Hi 57Gregy,
 
Sorry I'm new(ish) to recording music. I haven't tried punch recording but that does sound interesting. I'll have to look into it.
 
As for the metronome output, yes that is actually done automatically (or so the screen is telling me). Having said that while encountering this issue using the audio metronome (I haven't tried this using the midi) I cannot change the sound level settings for the audio metronome (stays at +1 db for both no matter what I do).

Just do what I do.
 
I always start the song at Beat 1 of measure 3.   That gives me 2 complete measures of count in to get ready, plus if the song has a lead in riff, it fits neatly into the last beats of measure 2.... 
 
After I'm done recording, I use my audio editor to trim that count in off the front end of the song.
 
Punch recording is a huge time saver.  Learn about it. I normally split the clip before and after the mistake with the snap to grid turned on. Then I highlight the new clip that will be replaced, use the "auto set" the punch markers, and then delete the audio from the clip..... set the time line to a few measures before the first split..... hit record and start playing along. By using the snap to grid to set the splits and aligning the punch points as well.... the new take will be seamless and there will not be a click or a pop coming in or going out..... the new take will be perfect...assuming you get the part correct that second time through.... if not... delete the take and repeat the process until you nail it.  then click SAVE.....and move on.

GuitarHacker,
 
Repeating myself here but I do intend to do something similar :) But that's simply a workaround for a bug in some software that I paid for.
 
I will look into punch recording. Thanks for explaining it a little bit.

contact tech support.  it's email support only for MC customers, but they should be able to fix the problem for you

Beagle,
 
I have contacted Tech Support but user forums tend to get more constructive responses in a more timely manner, so I came here looking for similar experiences.
 
Somehow the metronome started working again last time I used the application. I think it has something to do with the amount of effects I was using but I can't say for sure. I transported a lot of effects to buses (is that the right term?) and attached them as sends to tracks (is that the right term?). Again, I'm only new to audio production so I still have a lot to learn :)
 
So it might be a  memory/FX count thing. I can only guess considering the fact that the metronome used to start working again by restarting the application.

seems that I spoke too soon haha
 
I'll continue trouble shooting when I can be bothered.

for those interested I have found the solution.
 
This was tested using only the ASIO driver along with 2 audio interfaces: Line 6 GX (non studio), Steinberg CI2. Both have their drivers completely up to date.
 
OS is windows 7 pro x64. 16GB RAM and AMD CPU.
 
When switching between inputs & outputs the application needs to be rebooted. No reboot means that the metronome will not work.  I assume the application assigns the metronome output on boot and not during the input/output switch. But I can only guess.
 
Also, using too many FX will also cause the metronome to not work. I learned about using stereo buses (which has caused me other problems) and this helped me to reduce my FX count significantly.
 
Since I have located these two problems I have had no dramas with the audio metronome in Music Creator 6.
 
I hope this helps whoever happens to read it.

thanks for sharing that!