the cursor is at the start of the track. I use the option, Edit -> Move cursor….-> to track start.
Third, lay down the next track.

Repeat as needed.

This all seems pretty straight forward to me so let me know if I’m missing your point. Perhaps the headphones are the key to your question, without them I’d be forced to route the “output” towards a speaker with the associated issues.
Good luck.

[PapaJ166]

Thanks, Tom!! This is very helpful info. Time for my silly question: In terms of hardware, what is a Mackie 406M and the Behringer UCA202? Their function in the equation? Thanks for your help with this, sir.

I just bought a used Fostex MR-8 Digital Multi-Track Recorder with a 2GB Card -- thinking I could certainly use that and then feed the results into the Audacity?

[Tom Engelhardt]

I’m really not the best at this but here goes….
The Mackie is a mixer. Instruments and microphones plug into the mixer. It takes these input signals, vocal and/or instrumental, and sends the output towards speakers. If you’ve ever performed on a stage with amplification, chances are you utilized some form of a mixer. In this case, I’m sending a signal from my mixer into my computer, that’s where the Behringer comes into the equation. It takes the output from my mixer with my guitar and vocals and sends it into the computer via a USB 2.0 port where Audacity processes the signals. That cheap pair of headphones plugs into the Behringer and allows me to hear what is being recorded and/or played back on the computer.

I don’t understand your set up. Can your Fostex MR-8 Digital Multi-Track Recorder communicate with your computer where Audacity is running? How are you sending your feed to Audacity? Isn’t your Fostex a standalone recording tool so why are you trying to run Audacity on a computer? Forgive my ignorance and lack of knowledge.

Tom

[PapaJ166]

Hi Tom:
Thanks again for taking the time to help. I do not have the Fostex MR-8 recorder yet -- just won it on eBay last night.

I'm familiar with mixers -- have used one in contemporary worship at church, where I set a Sure M57 in front of my deluxe reverb and sent the signal up to our engineer in the balcony who did whatever he wanted to do.

For right now, I am just using the little plastic mic that came with my computer (no pre amp) to record my guitar straight into the computer -- just trying to learn the Audacity program.

I have an ART mic pre amp V3 inbound. My intent was to use the Sure M-57 mic through the V3 mic preamp, and from there, straight into the computer. No plans for a mixer.

For now, I just want to use the M-57 with my guitar, through the mic preamp, direct into the comptuer sound card. I thought I could record multiple track on Audacity from that arrangement, but what's missing is a head-set or monitor so I can hear the first track, while laying down the second track etc. I bought the Fostex out of frustration to get at least something going. So........ Do I need the Fostex, or can I record a pre amped mic straight into Audacity and multi track like that?

Again, thanks and God bless you for helping me sort this out.
Joe.

[Tom Engelhardt]

I surely don’t know enough to help you in any fashion what so ever. My set up is fairly slick and works well but I know nothing about your equipment.
Good luck and I hope someone familiar with what you have addresses your post.

Tom

[PapaJ166]

It's OK, Tom. You have given me some pretty good clues. I've ordered a Behringer
UCA202 after studying up on them a little. That may be the secret to being able to monitor existing tracks, while laying down a new track on top of it.
Again, I appreciate your patience with me -- I know you are on a learning curve with this stuff too, but a lot further along than I am.
Best regards,
Joe