Reference Guide

122 Tutorial 3 – Recording vocals and musical instruments
Troubleshooting
If you weren't able to record successfully by following this tutorial, please check the following:
I only get one side of my guitar or microphone recorded
You may be recording a mono signal through a stereo input. Guitars and microphones produce
mono signals. Click the tracks Input control and select the appropriate side of your stereo pair, either
left or right as opposed to stereo.
Also, make sure you don't have a mono adapter going into the Line-in and that you have the Left
side of your sound card (mono) chosen for input in SONAR.
Previously recorded tracks are mixed into my new recordings
This can happen when your soundcard is set to record everything that comes out of your computer
speakers.
1. Open the Windows Volume Control window:
• Windows 7: Click the Windows Start button and go to Control Panel > Hardware and
Sound > Volume Control.
The Volume Control window appears.
2. On the Options menu, click Properties.
The Properties dialog box appears.
3. In the Adjust Volume For section, click Recording.
4. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.
The Record Mixer appears.
5. Make sure What You Hear or Stereo Mix (exact name various depending on the sound card
manufacturer) is not selected. If this option is enabled, click the Select check box below the
desired input (normally Line In or Mic).
This problem can also occur when you are using an analog mixer in your setup. Carefully follow all
of your signal paths to ensure that your sound cards audio output is not being looped back into itself.
You should also consider the possibility of your microphone picking up the signal from your speakers
or headphones.
Only a flat line or silence is recorded
Open the Windows Volume Control window:
• Windows 7: Click the Windows Start button and go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound >
Manage audio devices.
The Windows Mixer controls the volume levels of your sound card inputs and can also mute any
input or output device.