I know most of you out there are way beyond all this, but it might help someone just starting out recording themselves playing and singing.
This is the older version of Audacity and it’s still available on the net, free, though I believe the newer one is even better. The basics are like an old tape recorder - pause, stop, start, rewind, record - and it’s a great piece of kit.
The only other bit of equipment you need is a microphone with a USB connection to link into your computer. I can recommend the Samson CO1U. It works a treat and it will cost you about £60 with a stand, though Samson do a cheaper (£40) one that I know works well, too.
Meant to say sorry for blurry pic and that it’s best to choose the ‘compatible’ option when saving it in MP3 form. Erm, also, after recording the first track you need to use one earphone plugged into your speakers for recording subsequent tracks so you can hear the already recorded stuff and what you are recording then and there, without the two meeting…
and … use the highlight and cut option (shown here) for chopping start and finish and the silence bit for getting rid of background sound.
Another thought … under ‘Effects’ the ‘Change Tempo’ is pretty handy. If you highlight a whole track (a finished MP3 import or even just your first guitar track, say) you can then slow it down or speed it up without too much distortion. You can sound like a chipmunk if you go to the extreme, though.
Much better and detailed stuff than this is on the net under audacity tips.Hope it helps to start you off, though. Methinks I should have done a lesson plan first!
Duration : 0:8:46
In this kickoff event for Music Making Month Propellerhead’s founders Ernst, Marcus, and Peter discuss the future of music making. For more information about our full schedule of Music Making Month live tutorials, demos, artist Q&As, and videos be sure to check out www.propellerheads.se/mmm during the month of May (2011)
I use mixing software to mix my music, so I do not consider myself a full fledged DJ at all. Just to get that clarified. I have a lot of love for electronic music i.e. trance, techno, house, hardcore and gabber. So I hope you enjoy this first part to my Megamix, which I put into 10 minute segments. This is an old school hardcore and gabber mix I made. Tunes range from the early through mid to late 90’s! Enjoy! 
http://www.facebook.com/dillonpearcemedia if you have any questions or suggestions about my videos.
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Songs created using Cubase Check this out:
Amber Rubarth isn’t just an amazing indie musician, singer/songwriter, and recording artist. She’s an awarding winning lyricist too! In 2006 the legendary trio of Tom Waits, Brian Wilson, and Robert Smith awarded Amber 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition for her lyrical ability. She’ll be joining us to discuss how she approaches lyric writing and give us all some creative tips. Bring your notepad!
links to the software: http://tinypaste.com/f4c27
http://videostudiotutorials.com/