7.2.8.2. To Capture an Additional Part of Something That Is already Recorded
A technique often used for studio recordings is to separately record parts that would normally be played together, and which will later be made to sound together (see the "Prepearing a Session" section, below). For example, consider a recording where one trumpeter wants to record both parts of a solo written for two trumpets. The orchestra could be brought into the studio, and would play the entire solo piece without any trumpet solo. Ardour will record this on one track. Then, the trumpet soloist goes to the studio, and uses Ardour to simultaneously listen to the previously-recorded orchestra track while playing one of the solo trumpet parts, which is recorded onto another track. The next day, the trumpeter returns to the studio, and uses Ardour to listen to the previously-recorded orchestra track and previously-recorded solo trumpet part while playing the other solo trumpet part, which is recorded onto a third track. The recording engineer uses Audacity's mixing and editing features to make it sound as though the trumpeter played both solo parts at the same time, while the orchestra was there.
Coordinating the timing of musicians across tracks recorded separately is difficult. A "click track" is a track with a consistent clicking noise at the desired tempo. Click tracks are played through headphones to the musicians being recorded, or to a musician who leads the others. Click tracks are not included in the final mix.
To do this:
Record the first part. The order in which to record parts is up to the recording engineer (that means you). It will probably be easier to record whoever plays the most, or whoever plays the most rhythmically consistent part, before the others.
Add the track/s onto which you will next record.
Set up the connections for the new track.
Do a level check to ensuer that the new track is neither too loud nor soft.
Set the transport to the beginning of the passage where you want to begin recording the next track. You do not need to set up the start of the track very precisely, since you can change that later. You will need to make sure that the next player has enough time after the transport is started to hear where they are supposed to enter, and at what tempo.
You will need to set up some way for the performers (or somebody conducting/leading them) to hear the already-recorded material. It is probably best to do this with headphones.
Arm the tracks that you want to record. Make sure that already-recorded tracks are no longer armed, especially if they are in "tape mode."
Arm the transport.
When you are ready to record, start the transport rolling.
