Digital Audio Recording Help, Recording Music With a Computer

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Your Source For Digital Audio Recording Help

New to the world of digital recording? Great! You are in the right place. The intent behind AudioMinds is to provide a starting point for recording music with a computer. We all were new to this at one time, and we remember well the frustration of getting a digital audio workstation up and running. The members who built this site (volunteers, all) have worked hard to make the following information available to help you. We know what it's like to search through endless sites looking for answers to what seem to be simple questions.

Please keep in mind that there are many different types of recording software out there. Members here use a wide range of softwares, as there are many to choose from. Most current recording software can give you professional results. But you have to learn how to use it correctly.

That's where AudioMinds comes in. Much of the basic setup information, tips, tutorials, and other helpful information can be applied to many different multitrack recording programs. Using effects, making your CD, posting your mp3's, it's all covered here.

Digital recording is not a simple process; it takes study and years of practice to get good at it. But you gotta start someplace, and AudioMinds is a great place to start. We'll walk you through the basics (equipment, cabling, software configuration, etc.) and then show you where to go to learn the more advanced aspects of digital recording. Don't expect instant success. But you can expect help from people who have been where you are and can help you avoid the pitfalls. Read, take good notes, experiment, and learn to trust your ears (you'll hear that phrase often). In some cases, we'll show you exactly how to do what you're trying to do. But many times, we'll explain that you have to experiment, compare, use your ears, and experiment again. There's science involved, but digital recording is much more art than science.

So, ready to start? Good! Read on...

Visit Getting Started to read about hardware setup, software configuration, wiring, and other basic stuff. Looking for free Plug-Ins? We have listed the ones that we know work well here. Not sure how best to connect all your equipment together? We can help. Be sure to check out the tutorials.
In Recording, you can learn tips and tricks for capturing a quality sound. Need help with mic selection and placement? This is a good place to start.
Mixing covers the proper use of reverb, compression, and other effects. Confused by equalization jargon? Get a simple explanation here. Does compression seem incomprehensible? Yup, many of us felt the same way until we found these great resources that explain it in simple terms. You won't master this stuff overnight, but you can get a good working understanding of the concepts.
Ready for Mastering? Then this is a great first stop to pick up tips on adding sheen to your masterpiece. Dither, Noise Shaping, Burning to CD, it's all here.
Visit Promotion to test your understanding of copyrights and how best to protect your work. Learn about MP3 conversions, and find links to websites that help you get your music heard.
Trouble Shooting offers possible solutions to the most widely experienced difficulties. Far from comprehensive (there are literally hundreds of possible incompatibles), but we will get you on the right track.

Take your time when you browse this site. There's a lot of information here. Some will apply to you right away; some of it won't make sense until you're further along in your journey. Either way, plan to come back often. Can't find an answer to your question? Ask in our forum. There are many helpful, friendly folks that hang here.

Think you can provide help to others? Good! We need you and your wisdom. Enjoy your stay, and we'll see you on the forum!

Reference Materials: These resources answer many newbie questions. It's worth your time to give them a spin.

Want a single-page overview of the whole recording process? Limey's Pyramid is highly recommended!
Download and install Studio Buddy and place it on your desktop. It's a great little program that's like having a pro recording engineer at your private beck-and-call. Use Studio Buddy to answer questions concerning the art and science of multi-track recording from initial tracking to mix down to mastering. Highly recommended for newbies and pros alike!
The Project Studio Handbook - Links to TONS of articles and primers.

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