Reference Guide

256
Recording
Preparing to record
Recording modes
Any material you record is stored in a new clip. If you record into several tracks at once, one clip is
created in each track. If you record into a track that already contains clips, you can choose one of
three recording modes to determine what happens to those clips. When you save your project, you
also save whatever recording mode you choose together with that project:
To choose a recording mode
Do one of the following:
• Right-click the Record button to open recording settings, then choose the desired recording
mode.
•Go to Edit > Preferences > Project - Record, then choose the desired recording mode.
SONAR saves your recording options with each project, so you can save a different recording mode
with each of your projects.
Choosing an input
To record into a track, you must choose an input for the music or sound to be recorded. Usually, you
choose All Inputs - Omni to record material from a MIDI instrument, or the left or right channel of a
digital audio device (such as a sound card) to record audio material, or stereo if you want to record
stereo audio in a single track. The input for each track is displayed in the track’s Input field and at
the top of each module in the Console view.
When you choose All Inputs > Omni as the input for a track, SONAR merges material from all MIDI
inputs and instruments. This means you don’t have to worry about input, channel, or other MIDI
settings. Sometimes, you may want to record different MIDI channels into different tracks. To learn
how to do this, see “Recording specific ports and channels” on page 293.
While each track can have a different input, it is also possible for several tracks to have the same
input.
Recording mode How it works
Sound on Sound The new material is merged with any existing material. This means that any
existing clips on the track are left unchanged and all newly recorded material is
stored in new clips. While recording, you will be able to hear material from
existing clips.
Overwrite The new material replaces (overwrites) any existing material. This means that
portions of existing clips may be “wiped clean” to make room for newly recorded
material. While recording, you will not be able to hear material from existing clips.
Auto Punch Recording only takes place between the punch-in and punch-out times. You can
use Auto Punch in either Sound on Sound or Overwrite mode.
Table 35.