Audacity Forum

I'm trying to record several tracks that need to be separate so I can edit them independently and burn them independently then mix them together. Every time I lay down a track and play is back through the headphones to record the next track, both of the tracks are on the second recording. How do I fix this?

Use the "Mute" button in the track control boxes to mute the tracks you don't want to hear.

You are working with 1.3, I assume since you posted in this section - therefore on export the mute should still be honoured by Audacity and muted tracks will not be exported - there is a known bug in 1.2.x wherby the mute is not honoured on export and all tracks are exported whether muted or not.

WC

I need to be able to hear the previous track in order to lay down the next track. If I mute the track, is there a way to still be able to hear it through the headphones?

Ah, I think I understand better what you are asking now. What you need to do is to go to Edit >Preferences > Audio I/O and uncheck the box that says Software Playthrough (play new track while recording it) - and make sure that the box above Play other tracks while recording new one is checked on (and ignore previous comments about Mute)

WC