Editing Multitrack recording (section)

==With computers==
Since the early 1990s, many performers have recorded music using only a [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] or [[Personal computer|PC]] equipped with multitrack recording software as a tracking machine. The computer must have a sound card or other type of [[audio interface]] with one or more [[Analog-to-digital converter]]s. [[Microphone]]s are needed to record the sounds of vocalists or acoustic instruments.  Depending on the capabilities of the system, some instruments, such as a [[synthesizer]] or [[electric guitar]], can also be sent to an interface directly using [[Line level]] or [[MIDI]] inputs. Direct inputs eliminate the need for microphones and can provide another range of sound control options.

There are tremendous differences in computer audio interfaces. Such units vary widely in price, sound quality, and flexibility. The most basic interfaces use audio circuitry that is built into the computer [[motherboard]]. The most sophisticated audio interfaces are external units of professional studio quality which can cost thousands of dollars. Professional interfaces usually use one or more [[IEEE 1394]] (commonly known as FireWire) connections. Other types of interfaces may use internal [[Conventional PCI|PCI]] cards, or external [[USB]] connections. Popular manufacturers of high-quality interfaces include [[Apogee Electronics]], [[Avid Audio]] (formerly Digidesign), Echo Digital Audio, [[Focusrite]], [[Mark of the Unicorn|MOTU]], RME Audio, [[M-Audio]] and [[PreSonus]].

Microphones are often designed for highly specific applications and have a major effect on recording quality.  A single studio-quality microphone can cost $5,000 or more, while consumer-quality recording microphones can be bought for less than $50 each. Microphones also need some type of [[microphone preamplifier]] to prepare the signal for use by other equipment. These preamplifiers can also have a major effect on the sound and come in different price ranges, physical configurations, and capability levels. Microphone preamplifiers may be external units or a built-in feature of other audio equipment.

===Software===
Software for multitrack recording can record multiple tracks at once. It generally uses [[graphic notation (music)|graphic notation]] for an interface and offers a number of views of the music. Most multitrackers also provide audio playback capability.  Some multitrack software also provides [[MIDI]] playback functions not just for audio; during playback the MIDI data is sent to a [[softsynth]] or virtual instrument (e.g., [[VSTi]]) which converts the data to audio sound. Multitrack software may also provide other features that qualify it being called a [[digital audio workstation]] (DAW). These features may include various displays including showing the score of the music, as well as editing capability.  There is often overlap between many of the categories of musical software. In this case, scorewriters and full-featured multitrackers such as DAWs have similar features for playback but may have less similarity for editing and recording.

Multitrack recording software varies widely in price and capability.  Popular multitrack recording software programs include: [[Reason Studios|Reason]], [[Ableton Live]], [[FL Studio]], [[Adobe Audition]], [[Pro Tools]], [[Digital Performer]], [[Cakewalk Sonar]], [[Samplitude]], [[Nuendo]], [[Cubase]] and [[Logic Pro|Logic]]. Lower-cost alternatives include [[Mixcraft]], [[REAPER]] and [[n-Track Studio]]. [[Open-source software|Open-source]] and [[free software]] programs are also available for multitrack recording. These range from very basic programs such as [[Jokosher]] to [[Ardour (audio processor)|Ardour]] and [[Audacity (audio editor)|Audacity]], which are capable of performing many functions of the most sophisticated programs.

Instruments and voices are usually recorded as individual files on a computer hard drive. These function as tracks which can be added, removed or processed in many ways. Effects such as [[reverb]], [[Sound effects#Techniques|chorus]], and [[Sound effects#Techniques|delays]] can be applied by electronic devices or by computer software. Such effects are used to shape the sound as desired by the producer.  When the producer is satisfied with the recorded sound finished tracks can be mixed into a new [[stereo]] pair of tracks within the multitrack recording software. Finally, the final stereo recording can be written to a CD, which can be copied and distributed.