Ok if you're following this series you should be set up with a good Home Computer which is up to music recording and playback spec's, and also a music sequencer to record and playback your musical creations such as Cubase or Cakewalk.

It's well worth your while to spend some time setting up the PC and music sequencer so that all is running well. Check these settings in the manual that came with the software. Things like sound-card settings, mp3 playback, which card to use, and so on. If your playbacks are sounding bad or jumping like an old vinyl record you need to double check these settings, or perhaps your PC is not powerful enough to run this type of software - this issue is dealt with in the first of this Home Recording series and is of vital importance.

The music should not only playback glitch-free (technical term that ;), but also sound well. If it sounds a bit "tinny" or low quality it might be worth looking into upgrading your sound-card - basically, this will play back the sounds and samples more authentically. This is the hardware in your PC which is responsible for what you hear - it's the same old story here, there's good and bad ones, and a quality card here can make all the difference when it comes to Music Studios.

Many "bundled" software packages such as Cubase are a combination of not just recording software, but also come with a multitude of now standard sound changing options and possibilities. These include effects, samples, bass modules and vst/plug-ins (virtual vintage keyboards and the like). This is without even touching on "real" instruments and how you can record and change their sound.

Also if you are recording real instruments such as vocals or guitar, you might need an interface. This allows you to plug in conventional instruments into your PC and record them - this interface might be built into your PC already.

You need to spend time getting to know this type of music software - my advice is to start with a tried and trusted bundle (like Cubase) and work with it often. Get to know it inside out - print out and use the manual - do a bit each day. I feel that this is a very important point to stress. Avoid the "Technology Trap" - get on wiv' it and use what you have! You'll be amazed at what some of this stuff is capable of - undreamt of only a few short years ago.

I've added a few recommendations to the BellaOnline Musician's Store regarding sound cards and so on.

I meant to look at a system in this article which can add some amazing capabilities to any Home Studio sound pallette - it's called MIDI. But we'll have a look at that fella' in our next installment which is conveniently called MIDI Recording

Regards

David