Absolute beginner at recording with a few ?'s

[emailmike1994]

I've got a Line6 POD XT Live but whether that's deservedly so is anybody's guess.

I downloaded Audacity and I started messing around with it, but I ran into an issue or two. I'm using a USB cable to hook my POD to my PC. I was able to hear the recorded material after the fact when I hit play on the track, but I was unable to hear anything as doing the recording.

What type of adjustments would I have to make to sound and volume properties to be able to monitor what I'm playing in my headphones or on my computer speakers?

Also does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive replacement for Audacity? I'd like to have a program where I could throw in some, even if rather simplistic, drumbeats to spice up the guitar I'm recording. Any ideas?

[dannyman]

There is no inexpensive and simple way to add realistic drumbeats to your material without having a drummer record with you. I haven't used Audacity, but I imagine there is some sort of "monitor enable" button. If you upgrade, you're going to want to get an interface. It seems that most people agree that Cubase is the most midi-friendly software. The Tascam US-122L comes bundled with Cubase LE and Tascam Gigastudio 4.0, which has drum sounds in it, but the Gigastudio takes A LOT, and I mean A LOT of space on your computer. If you're just wanting to record some ideas of yours, I'd stick with your current setup, but if you seriously want to enter the jungle of home recording, you're looking at dropping a nice chunk of cash.

[brandondrury]

A "nice chunk of cash" is relative, obviously, so if you have $8, you are not going to get very far.

For "real" drum beat programming, I use Cubase SX3 and either DFH Superior or Kontak2 (competitor of Gigastudio) or Battery (which is usually more ideal for techno ruckus).

You could go with Cubase LE and probably be okay. You can upgrade to a much more capable Cubase 4 Studio for $200.

Brandon