We have had many responses to our post describing the use of the Audacity software and for that reason; I thought it would be time to discuss some of the advantages as well as the disadvantages of multi-tracking.
Multi-tracking is a technique where several recordings (tracks) are combined in order to augment instrumentation and add to the thickness of a recording. Some use the technique of over dubbing to fatten a sound and some use it to utilize a copied track for adding effects. I will first describe the use of multi-tracking in order to play duets, trios, quartet, etc. by you.
Milti-tracking one person in order to add parts.
The number of parts you are able to add to your original track or recording is only limited by your program and/or your computer. Audacity is limitless but some of the midi composing programs might be limited as in the case of Finale Songwriter which I use most of the time. Song Writer is limited to only eight tracks at one time.
In order to record over an existing track or channel, you will have to play back the original at the same time that you record the new channel. This is not new to most of you, but I have found a few tricks which has made my recordings much easier.
Using Click Tracks
A click track is what is needed in order to keep all of the parts lined up rhythmically and without it, multi-tracking is nearly impossible. In Audacity, or whichever program you are using, you first have to lay down your click track. In Audacity, you’ll find that at the top row under the title “Generate”/ Generate click track. Indicate the tempo you would like to record and if you’re recording something difficult, lower the tempo a little for after you have finished recording, you have the option of increasing the speed.
In the Beats per measure box, enter your time signature. If you are recording something with meter changes, (3/4, 5/4, 9/4) enter one beat per measure and you’ll be able to keep it all together during your recording.
If you are adding tracks to an existing midi file or composition you have sequenced in another program, you first have to bring that file into Audacity. To do this, go to Project/Import Audio. There you will be able to bring in your existing files to use as a basis for your over tracking. One hint you might find helpful is when you are doing your score from a sequencing program (Songwriter), add four or eight measures to the front of your composition and add notes to establish your tempo. What I do is enter a scale in the key of the composition i.e., CDEFGFEDCGC rest. This will line up with the click tract that you add in Audacity and it gives you an obvious countdown when you begin to record your part. The rest is there to make sure the introductory notes are not on your final recording.
One of the problems I have had while dubbing in parts is the problem with the headphone cord. No matter what I’m doing or where I am in my recording room, I always found my headphone chord rapped around something. I solved that with a wireless set of phones. Now I can walk around the room listening or place myself in a better location to record my instrument. My pair cost about $45 and is worth every penny of it. I can also put my playback on constant and listen to my playback anywhere in the house.
