Basic recording methods/techniques

Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Central FL

OK, I'm a total noob when it comes to any kind of recording software and interfaces, so bear with my ignorance...

I would like to do some very basic recording just to put down some simple ideas I have. Nothing elaborate needed, just tinkering around in the bedroom.

I don't know squat about DAW's and such. What I would like is a simple way to create or import a basic drum loop or two, and play a couple of guitar tracks over it, then be able to export it to an .MP3 file (or other audio format).

I have a Line 6 POD HD500, so I know it can act as it's own interface to most DAW's using the USB interface, and I have all of my presets available to me so I presume that I don't need any other type of hardware interface to get guitar sounds into my computer. I don't have a bass guitar, but I've thought that perhaps I could pick up something inexpensive to use with the HD500 to also lay down some very basic bass rhythms.

I guess my biggest question is regarding drums/percussion... Is this something simple to do with many DAW's? Do any of them have built in drum samples/loops I could simply use as a basis for recording basic songs? For example, I'd like to maybe pick out a 10-15 second loop, make it repeat a set number of times, then go to a different one that repeats for a set time, then back to the first, etc... I'm hoping I wouldn't need some kind of different drum machine or anything. Does that make sense the way I put it?

Like I said, I'm looking for basic information. I don't have mad guitar skills or anything, nor do I have any aspirations of writing the next big hit or becoming the next big thing. I'd just like to be able to record some basic songs of my own and be able to play them back without spending a fortune on recording equipment or going through a steep learning curve to use complicated software when I could be honing my limited guitar skills a bit.

Joined: 01 Sep 2009 Posts: 1156

You can download Audacity if you're on PC for a multi track recorder and send your POD output to that if it's got a USB or line out.

For drum tracks I've used FruityLoops in the past, but you can probably use guitar pro or cakewalk to make up midi tracks and then record their output in one of the channels on audacity.

For recording myself I've only used the basic sound recorder and a mic to put down ideas, so I don't have any experience hooking in the drums and such.

Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 1284

This will let you do step by step drum patterns, it also uses .wav samples so you can just drop in new drum sounds.

http://www.leafdigital.com/software/leafdrums/

I don't think that the demo expires, so you can use it for a while and pay for it when you decide that it's a tool you want to keep.

Links to other samples:

http://www.leafdigital.com/software/leafdrums/drums.html

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 4:32 pm

Polarbear wrote:

Line 6 UX2.
Amplitube.
Mac.

Sorted.

I doubt he's gonna splash the cash on a brand new Mac just to do some recording, mate. Laughing

Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 2902 Location: Norway

Polarbear wrote:

Line 6 UX2.
Amplitube.
Mac.

Sorted.

Why would he downgrade from Pod HD500 to UX2?

Anyway, since you already have HD500.
Get EZdrummer or something, which has built in drum loops you can drag and drop and jam to, and create simple but cool drum tracks with the premade loops.

Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Central FL

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to trying a few things out!

Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 1528 Location: PAris, France

Er, the HD500 has a direct USB to computer no ?
Download reaper, set the HD500 as input source and you're done. Reaper is a DAW with a complete evaluation, not a crippled one, and I gladly paid the measly 60$ to get a registered version.

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5601 Location: phoenix az.

acid pro is super easy to use ive recorded whole albums with it all u need is a computer interface. i have an m-audio box like a 150 bucks at gc.

Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1002 Location: Virginia

My setup

Audacity
iPod Touch microphone
Beatcraft Drum Machine

CHA-CHING Laughing

Joined: 20 Sep 2010 Posts: 59 Location: Central FL

Andro wrote:

Er, the HD500 has a direct USB to computer no ?
Download reaper, set the HD500 as input source and you're done. Reaper is a DAW with a complete evaluation, not a crippled one, and I gladly paid the measly 60$ to get a registered version.

The Reaper software looks interesting... I may download that this afternoon when I get home from work and give it a go. Cool