Content

• Steps
• Tips
• What do you need

There are a few basic steps to getting started with becoming a computer musician.

Steps

1. 1 We decide on a computer. You will need a computer with a sufficiently powerful processor and a minimum of one GB of RAM.
2. 2 Installing a digital audio workstation (or DAW). If you have a Mac, then you already have a good DAW program called Garage Band. Other popular DAWs are Logic Express / Pro (Mac only), Sonar, FL Studio (PC only), Cubase, Ableton Live (PC and Mac), Pro Tools (only works with Digidesign or M-Audio interfaces). If you want to create electronic music, then you should also learn the Propellerhead Reason program.
3. 3 We master the audio interface. The standard interface usually consists of two input amplifiers, which have outputs for two analogous digital converters, two line outputs (left and right) and a headphone output. They are available for USB, FireWire, PCI, etc. Usually, when you buy an interface, you also get a light version of Cubase, Ableton Live, Sonar, or Pro Tools. This should fix your problem with DAW software if you are a PC user.Some popular brands are Apogee (Mac only), Digidesign, M-Audio, Tascam, Presonus, Edirol, Yamaha, etc.
4. 4 We start recording. There are two ways to record to a computer. One way is to record through a microphone (condenser, dynamic, or ribbon) and an amplifier (which is in the interface). To record this way, simply connect the mic to the XLR input on your interface and turn on phantom power (+48 V) if you're using a condenser mic and adjust the gain where no DAW load is going (go to 0db). If you want to record using an external amplifier, make sure it is not connected to the interface and you have phantom power connected to the amplifier or to the interface. Another way is to use direct inputs (also known as music inputs on most interfaces). They are commonly used for recording guitar, synthesizer, drums, and other external sources. For this kind of recording, simply plug your guitar, synthesizer, or whatever you're recording straight into the 1/4 input on your interface, and adjust the gain where it doesn't clip. If you are using guitar amp emulation software (like AmpliTube, Guitar Rig, ReValver, etc.) then this is the way to go for guitar / bass recording.
5. 5 Check out the synthesizer. There are three main types of synthesizer: analog, digital, and software. A synthesizer is usually used for waves or samples in music recording. Different waves produce different sounding tones. The main waves used are square, saw, sine and pulse waves. You can also mix waves to create new sounds. Some synthesizers allow you to mix different waves together to create your own waves. There are other instruments that allow you to change the sounds of a synthesizer, filters are the most common such instruments. They usually consist of cutoffs and resonance and are typically low-pass (LP) and high-pass (hp). Filters usually have their own ADHR (attack, decay, exposure, and release) modifiers. This is usually followed by the ADHR amp / volume and effects (distortion, chorus, delay, reverb, etc.) Synthesizers may seem daunting at first, but the best way to learn them is to experiment. Start by focusing on oscillators (waves) and filters first.
6. 6 Watch the dynamics. Compression is always good for drum parts, keeping the vocals on the same level as well as making the guitar and synth sound more in tune. Limiting is used to keep your tracks from trimming. The maximizer is good for loud sound.
7. 7 Adding effects. This is also important. Reverbs are used for things like making electronic drums sound like they're in the same room, or making sounds sound remotely, etc. Delays are also a good way to make sound more spacious. Chorus and ensembles tend to use extensions and detunings. There are many other effects like phasers, flanges, filters, distortions and ring modulators that can be used for just about anything.
8. 8 Mixing your song. To do this, you'll need a good pair of headphones (flat choice) and some studio monitors (if you can afford it). Make sure you have a per channel limiter such that it goes over 0db. Start adding kick drum where it hits 0db and then add bass if desired. After you finish this, it will be easier.
9. 9 Try to keep sounds off-center. The main things that should be in the center are the kick drum, snare drum, bass, vocals and possibly a guitar / synth solo. To make the sound wider, use the chorus effect by turning on unison on the synthesizer, or delays on the left or right channel, multiple samples.
10. 10 Practice, practice, practice. It will take you a little time for everything to sound the way you want it. There is nothing like the perfect mix, you should always strive to make the best mix possible.

Tips

• Buy a good microphone. It can really change the sound if you're using vocals or instruments.
• Check out more details on the devices listed here so you know what you are doing.

What do you need

• Computer
• Digital audio workstation
• Audio interface
• Tools