how do i connect my mic to audacity so i can record?

[Jacktibba]

i have just got my mic and audacity was the first recording programme i was linked with, can i record from my mic with audacity with background music and how? how do i link my mic to audacity? thanks

[kozikowski]

What kind of microphone is it? I have a Logitech Desktop USB Microphone. What do you have?

You shouldn't fall in love with recording a voice with background music until you get the basics working. You can create background music to go with your voice recording and mix them later.

Koz

[Jacktibba]

i have a blue yeti pro. the thing is i want to do covers so i need the background music for timing?
i have just got my yeti pro and all i want to do is do my covers and have my mic working
help would be GREATLY appreciated
thanks

[steve]

can i record from my mic with audacity with background music and how?

Import the background music into Audacity ("File menu > Import > Audio", or just drag and drop the file onto the main Audacity window).
Then press record and record your vocal.
If that doesn't work then you'll need to tell us what part of it is not working.

how do i link my mic to audacity?

It's a USB mic. Plug the USB cable into your computer. Wait a few moments for Windows to recognise the mix, then open Audacity. Set the recording device in Audacity to the USB microphone.

See here for a general introduction to recording with Audacity: http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/Tuto ... _Recording

[Jacktibba]

thanks everyone.
so must i download the backing music first? like i cant just play it from youtube? and will i be able to hear myself while singing and do i have to use the headphones?

[steve]

so must i download the backing music first?

Yes.

like i cant just play it from youtube?

If you do that the recording quality of the backing will be rubbish.

and will i be able to hear myself while singing

Unless you've changed the default settings in Audacity, yes. Let us know if you have a problem with this part.

do i have to use the headphones?

Yes, otherwise the backing will echo and you could get screaming feedback (not good).

[Jacktibba]

but on youtube i see some people just recording and they dont have headphones sometimes??
and why when i record and then i listen to it i am ALWAYS to fast but when i am recording i am singing at the right time??
all i want to do is just get my mic plunged in and do a cover that sounds good. just like this sort of thing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyJAi_bV ... ideo_title

[steve]

Big white thing on his head is a pair of headphones
He's using those to listen to the backing track.

why when i record and then i listen to it i am ALWAYS to fast but when i am recording i am singing at the right time??

Are you actually "too fast" (that is, you are overtaking the backing track), or are you just "ahead if the beat"?
If it's the latter, you may need to adjust the latency correction.

[Jacktibba]

yes i know they are headphones so i can play the backing track through the headphones and then just record my voice and then put the backing track in later??
but then i cant hear myself through my mic..i cant listen to both at the same time?
yes i am ahead of the song. i dont know why that is but maybe if i sing while listening to the backing track it might help.
and i also want it to sound like that video,not the voice of course but i want the effect that it sounds like a cd and not a cover in a room?? any tips?
thanks so much again

[steve]

You need to:
Import the music track into Audacity.
Set "Overdub" on (enabled) in the Transport menu.
Plug your headphones into the microphone.
Set the recording and playback devices in Audacity to the USB options.

You should then be able to hear both your voice and the music in your headphones when you record.