How to Record, Mix and Master on BandLab (For Free!)
There are many digital audio workstations (or DAWs for studio savvy!). I like BandLab because it is online and doesn't take up any room on my computer. I can still mix, master, and save tracks as MP3s or WAV files with this program.
If you want to get started recording your own music at your house, I can run you through the basics.
Do I need an interface?
It depends on what you are recording. I know using an Mbox is popular for pro tools but if you want to keep things simple you can make do with midi cable (for piano/electric drums)
Or an iRig, which is a small, portable audio interface that plugs directly into your phone - perfect if you're recording your guitar or bass straight into a mobile DAW like BandLab
Does Bandlab cost anything?
No. It's completely free! I hold it in high regard as I have submitted music I created on Bandlab to record companies.
Where do I begin?
Make a username and password for your account. You will then be taken to this page:
Hit the orange 'create' button at the top of the right-hand corner of the screen. Then click on 'new project'. This will take you to the studio which looks like this.
You will then be asked what instrument you want to record.
If you want to record vocals/guitar or an electronic drum kit with your 'IRIG' adaptor choose this option.
This is a really simple setup. You first plug in your guitar lead to your guitar, then the lead into your 'iRig' adaptor then the 'iRig' into the input in your phone.
If you want to record your keyboard/electric drum kit using Midi you can use this option.
The setup for this is also super simple. You plug the midi cable (which you can get off Amazon for around £9!) into the midi OUTPUT in the back of your keyboard (or electric drum kit). You then plug the USB side of the cable into your laptop. It's that easy and now you are ready to record!
What is the difference between recording AUDIO and recording MIDI?
Most people like recording audio because it is quick and easy. The only problem with recording AUDIO is you can't change anything AFTER you have recorded it.
When you record MIDI, which stands for MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DIGITAL INTERFACE. You have the freedom to change sounds after the recording has been completed. An example would be if I recorded a drum track on a funky-sounding drum kit. Then I come back the next day and decide the beat will sound better on a Heavy Metal drum kit. All I need to do is change the drum kit and yesterday's performance will sound completely different as it is on a different sounding kit.
It's more noticeable when you change keyboard sounds. You could play something on the Studio grand piano that might sound like a ballad.
By clicking on the INSTUMENT box, I can change the grand piano sound to a whirly giving the song a new funky feel.
Should I record with a click track?
The reason I recommend recording with a click track is that we are so used to hearing music that is synthesized. Any track with a programmed drum beat will be perfectly in time. If you DON'T record with a click track and want to record overdubs it can be incredibly difficult to make different sections of the song fit if the timing isn't next to perfect.
Bandlabs metronome feature is near the top right hand of the screen.
You will notice to the right of the metronome is the song's bpm's (Tempo or beats per minute) and time signature 4/4. A really useful and cool feature of Bandlab is its metronome has a 'Tap Tempo' feature. That means if you don't know exactly how fast your song is you can just tap the beat into the metronome and it will automatically tell you the BPM'S!
There are also some default metronome settings on Bandlab that you should be aware of. The song's 'count in duration' is pre-set for 1 bar. That means you will get a count of FOUR beats. I recommend changing this setting to 2 bars. This will help you get a feel for the song's tempo just before you record the first note.
Now you successfully know what adapters/leads you need to plug your instrument into Bandlab you are on your way! There are simply too many cool features of this DAW to fit into one article.
Please stay tuned for next month's article where I will walk you through the steps of recording your instrument.
Until then, keep practicing!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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