How to Record Music Loops
- 1). Open a digital multi-tracking program on your home computer or laptop. If you don't have this type of software, you can purchase or download a program to meet your needs (see Resources). When the software opens, create a new song file by clicking "File" and then "New" on the menu bar.
- 2). Connect an audio interface to your PC or laptop by plugging the cable into the appropriate port (usually USB or FireWire, depending on the model). This will allow you to connect your instrument(s) without the need for a specialized sound card. If you prefer to use a MIDI instrument to control virtual synthesizers on your software of choice, use a MIDI interface rather than a standard interface.
- 3). Plug your instrument(s) into the interface. Guitars and keyboards plug into 1/4" instrument jacks, vocal microphones typically plug into the three-prong XLR jacks, and MIDI cables plug into the "MIDI In" jack for input transfer (and into the "MIDI Out" jack on the instrument itself).
- 4). Click the "Tempo" indicator, usually appearing near the "Record," "Play" and other command buttons on your software window, and select a tempo for your loop. If you want to record a slow loop, set the indicator between 80 and 110 beats per minute. For mid tempo loops, set the indicator between 110 and 140 beats per minute. For fast loops, set the indicator above 140.
- 5). Click the title of any blank track on your software window. These should appear from the top to the bottom of your screen like a stack of long, rectangular boxes, with numbers and titles in the left column. Each track representing a recording area. If your program contains MIDI compatibility, you should see two types of tracks: Audio and MIDI. Select an audio track if using traditional instruments, or a MIDI track if using a digital connection.
- 6). Click the "Record" button and play your melody with your instrument of choice. When you finish your loop, press "Stop." If recording with a MIDI source, click the track settings before you begin recording, and choose an electronic instrument for playback. If your track settings do not appear directly on the screen, double-click the track title to access related information.
- 7). Click a second track and record an additional layer of music. If recording a simple guitar loop or piano melody, you may only need to use one track, but if you want to record a more multilayered loop, with keyboards, bass and percussion for example, you should record each part on a separate track. As long as each recording begins at 0 on the time line (your numeric time line appears horizontally along the top of your software window) and you follow the beat by listening to the ticking metronome while you record, each part will play together in perfect time.
- 8). Save your project. If using Windows, press the "CTRL" and "S" keys together to save, and then use the pop-up "Save" window to select an audio format, such as WAV or MP3. If using a Mac, save by pressing the "COMMAND" and "S" keys together.
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