duh

[ffendorf]

Ok-I'm VERY new to this computer recording stuff. Have been using a free standing hard disk system-but alas it's close to dead & I THOUGHT this might be the time to switch to PC recording. A few basic ?. How do I get live sound into audacity? Don't I need an interface of some kind?
I finally figured out how to record multi tracks, but how do I mix them? Isn't it hard to control panning/levels etc with no sliders/knobs?
Just give me a guitar & I can make music.
F2

[alatham]

How do I get live sound into audacity? Don't I need an interface of some kind?

Yes, you'll need an audio interface of some sort. Chances are you already have one. And chances are that it's not so great. For most people, a computer's audio is low on the list of important things to check out.

If you want audio interface recommendations, ask at the recording equipment board, you'll get more useful responses and other people will be able to use that info too.

I finally figured out how to record multi tracks, but how do I mix them? Isn't it hard to control panning/levels etc with no sliders/knobs?

They're automatically mixed down when you press play in Audacity (or when you export). You should note that to the left of each track there is both a gain and pan slider that you can use to control the mix with. Granted, it's not as nice as having a mixing console, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

If you want some tutorials for using Audacity, these two links should help (the second one is especially nice, it's got videos):
http://audacityteam.org/help/tutorials
http://www.guidesandtutorials.com/audac ... orial.html