Reference Guide

276 Recording
Recording audio
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 1182.
To Record Audio
1. Choose the audio inputs for the track(s) you want to record.
2. Arm the tracks for recording. The Clips pane next to each armed track turns a reddish hue when
the track is armed.
3. Set the Now time to the point in the project where you want to start recording.
4. Click or press R. If your metronome count-in is turned on, it will play the count-in measures
or beats.
5. Play or perform the material you want to record.As you record, SONAR displays a waveform
preview of the new material in the Clips pane (unless you have disabled the Display Waveform
Preview While Recording option in Edit > Preferences > Customization - Display). If you
have turned off the option, SONAR displays a red swath along the area of the Clips pane where
you are recording.
6. Click or press the SPACEBAR to stop recording.
SONAR displays a clip containing the new material in the Clips pane. To listen to the new material,
set the Now time to the start of the clip and press the SPACEBAR or click . If you’re not happy
with the recording, use Edit > Undo to erase the new material.
If you do not see a new clip in the Clips pane, you may have a problem with audio input. See
“Troubleshooting” on page 1251 for more information.
To hear previously recorded material on track while recording
By default, SONAR does not play back any previously recorded material on a track while recording.
If you want to always hear previously recorded audio while recording, go to Edit > Preferences >
Project - Record and select the Hear previously recorded material on track check box.
Important: Make sure you have enough space on your hard disk when recording digital audio.
Running out of hard disk space when recording can lead to unpredictable results.