Post on 24-Jan-2016
description
Recording Digital Audio Using your Computer
Thomas Rudolph, Ed. D.
Director of MusicSchool District of Haverford Township
1801 Darby Road Havertown, PA 19083
(610) 853-5900 extension 5452
email: terudolph@aol.comwww.geocities.com/terudolph/time
Sponsored by SoundTree 800-963-8733
Recording Digital AudioChoose the right tool
• What is the goal?– Student use in a lab setting– Recording student practice sessions– Creating CDs for student use– Recording live concerts – Developing a Recording Studio in the school *
Two Software Types
• Primarily Digital Audio– 2-Track Digital Audio Software– Multitrack digital audio - ProTools
• Primarily MIDI – MIDI sequencer with digital audio capability
This session will focus on primarily digital audio applications *
Digital Audio Options
• Using the Computer– Built-in hardware– Using a DSP (digital signal processing) device
• Stand-Alone Recording Units – CD Recorders– Multitrack Units– Can be transferred to the computer for editing *
Low-Cost OptionNo Additional Hardware
• Advantages = least expensive
• Disadvantages = sound quality is poor
• What is needed:– Windows or Mac Computer with CD Burner – Large hard drive– Digital Audio Software - 2-track (under $100) *
Low-cost Windows
• Windows Hardware: – Plug microphone into SoundCard– Or buy a USB Mic input device ($39.00)– Purchase an Audio Card ($125.00)
• M-Audio cards *
Windows Software
• Stereo 2-track software– Purchase SoundForge Studio ($99.00)
• Live recordings
• Edit CD tracks *
Audio Low-cost Mac
• Macintosh Hardware: – Using built-in microphone ports– Newer Macs - must purchase USB mic input
device: iMic from Griffin Technologies ($39.00) *
Macintosh Software
• Stereo 2-track software– Purchase Peak LE ($99.00)
• Live recordings
• Edit CD tracks *
Stepping Up
• Much improved quality of sound– Use all types of microphones– Record multiple tracks– Record MIDI and Digital Audio
• Cautions– Requires a robust computer – Uses lots of hard drive space– Takes time to learn *
Stepping Up and Up Options
• Digidesign (ProTools) Multitrack Recording– MBox - portable recording ($499)– Digi001 ($1,000)– Digi002 ($2,500) *
Microphones
• Must use quality microphones– Condenser mics for concert recording
• Audio Technica Stereo Condenser mic– AT825 - $375.00– AT822 - $350.00
– Dynamic mics for close positioning (drum set, soloists)• Shure SM58 ($100) *
ProTools Recording Options
• Multiple tracks of audio• Can also record MIDI *
Basic Terms
• DSP - Digital Signal Processing
• Digital Audio - digital recording of audio sounds.
• MIDI - Digital piano roll - performance information only.
• AIFF/WAV file formats - required to burn a CD. AIFF = Mac and WAV = Windows.
• File size: MIDI = small; Audio large *
MIDI Sequencers and Digital Audio
Primarily MIDI and some digital audio• Mac:
– MicroLogic by emagic ($99.00)– Digital Performer by MOTU ($300)
• Windows:– Home Studio 2002 by Cakewalk ($69.00)– Band-in-a-Box by PGMusic ($88) – Sonar by Cakewalk ($300) *
MIDI and Digital Audio
Converting MIDI to Digital Audio
• MIDI tracks - create from scratch or import from existing files
• Re-record MIDI tracks as Audio to burn a CD.– Route MIDI output to input of the recording
software and re-record as digital audio track *
Burning CDs
• Mac:– iTunes - Free software from Apple.– Toast (www.roxio.com)
• Windows– EZ CD Creator (WIN)
Stand-Alone Recorders
• Superscope CD-Recorder
• Can edit CDs using 2-track audio software– Peak (Mac)– SoundForge Studio (Win)
Where to get help
• Contact SoundTree - for hardware/software and support 800-963-8733
• Book - Recording in the Digital World by Rudolph/Leonard
• Join TI:ME - Technology Institute for Music Educators www.ti-me.org