Audacity

[Jason Lynch]

Does anybody know of, or use, this program?
I Downloaded it last week, but the sound from my steel is distorted and out of sync with the rest of the backing track? I've been told the sync problem is normal, but its a pain in the Kyber pass to record that way?
Jason

[Graeme Jaye]

I'm not an Audacity user, but your problem/s are pretty basic to all software recorders.

The Distortion;

Most likely caused by overloading some part of the input circuitry. If you are using a soundcard that was bundled with the computer, then it might simply be the card is not capable of providing good quality audio. More details of the rest of your gear required here. One thing that does come to mind is, if using a laptop, many only have a microphone input and this is way too sensitive for what you want. In fact, although you might 'get away' with it, even a normal line level input is poorly matched in impedance to a guitar or psg pick-up. Ideally, you need a much higher impedance input than found on most sound interfaces (although there are a few specifically designed for such use).

The Non-sync Problem

This is a result of something called 'latency'. Basically it is the time for required for the analogue signal from your instrument to pass through the electronics and be written to the hard disc as a digital signal. The same sort of thing also occurs on the way back from the hard disc to your monitors. This delay can range from anywhere between a couple, to 10's, even 100's of milliseconds. As long as you can keep latency down to a few milliseconds you should be good to go, once it exceeds 10-15 mS, then you have a problem on your hands.

Reducing latency is very much a 'suck it and see' exercise, as it varies considerably depending on the actual kit in use. You should start by playing around with the buffer size - but that may or may not get you anywhere *. Another trick is to use so-called 'hardware' monitoring. This is nothing more than monitoring your signal on the input side, before it hits the electronics. Reams have been written about this, as it's a problem nearly everyone experiences at some time or another. I suggest using a search engine and look for 'latency' for more in-depth discussion, information and help.

* My own solution to these (and other) computer based recording system problem was to buy a dedicated hard disk recorder - it's still a computer, but one designed and optimised for a single task. 99% of the computer glitches I used to experience vanished overnight and I rarely resort to a computer to make recordings any more.

[Thijs Kappen]

I use quite some software for recording (pro tools, cubase, audacity, sonar, band in a box, adobe audition) and they all work fine, IF you have a real good sound-card!
The next problem is to find the right fine-tuning of software/computer and sound-card. But it is worth to search and get information at your local shop or from the seller of the sound-card.
Latency is hardly/not to hear with the new software and a good modern card.
But it takes some time to get the knowledge you need!
Success!
Thijs Kappen

[IanPearce]

Hi Jason,

I tried a free version of Audacity and the saying "you get what you pay for" applies in my opinion. I found it very unstable.
You'd be better off with a second hand version of Cubase, Logic or any other piece of pro sequencing software.
Having said that, your problem with sync is most likely down to your soundcard. Again, a music pro card should sort things out.
Shop around but good software and a good card could be well under £100 each.

Ian

[Jason Lynch]

thanks guys. All sage advice. Great!

[zbplayer]

Jason,have you tried selecting the different "input" options. Use the dropdown menu, in the middle,where you can select from Mono,Stereo,Aux,Line Input,CD Audio,Video,Phone Line,Microphone. Try each, one at a time. I use Audacity (free download) for recording from "streaming" radio station on the web and burn to CD. I have also used it to transfer LP,s and Cassettes to either Audio CD or Mp3,whichever I choose. It always locks up for me if I start trying to edit things,otherwise its ok. I think there is also something similar called Gold Wave.

[Jason Lynch]

Goldwave I have, but cant get it to record, for some bizarre reason? Thanks, ZB. I'll keep fiddling. May invest in a second hand cubase!

[Zebedee]

When you record with Audacity, keep the input level low enough so that it doesn't red-line, otherwise you will hear distortion on the playback.

If you are recording a track, use 'line in', cos if you use 'stereo in' you will get any existing tracks re-recording as well.

[Jason Lynch]

Cheers Burt.

[Shaun]

Hi Guys,

Anyone tried Reaper, I've started unsing it recently, seems as goog as any other daw (Digital Audio Workstation) and it very reasonably priced.
Details http://www.reaper.fm/

Also I recently found a great App for running backing tracks on the Ipod/iPad (no continuopus play).
Details http://www.aisle4.com/backtrax.html - works great (it does what it says on the box)