Anyone, plz help!

I'm new to using sequencers and DAWs. I have a machine set up as a DAW running cubase sx. I am recording several ideas a day but I have no idea how to add drum track to it. Can someone explain the concept of recording and structuring a track???? Should I start with drum track first and then move on to record audio? or how do I add drum track to existing audio track I recorded?

I have re-birth but for some reason I cannot seem to get it to record in Cubase..

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Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

hmmm... I don't quite get your question but just to let you know, you can work with audio and midi tracks at the same time.

for drums i usually create a midi track and have it connected to a vst instrument (in my case, a software sampler- Kontak. your case it would be your hardware Sampler - Triton)

also I usually don't record the drum/percussion tracks to audio until the final mixdown. The only audio files I work with are the synth lines/effects that I record from my synth. I don't like leaving them on midi cuz of latency issues.

To record from Cubase, you need to open up the rewire window or the rebirth input window, depending on what version of cubase you are running and select the rebirth channels you want to record. They light up green when you have selected them.
You have to open rebirth AFTER you open Cubase though. The controls are then linked. Press record in cubase and it starts rebirth as well. My experience is only with Cubase SX though, so it may be different for VST 5/3.2 etc.

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.

thnx for your replies... Let me clarify it a bit, in hopes of getting more info

Keep in mind - my knowledge is spotty. Which means that I know enough to "crawl around" but I wouldn't say I am "walking" yet. I'm learning as I go along, so while I know terminology and feel somewhat comfortable in cubase sx, I'm still learning the "guts" of MIDI and mastering. I have not put a complete track together yet and this question is about process and structure of building a track. I am doing something very minimalistic for now, just to learn. simple audio track, simple midi track, and simple drum track. I just want to get it all together, splice it and make it an actual song. With that said -

Let's say I play a part (non-percussion), record it and now I want to add drums. I have recorded 1 audio and 1 MIDI tracks (- output of Access Virus, with synth knob movements, etc).

Now I want to add drums - what is the best process and technique to do that? Should I just cut and paste drum samples (sprinkle them where appropriate) or should I select 909 on my synth and hit keys in rythm with my track? How do I create that "build up"? In other words, I'd like to know the anatomy of drum track for song. Also, If you know of any sources to look this info up or good forums (besides TA to visit), it'd be greatly appreciated!

thnx!

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Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

do you know how to assign samples from your sampler to different keys in the piano roll??

In your post it sounds like you don't know how a sampler works with a piano roll.

You want to lay the drums down before you lay down the synths, because you need the drums to get the synths in line/rythem.

Drums should not be plaved where ever you want. Load them into a sampler. Then your main kick drum should come on every 1/4 note. Then for something simple, have a clap with some reverb on it on every second quarter note.

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.

Thanks for all your replies! I do not know how sampler works - that's one more hurdle for me to overcome. I have done a stupid thing - bought a lot of expensive gear and because of my short attention span, have not focused on mastering each one. I would say I am getting a better hang of my Access Virus but there are so many other things that I have not explored to the fullest extent. I have so many ideas that I am recording daily but they are all so to say "acoustic" - e.g. just the "hook" or main part. No base, no drum, no fx, nothing but ideas. It would be great to just set some time aside to focus on it. As far as sampling goes, I have triton for sampling but I haven't ventured into sampling portion of it.

My main concern right now, if I were to introduce Gigasampler into the whole mix, how difficult is it to integrate it with cubase? Does cubase see Gigasampler as a VSTi? Should I go with a cheap version (32 voice) or the full blown, 160 voice? The price difference is drastic, but I figure if the only difference is 32 voices, I don't think I'll need 160 - at least in the near future.

Anyway, sorrry to sound like a total lamer - I do appreciate all the help. Meanwhile, (sorry if this was asked before) what is the best source for getting my stupid questions answered? Is there a forum dedicated to n00bies somewhere? I just feel like such a tool, but that's what happens when you work 12 hour days to pay off the gear .

thx y'all, if I ever make anything worthy - you'll all be mentioned in the credits and get major props....

___________________
Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

Thanks for all your replies! I do not know how sampler works - that's one more hurdle for me to overcome. I have done a stupid thing - bought a lot of expensive gear and because of my short attention span, have not focused on mastering each one. I would say I am getting a better hang of my Access Virus but there are so many other things that I have not explored to the fullest extent. I have so many ideas that I am recording daily but they are all so to say "acoustic" - e.g. just the "hook" or main part. No base, no drum, no fx, nothing but ideas. It would be great to just set some time aside to focus on it. As far as sampling goes, I have triton for sampling but I haven't ventured into sampling portion of it.

My main concern right now, if I were to introduce Gigasampler into the whole mix, how difficult is it to integrate it with cubase? Does cubase see Gigasampler as a VSTi? Should I go with a cheap version (32 voice) or the full blown, 160 voice? The price difference is drastic, but I figure if the only difference is 32 voices, I don't think I'll need 160 - at least in the near future.

Anyway, sorrry to sound like a total lamer - I do appreciate all the help. Meanwhile, (sorry if this was asked before) what is the best source for getting my stupid questions answered? Is there a forum dedicated to n00bies somewhere? I just feel like such a tool, but that's what happens when you work 12 hour days to pay off the gear .

thx y'all, if I ever make anything worthy - you'll all be mentioned in the credits and get major props....

___________________
Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

Just keep posting them here mate. And slow down on the buying of equipment. As jealous as I am, you need to learn each piece one by one. I recently acquired a virus and I'm not getting anything else until i feel confident with this thing. As much as I'd now love to get my hands on a Waldorf Q, you need to pace yourself.

As far as sampling goes, Halion vst is a good sampler, as well as Kontakt, by Native Instruments. I'm not too familiar with this but since its by NI, I assume its VST as well.

And remember, if you ever realise you have too much gear to work with, send em my way, I'll sort them out for you

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1 out of every 4 people in this country are mentally disturbed. Look at your 3 closest friends. If they seem okay, then you're the one.