Most of the major software recording programs works about the same. The look and feel may be slightly different but once you find the location of whatever you are looking for it will be very similar no matter which program you choose to use.

Today we will look at some of the things you need to consider before you hit the record button. Whenever you set up a new song I like to go over my options and set things up the right way.

Save as: This is absolutely the first thing you should do when recording a new audio file. I can't tell you how many times I have nearly rewrote a previous saved file that would be a disaster if lost. All of this can be avoided if you get in the habit of saving your file with the proper name first.

Where to save: Be sure and save your file in the folder you want to keep it in. It is very easy to lose your audio if you are not careful with this step. Also it is a good practice to save an edited and unedited version of your audio.

Type of file: What file type you save your audio in depends on your plans for the audio. If it is going on a Cd you should save as a wav file. For most other uses you can get by saving in the mp3 format. I always save my audio as an uncompressed wav file first then I may convert to mp3 if the situation calls for it.

Sample rate: You should save your audio at least at 44.1 kHz. This is standard CD quality, which is important if your final product will wind up on an audio CD.

Bit rate: If you have a choice between 16 bit and 24 bit choose 24.

In and out settings: make sure you're in and out routing is going to the right buss in your recording software. You don't want to record a great audio file only to have it recording over your previous file.

Getting your options set up right will save you untold time and trouble. Take the time before you star recording to put your recording on solid ground.