Reference Guide

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Recording
Recording audio
Watch the meters respond. Increase the input volume as high as possible without ever letting the
meters move all the way to 0dB, even for an instant, or letting the Clipping indicator turn red. If
either of these things happen, reduce the input volume just enough to avoid them during the
entire performance. Note that some kinds of audio, such as percussive or plucked musical
instruments, can produce very short, high-level “transients” when struck or plucked aggressively,
which can lead to clipping if the input volume is set too high. Consider the possibility of these
transients when examining the meters and setting your record level.
Once you have set your sampling rate and input levels, you are ready to start recording. If the
meters do not move, check your sound card software’s mixer program and make sure that you have
the proper input enabled for recording.
When you record audio, SONAR stores each audio clip in a separate file. These files have the same
format as a Wave (.wav) file, but they have special names and are stored in a separate directory on
your hard disk. SONAR automatically manages these audio files for you, making it easier for you to
manage your projects. If you want to work with these files directly, or to learn more about how
SONAR stores audio data, see “System Configuration” on page 843.
Tuning an Instrument
SONAR Chromatic Tuner analyzes any input signal from the sound card and displays the intonation
(in cents) on the meter. The tuner automatically determines which string/pitch you are trying to tune,
so that you can keep both hands on the instrument while tuning. The VU Meter shows how loud your
input signal is–a strong signal is essential for accurate tuning.
The Tuner works just like an effect and each track can have its own instance.
With a microphone, you can also tune acoustic instruments.
To Tune an Instrument
1. In the track you want to record your instrument on, right-click in the Effects bin.
2. From the menu that appears, select Audio Effects > Cakewalk > Tuner.
3. Click the track’s Input Monitor button. If you don’t click the Input Monitor button on the track
the Tuner is patched into, you will not be able to use the tuner.
4. With your instrument plugged into your sound card and turned up, play a note.
The Tuner displays the intonation reading on the cents meter and the name of the note you
played between the three arrows. One of the three arrows lights up, indicating one of the
following:
• Up arrow indicates the note is in tune.
• Right arrow indicates the note is sharp.
• Left arrow indicates the note is flat.
Note: If the Clipping indicator is illuminated, click on it to reset.