With Computers
Since the early 2000s (decade) many performers have recorded music using only a Macintosh computer or PC as a tracking machine. The computer must have a sound card or other type of digital audio interface with one or more Analog-to-digital converters. Multitrack recording software must be installed on the computer. Microphones are needed to record the sounds of vocalists or acoustic instruments. Depending on the capabilities of the system, some instruments, such as a synthesizer or electric guitar, can also be sent to an interface directly using Line level or other inputs. Direct inputs eliminate the need for microphones and provide another range of sound control options.
There are tremendous differences in computer audio interfaces. Such units vary widely in price, sound quality, and flexibility. The most basic interfaces use audio circuitry that is built into the computer motherboard. The most sophisticated audio interfaces are external units of professional studio quality which can cost thousands of dollars. Professional interfaces usually use one or more IEEE 1394 (commonly known as FireWire) connections. Other types of interfaces may use internal PCI cards, or external USB connections. Popular manufacturers of high quality interfaces include Apogee Electronics, Avid Audio (formerly Digidesign), Echo Digital Audio, Focusrite, MOTU, RME Audio, M-Audio and PreSonus.
Microphones make a huge difference in recording quality. A single studio quality microphone can cost $5,000 or more, while cheap consumer quality recording microphones can be bought for less than $50 each. Microphones also need some type of microphone preamplifier to prepare the signal for use by other equipment. These preamplifiers can also have a major effect on the sound and come in all price ranges, physical configurations, and capability levels. Microphone preamplifiers may be external units or a built in feature of other audio equipment.
Mulitrack recording software also varies widely in price and capability. Popular multitrack recording software programs include: FL Studio, Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Cakewalk Sonar, Samplitude, Nuendo, Cubase and Logic. Mixcraft, REAPER and n-Track Studio are popular low cost alternatives to more expensive and more versatile software options. Open-source and Free software programs are also available for multitrack recording. These range from very basic programs such as Audacity and Jokosher to Ardour, which is capable of performing many functions of the most sophisticated programs.
Instruments and voices are usually recorded as individual files on a computer hard drive. These function as tracks which can be added, removed or processed with an almost infinite number of possibilities. Effects such as reverb, chorus, and delays can be applied by electronic devices or by computer software. Such effects are used to shape the sound as desired by the producer. When the producer is happy with the recorded sound finished tracks can mixed into a new stereo pair of tracks within the multitrack recording software. Finally, the final stereo recording can be written to a CD, which can be copied and distributed.
Read more about this topic: Multitrack Recording