Audacity Forum

When I record a second track the first track is recorded in the second track. Is there a way that I can listen to the first track while recording the second without the first being re recorded.

In the Windows Control Panel, set the default recording source to "Line In" or "Mic in" (depending on which you are using) instead of "Stereo Mix".
Set Audacity Preferences to match.

Both Audacity and Control Panel are already set to Line in/ Mic in.

How are you recording? A microphone? How are you monitoring? Headphones? How much "spill over" are you getting from one track to the other?
If you are using Vista or Windows 7 you should be using Audacity 1.3.11

I am using Windows XP with Audacity version 1.2.6. I have my keyboard plugged directly into the computer along with headphones. The spillover is louder than the original recording. I have also tried using a mic and headphones but the results are still the same. I have also tried monitoring with my monitor's speakers when my keyboard is plugged in directly.

bigsasquatch wrote:Both Audacity and Control Panel are already set to Line in/ Mic in.

That may be what it says it's doing, but your description points strongly at your recording source being "Stereo Mix".

There is a way we can test this to be certain:
With your keyboard and headphones plugged in as normal, open Audacity and start it recording. Then open your media player (Windows Media Player or whatever you use) and play something (so that you can hear it. Is it being recorded by Audacity?

Yes it is.

Then in spite of what the Windows Control Panel is telling you, you are recording "Stereo Mix".
Go back into the Windows Control Panel and check that the selected Recording input is set to "Line". If it is, then try some of the other settings (Mic, Aux, Mix... whatever is available) - it's rare but it wouldn't be the first time that a sound card had to be set up "wrong" for it to work correctly.

It is on Line in/Mic in and that is the only option it gives me.

Check the manufacturers web site and see if there is an updated sound card driver available.