How to record guitar in Cubase (part 2)

In some of the previous posts I already wrote how to record guitar in Cubase. Today, I want to tell you about some tricks and tips, that you can use in Cubase for recording.

1) Mono or stereo?

If you have mono-signal, for example from one microphone or guitar output, it’s better to use mono-track. That will not waste your free space on hard-drive and improve performance. And if you using two microphones in recording your guitar amp, you can also record it to a different mono-tracks and then experimenting with mixing those tracks.

2) Avoid clipping in recording.

Always look at the level of input signal. If it is too high, your sound will be clipped and distorted. So, you need to check output of your signal and then the input. In Cubase you always can see the graphic of volume and peak-meter.

3) Leave free beginning bars

I always freeing beginning bars of my project because that helps me in recording. That free bars allows me to prepare before record. Sometimes I making intro with drums and other instruments that are “riding” into the whole song.

Using Cubase automation

For adjustment parametres of the instrument in mix helps Cubase automation – function allowing to regulate volume, position in space, equalization and others. It allows to create music with a changing environment.

For example, you should create gradual attenuation of a sound or its moving from the left channel to the right. All it easily becomes with the help of automation in Cubase.

More in details about Cubase automation:

1) Choose a track on which will be automation. At the left below you will see “+” – press it and you will see new parameter Volume.

2) Now choose a pencil and draw a curve. Green button "R" means “Reading”. Once you presssed it you disconnect automation.

3) Also it is possible to press near to “R” – button "W" and having pressed play you can establish automation in real time.

How to use VST (Fl Studio)

In this post I will tell you how to use VST (Fl Studio). The installation of plugins is similar to installing VST in Cubase. It is necessary to mention a folder for storage of plugins – FlStudio/Plugins/Vst.

So how to apply Vst effect in Fl Studio:

1) Install or copy a plugin to a folder for plugins storage - FlStudio/Plugins/Vst.

2) In FlStudio press Channels – Add one - More. In the list of plugins below we press Refresh – Fast Scan. The list will be updated and also you will see the installed plugins. There you can activate or deactivate plugins.

3) Now if you press Channels you will see all plugins which can be used in your mix.

How to use VST plugins in Cubase

In one of the previous posts, I told how to record guitar in Cubase. Now I will tell you how to use VST plugins in Cubase on audiotrack. VST effects can be used in various directions. It can be the whole modules for work with a sound – guitar processing modules Guitar Rig, Amplitube, Revalver, for sound mastering Izotope Ozone. And there can be the elementary effects – Distortion, Chorus and others.

So, you have a recorded audiotrack. Add to that audiotrack VST plugin is easy and simple:

1)   At the left of the audiotrack press the button “e”. 

2)   Now you see a column, with empty cells i1, i2, i3 and so on. In my example in a cell i2 I have VST effect Overdrive. 

3)   Press one of empty cells “i” and there will be a menu where you can choose various effects. Choose effect and it is ready. The button “e”  is also applied to adjustment effect.

How to record keyboard in Cubase

So, I already mentioned how to record  guitar in Cubase. Now I will tell you how to record the keyboard instrument. To record Midi in Cubase, you need a synthesizer with Midi-outputs or the Midi-keyboard. The data can be transferred through Midi outputs or through USB.

Let's start:

1)   Power on a keyboard or synthesizer.

2)   Start Cubase. Click on File – New Project – Empty.

3)   Then add Midi-track. Project – Add track – MIDI.

4)    Now we choose out for MIDI track. It is possible to use the built in software, and it is possible to apply VST instruments. VST is a instrument in which based on audiosamples, therefore a quality of a sound of some instruments almost like from real instruments. For an example, I will use the instrument from Cubase SX 3 – Synth A1. For this purpose choose Devices – VST Instruments – Synth – A1. All VST tools for MIDI are used through this option.

5)   You can also choose patch in the instrument and get different sounds.

6)   Record. Record goes similarly, as well as a record of live instruments.

 

That’s all. Now you can record music in any style.

How to record guitar in Cubase

In this article I will tell in detail how to record a guitar or other instrument in the sound editor. As audio editor I will use Cubase SX 3.

What is required for recording?
1) Driver ASIO4ALL for owners of the built in cards – http://www.asio4all.com
2) Cubase - http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase/versions.html

It is better for owners of the built in cards install ASIO4ALL, because speed of these drivers considerably above, than at use of the standard drivers. Owners of a sound card with "correct" support ASIO – such problem will not arise.

One more tip – for instrument record it is necessary to establish options of a sound card. I use Line-In, therefore on Record I have Line-In, and on Playback inputs are disconnected. So, the instrument is not audible on an exit, it only can record. And how to hear the instrument? For this purpose look at 4 point, function Monitor.

And now work process in Cubase SX 3 is more detailed:
1) Start Cubase SX 3. Further we click on New Project – Templates – Empty

2) You will suggest to choose a folder where you will store the recorded files. It is better to create a separate folder on a disk with an empty space.

3) Now we click on a Project – Add Track – Audio. Here you can choose Mono or Stereo track. All depends on a kind of an output of your instrument, Mono or Stereo.

4) In the appeared track I turning on function Monitor to hear what I recording at present tme. After pressing on this button you should hear at once your instrument.

5) Record. Press on red button Record on panel Transport.

That's all. Now you can record instrumental parts and create music.