Hi everyone! I got a new laptop and decided to upgrade MC from 4 to 6. I downloaded it from Cakewalk's website so I don't know if that's where the problem occurred. I installed everything and took my laptop to band practice to get an idea of how we sound. Opened a new "Normal" project that has the 8 tracks. Plugged in my Labtec AM-252 NCAT microphone (which I have been using for years to record things at home) and hit record. We recorded Jumpin Jack Flash as track 1. That bled into all the other tracks. I tried to follow the directions on Cakewalks FAQ section about this but the Windows 7 differs from XP which I was using on my old laptop. So I couldn't find any of the things that I needed to. Any idea what i'm doing wrong? I consider myself to be a somewhat smart person but this recording stuff is incredibly difficult. I thought MC was supposed to be easy! :/

philamag87!


 I downloaded it from Cakewalk's website so I don't know if that's where the problem occurred.

That's not the problem.
The problem is the W7 audio setup. I don't have W7, so I can't give you specifics, but you will need to go into the audio menu and find a way to isolate the microphone as the recording input. The default will be "what you hear", or something to that effect.
If it's in your budget, a decent interface and some real microphones will make life with your DAW much better.

Thanks for the response Robert! I don't know where to find the sound menu that will give me that option. I have found the sound menu when you right click on the speaker icon on the lower right by the date and time. But those options are limited as well. I think you're right about some sort of interface. I guess I don't need anything fancy to start. Maybe 2 inputs to do acoustic guitar and vocals at once. Any recommendations?

I'm seriously considering this one for mobile use with my laptop:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-usb-audio-interface

It's reasonably priced, and Focusrite has a good reputation.
Check out Musicians Friend and Sweetwater for others.
As for mics, this is a good starter package:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/mxl-990-991-recording-microphone-package

I have recorded all of my acoustic tracks with these. At $69, they are hard to beat.
Listen to my song, Catfish, for an idea of how they sound.

Thanks for the recommendations! Definitely like that mic package too! How's M-Audio for USB interfaces? I really dig your music! Are you playing all the instruments?

Thanks. I play all of the guitars and drums, although the drum sounds are from soft synths (such as EZ Drummer). All other instruments are soft synths played using a MIDI controller.
As for M-Audio, they seem to be going through a shake-up with Avid(the parent company).
Check for current drivers before you commit to one of their units.

Be sure to check the input selection on the other tracks. You are able to select from all the audio inputs the computer will see..... it's built in mic, anything plugged in by USB that has audio options to it, and NONE... if you select none.... the track should not accept any input at all. 

I use a Focusrite interface as do a few others here... I love it. If it dies, I will likely replace it with another Focusrite. With the Focusrite, there is no need for a mixer..... just plug in and go. 

Check the track input selections.  Some sound blaster cards (built in or "from the factory") have a setting that should be adjusted to prevent that. I've seen Greg mention that. 

All input and output monitoring should be through the USB card/interface.