Helpful ReplyI just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ...

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MDShinn
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2018/01/31 02:13:40 (permalink)

I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ...

is there a basic format or template for me to use or set-up to use as for recording 8 or 16 tracks live audio in?
 
I know the question is kinda lame but I'm old school and a better musician than I am a recording engineer.
 
My wife and I just want to make great recordings of originals for ourselves. using a drum machine, me on keys, bass and guitar and her and I on vocals ......  any basic and straight forward advice is welcomed. 
 
we just bought a new laptop, 1TB storage and fast everything .... I have a great mixing board and a Tascam 2x2 audio interface.
 
I don't know how to setup good headphone levels that result in good recording levels 
 
Thanks in advance for any kind words of advice
 
 

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Jesse G
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/01/31 02:55:40 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby Zargg 2018/01/31 11:23:29
You can select, "File New" and select the 4 or 16 track template to use and add the mic input to the audio I/O and then record 1 or 2 tracks at a time since you have the Tascam 2x2 audio interface.    You don't have to have all 8 tracks appear first.  Watch the "Using Templates" video to learn how to create a custom template for your own workflow or add once track at a time.
 
Watch First - How to record in Sonar
Watch Next  - Using Templates to get started in Sonar

Additional Videos to watch
Adding Tracks to Sonar
Cakewalk TV Channel  (A host of Cake tutorial Videos)
 
That Should Keep the both of you busy for a while.

 
 

Peace,
Jesse G. A fisher of men  <><
==============================
Cakewalk and I are going places together!

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#2
anydmusic
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/01/31 12:03:57 (permalink)
Sounds like the best plan would be to set up one or more templates for the typical instrumentation that you use. It's pretty easy to do and will help you to get off to a quick start.

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#3
The Maillard Reaction
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2018/01/31 12:26:37 (permalink)

post edited by mister happy - 2018/02/01 11:45:04


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fireberd
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/01/31 13:23:22 (permalink)
Most of what I do with Sonar is a "tape recorder".  I took one of the stock templates and modified it for my own use.  
There are no track effect chains in my template.  Just the 8 tracks (since I have 8 inputs on my recording interface unit) and I add VST's as needed.  If I need more or less tracks for a specific project, I add or delete as needed.
 
  

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Cactus Music
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/01/31 17:24:29 (permalink)
The big thing here in what you say is you'll be using a drum machine. There's a few ways to make a huge improvement over the typical sounds those make. It might be worth your time to learn just a little bit of midi so you can create a very realistic drum track using Sonar and midi. 
 
You can use the drum machine sounds as well and with a little setting up you can sync that to Sonar so Sonars tempo drives the machine using midi sync. I have mine set up that way. I use it just to get the song rolling and then replace that with a midi drum track latter. And you mentioned keyboards so that's another reason to use midi. 
I made a simple tutorial on using Midi in Sonar if you want to kick the tires. 
http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Sonarmidi.htm
 
 
Typically I make a bed track of all the music and then record the vocals. 
The bed track can be audio or midi or both. 
The headphone mix is as simple as setting the direct record input level in balance with the output of your bed track playback. 
On your interface the output is called  Input- Computer. Just adjust this to achieve the correct balance. 
 
 
 
post edited by Cactus Music - 2018/01/31 18:24:31

Johnny V  
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#6
fireberd
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/01/31 19:53:07 (permalink)
I use either an Alesis SR-16 or SR-18 for drum tracks.  Sometimes I'll use PX-64 Percussion Strip plug-in and modify the Alesis drum track.

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#7
tlw
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 01:01:22 (permalink)
The old Alesis machines do still have their uses and contain quite a few good sounds. I still use an SR16 I bought in the 90s sometimes for percussion sounds. Usually as a MIDI controlled module though, rather than attempting to program it via it’s own pretty horrible interface.

For synth-style drums I use a MachineDrum or an older model MFB which has some very solid kick sounds in it.

I wouldn’t attempt to make a track that sounded like a human played it on a kit on any of those though, that’s a job for customisable algorithmic tools like Logic’s Drummer instrument or Jamstix as far as I’m concerned. Then take what comes out of them and edit the MIDI as required. Far, far faster and easier than spendign hours programming an entire “realistic” 10 minute drum part from scratch.

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stratman70
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 03:14:13 (permalink)
I still use my trusty Roland Sc88VL for some things with drums. But mostly have mobved to ez drummer 2, Steven Slate Drums, addictive drums and session drummer.
 
Not sure what version of Sonar you have. But if you have Session Drummer you might want to give that a listen. Very easy to use. Actually TTS-1 are similar to the drums in Sound canvas's.

 
 
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fireberd
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 11:28:09 (permalink)
As I primarily record "traditional" (old style) country, the Alesis SR-16 "31A" program is my go to for many.  I use others but that is my most used.  The SR-18 has built in 3/4 (Waltz) program that they forgot to include in the SR-16 factory programs.  I have a 3/4 user program in my SR-16 that the salesman at a local music store programmed for me.

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bitman
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 18:10:26 (permalink)
Sounds like you may need an 8 channel USB interface so you can record more that just two sources at once. Some will set ya back but there are less expensive ones too.
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chuckebaby
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 19:02:40 (permalink)
I used to use an Alesis SR 16 myself but I've found there are so many other, better sounds out there (more realistic sounding drums) set up as VST-I's.
Also going to be a little difficult using multiple headphones with the Tascam 2X2 unless you have an external headphone amp.
 

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#12
Cactus Music
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 21:12:20 (permalink)
Actually Chuck he didn't say multiple, but you more or less need 2 for recording vocals, one for the "Engineer" and one for the "talent",, I used to get away with headphone splitters for this. Radio Shack. 
I agree about using those old drum machines,, must sound horrible. Mine sure does. and nothing worse than a steady drum beat that never changes. It is soooo easy to use Sonar to make a very realistic drum track.  But I make no judgement I've heard worse when real drums were used too. 

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#13
chuckebaby
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/01 22:46:47 (permalink)
Cactus Music
Actually Chuck he didn't say multiple, but you more or less need 2 for recording vocals, one for the "Engineer" and one for the "talent",, I used to get away with headphone splitters for this. Radio Shack. 



 Did I miss something ? He said "My wife and I"...
That sure sounds like multiple to me.



MDShinn
 
My wife and I just want to make great recordings of originals for ourselves.

 
And this...
 
MDShinn
 don't know how to setup good headphone levels that result in good recording levels 

 
Doesn't sound like a Radio shack splitter is the best remedy.
 

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#14
abacab
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/02 00:15:39 (permalink)
Too bad that Tascam unit only has one headphone jack.
 
A headphone amp is relatively cheap.  > https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Headphone-Amplifiers/ci/1817/N/3992462087
 
 

DAW: CbB; Sonar Platinum, and others ... 
#15
Cactus Music
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Re: I just want to record audio like I'm using an old 8 track recorder ... 2018/02/02 00:24:42 (permalink)
I said,, I used to get by not that it was ideal but it works perfectly fine in a lot of situations. 
I myself have a dedicated mixer just for headphones. 
We sort of need to hear more details I guess. 
Like, are you planing on recording songs "live" in one take, or overdubbing each part? 

Johnny V  
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