Multi-tracking isolated tracks

JeffD wrote on 5/9/2006, 9:12 PM

I am trying to use VMS Platinum 6.0 to record multiple isolated synchronized audio tracks. I don't know if I'm using proper terminology, so an example may better explain what I'm trying to do.

For example (and this is probably as common as it gets), I want to lay down a rhythm guitar track and then "rewind" and record some fill guitar on a second audio track. Using headphones, I want to be able to listen to both the first (rhythm) track AND the new (fill) track as I record the fill track; but I don't want the audio from the first track to record onto the second track.

With all the testing I've done of different Audio Device settings (SoundBlaster Audigy II), the only results I get are undesirable:

a) I can hear audio track 1 through the headphones while recording track 2, but I can't hear track 2 as it is being recorded. Good news: no "bleed" of track 1 audio onto track 2.

b) I can hear BOTH tracks through the headphones as I record track 2, but the audio from track 1 bleeds onto track 2.

Am I expecting too much or just doing some things wrong?

Any advice would be appreciated. I readily admit I've got a lot to learn about audio issues; and the problem may well be with my soundcard setup and NOT VMS.

PS (but I don't think this is adding complexity to the situation): I'm using a Behringer Eurorack UB802 as the middleman between a Shure SM58 and my soundcard's analog line-in jack.

Thanks,
JeffD

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/10/2006, 4:58 AM

Your sound card has two separate mixer panels, one for playback & monitoring, the other for recording. In order to do what you want, the monitoring/playback panel must have both the WAVE and LINE IN channels active and the volume controls turned up. WAVE monitors Vegas playing back the previously recorded signal. LINE IN monitors the new track you are recording. In the recording panel you must select only LINE IN. This will record only the new signal to the track without also recording the previous track again.

JeffD wrote on 5/10/2006, 5:43 AM

Thanks so much, CW. I seem to have it working, thanks to you.

Interestingly, it seems that I have to go through the perfunctory and illogical process of toggling the "Midi/Synth" mute button to on-then-off (on my Creative Mixer panel) AFTER arming a VMS audio track and BEFORE I can monitor the track being recorded. No idea why, but it -- together with your advice -- seems to work.

Knock wood; thanks.

rraud wrote on 5/10/2006, 6:04 AM

The terminology for what you are doing is called "overdubbing"... Recording a new track whilst listening to a previously recorded track..
At least that's what us old studio cats call it.

JeffD wrote on 5/10/2006, 10:25 AM

> The terminology for what you are doing
> is called "overdubbing"

Thanks, Rick.

(We got our son one of those fancy Tascam Digital Mixer/Recorders with hard drive and built-in CD Burner. He took it to college, so now I'm trying to turn my computer & VMS into a mini- recording studio -- in my "spare" time.)