Tracking

The name is derived from the fact that each recording that you make (whether it is guitar, vocals, bass, etc.) is saved to an individual and unique track on your recording software.

Having each instrument, musician, or take on its own dedicated track is powerful because it allows you to have a tremendous amount of flexibility in your project during the Mixing phase.

You'll be able to trim the level, add effects, and adjust the EQ of each track, giving you total control of your song.

In the past the recording process would happen with a magnetic tape, but today we can take advantage of recording straight to your computers hard drive.

As a result it's easier than ever to record and keep as many tracks as you need.

Storage space is so cheap and abundant that there's no need to throw away anything away.

It may feel like a lot to worry about at first, but I know that after recording a few tracks you'll be on your way toward creating your masterpiece.



Tracking Basics

First, you want to have a great performance. Without this the rest won't make a difference.

Second, you want to have a clean, strong signal. This can be done be having a close eye on Gain Staging throughout your recording system.

Finally, you want to minimize the stray noise and other ambient sounds around you.

This one can be tough since we are not in a dedicated studio space, but rather a dedicated living space that is being used as a studio space.

You may be surprised at how much is picked up that you can't hear with your ears alone, especially when using a Condenser Microphone.

If you can do these 3 things then you'll have a great set of raw tracks to use as your tools to convey your musical message.



MIDI Tracks & Printing

Remember that MIDI tracks simply contain instructions on how to replay music, in much the same way as piano sheet music allows you to perform the song on the piano.

The sheet music itself isn't music, and neither is the MIDI data contained on the MIDI track.

However, you can use the MIDI track to play the MIDI enabled instrument and have the output of that instrument recorded onto a separate track... and this process is known as "Printing".

You can think of this as converting the MIDI data into a digital audio track that can then be used later during Mixing.

Keep in mind that once a MIDI track is printed you lose the ability to alter and edit it.

So if you decided to print keep the raw MIDI file around just in case. MIDI files are very small and take up a minimum amount of space.

Return from Tracking to Recording Basics