Software

The DAW

In our video we will be using Logic Pro X as a DAW, but we will talk through the idea so that you can learn how to use any DAW. DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, is the software you need to complete your recording set-up! So, we have this:

So we have now advanced our basic routing. Depending on your setup, the amp can be added before the interface, and the DAW is used in the computer before the signal goes to the speakers. This means you can hear the sound from the DAW through your monitors.

The Basics

In this video, Dan walks you through the basics of setting up any DAW. All the screenshots here are based on Logic Pro X but should be pretty similar no matter the software. Please watch the video in detail, as we have only included the core steps here.

Just a quick note on terminology before we move on to step 3. When we're using a DAW the track refers to a 'sonic canvas' for one instrument. So we record a guitar on one track, a vocal on another track etc. When we layer these up to build a song it's called 'multitrack recording' and means you don't need to record everything live in one take!

There are the basics! Have a bit of fun with this process and see if you can get an audio track coming into the DAW. Remember to watch the full video for a complete understanding.

The DAW Part 2

In this video, our aim is to have a bit of fun! Dan is going to record a few different audio tracks, to create a backing track for himself to jam on! The main point in this video is how simple this process is, provided everything is set up well!

So, follow along with the video until you have at least 4 different guitar tracks that all compliment each other somehow. Something like this:

Drums!

Let's get some beats together! In this lesson, Dan walks you through the basics of MIDI drums, which is again meant as inspiration and to give you the essentials. Let's walk through the basic steps here:

Your other option is to work with a program like "EZ Drummer" which already has the MIDI beats programmed, and you can just drag and drop. It's a great program if you want to save a lot of time! So, have some fun with this, and try and get your own drum groove together before the next lesson!

There are the basics! Have a bit of fun with this process and see if you can get an audio track coming into the DAW. Remember to watch the full video for a complete understanding.

VSTs

We can now talk about VST: Virtual Studio Technology. From our point of view, we're going to be looking specifically at guitar simulators. Let's update our diagram:

Now then... You may have a great digital amp (like a Kemper, Axe FX, BOSS Katana etc) and therefore feel as though you don't need to add anything more to your guitar tone. It's perfect before it even goes into the DAW! However, you may not have the amp before the interface and therefore need a VST to shape the sound.

So Where Do We Start?

There are thousands of VST instruments out there. We'll use Amplitube as our example, but there will very likely be something built into your DAW, There are really two fairly simple steps to follow.

As we said in the video, this is more about showing you how easy it can be, rather than a very specific walkthrough. It's something to have fun with and explore. There are plenty of detailed walkthroughs out there specific to your VST or DAW, so hopefully, this overview gives you enough to get started!

Fun Time

With everything ready in our set-up, it's time to have a bit of fun! Dan starts a new project and records an entire jam track in real-time! Watch as Dan works through a range of ideas, using Drums, guitar plugins and all of his hardware to show you how it's done! We don't need a specific write up here as we are simply reiterating everything we have spoken about up to now! Sit back, relax and enjoy!