How to Use Cakewalk Home Studio
- 1). Connect your monitor speakers or headphones to the computer via the outputs of the sound card or audio interface. Connect your sound sources to the inputs. If you are using an audio interface, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper configuration, as interfaces have different ways to connect to a computer system. Connect MIDI instruments with MIDI cables to the MIDI IN and OUT on your MIDI interface. There are also several options for MIDI interfaces, including as part of an audio interface, so check your documentation for the correct connection to your system.
- 2). Configure your MIDI interface to work with Cakewalk. Open the program and start a new project using the Blank template. Select "Options" from the toolbar. Click on "MIDI Devices." Click on the check boxes to select the MIDI interfaces you will use for input and output.
- 3). Configure your sound card or audio interface by selecting "Options" and clicking on "Audio Devices." Set "Playback Timing Master" and "Record Timing Master" to the sound card or interface you will use. Click the "Wave Profiler" button and wait for the program to test your settings. Click "Apply," then "OK."
- 4). Create a MIDI track for your project. Click "Insert" on the toolbar and "MIDI Track" from the drop-down menu. Right-click on the MIDI track (Track 1 in this case) and select "Properties." Click on the "Input" box and select your MIDI interface from the list. Repeat this for your MIDI output if you have more than one MIDI device. Select MIDI channel, bank and patch as appropriate for your instrument to use the sound you want. Click "OK" and your MIDI track is ready.
- 5). Arm the MIDI track for recording by clicking on the circle in the track box. It will turn red to indicate the channel is ready for recording MIDI data. On your computer keyboard, press "R" to start recording. When your performance is done, press the space bar and "W" (to "rewind" to the start). As with any MIDI recording, only MIDI performance data is captured. No audio is recorded.
- 6). Create an audio track by clicking "Insert" on the toolbar and "Audio Track" from the drop down menu. Right-click on the audio track (Track 2 in this case) and select "Properties." Click on the "Input" box and select your audio interface from the list. Repeat this for your audio output. Click "OK" and your audio track is ready. Connect an instrument or microphone to your sound card or interface. Arm and record the track as you did for the MIDI track.
- 7). Record tracks until you are ready to mix your song. From the "View" icons below the toolbar, select "Console View." A virtual mixer window will open in which you can adjust the level of MIDI tracks and level and equalization of each track. Adjust parameters until your song sounds how you want.