• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
    Music Repo

    Music Repo

    Home Recording Made Easy

    • Start Here
    • Record
    • Learn
    • Create
    • About
    • Search

    How To Make Your First Recording In A DAW – Step By Step Guide

    In this video tutorial you learn step by step how to make record audio in Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. Start with Audacity, upscale to Reaper.

    November 13, 2020

    In the video tutorial below, I show you how to create your first audio recording in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Reaper. This can seem complicated at first! So you learn how to record in Audacity, which is very easy, then upscale the knowledge to make your first audio recording in Reaper.

    To follow this tutorial, you can use your computer’s built in microphone. However you will get better quality results if you use a USB microphone or an audio interface to record. You will see how this is done in the video. However, if you are just starting out, you may want to begin with what you have to hand before committing to purchasing any equipment.

    You can download Audacity for FREE, and you can also download Reaper and use it for 60 days before deciding whether to purchase it, so either pieces of software are fantastic to trial making your first recordings at home.

    So, once you have the equipment and recording software then you are ready to make your first audio recording.

    Reaper is an example of a DAW or Digital Audio Workstation Software. It is a complete digital audio production application with a full multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing and mastering toolset. So that is fantastic, but for a beginner it can be very daunting even to make your first recording!

    This is because you open the software up and you are faced with a blank screen and it is very difficult to know how to begin.

    What I suggest you do is start with software that is much easier, and then apply the principles you have learned to Reaper.

    Video Tutorial: Make Your First Recording Step-By-Step

    Your First Audio Recording in basic software: Audacity

    So you are going to record in Audacity – which is completely free – then upscale your knowledge to record in Reaper.

    When you open up Audacity it is possible to get recording right away without thinking too hard about what you are doing. You don’t need to open up any preferences boxes because everything is in front of you on the screen, it is all very obvious.

    You can choose which microphone or device you want to use to record from a simple drop down box, and same for where you want to playback the sound. You set the levels moving the sliders. Then you simply hit the record button like you would do on a phone, or an old fashioned tape recorder. Then you press stop and there you have it your first recording. Easy.

    If you wish, you can then open up the preferences by choosing Audacity -Preferences from the menu, and you find you have a range of options that you can adjust. Audacity is very well featured for free recording software. But it is only an audio editor, it doesn’t have MIDI or virtual instruments and lots of other features. It is nowhere near as complicated as a DAW like Reaper.

    So now to upscale what you did in Audacity to Reaper.

    Your First Recording in more advanced software: Reaper

    Open the DAW and you start with that really daunting blank canvas.

    The first thing to do is have a look at the preferences, then look under ‘Audio’ and select ‘Device’. Here you can choose your preferred recording device or microphone.

    Now you need to insert a track before you can make you first recording. Once the track is created, you simply arm it for recording.

    Now press the record button on the main recording controls, and start recording.

    When you stop recording the track, Reaper will confirm that you wish to save the wav file. You can accept the default name or you can change it at this point. Once you have named and saved it, then you can easily play it back.

    Once you have made your first recording, you are ready to add more tracks … and you now can start building up your recording skills!

    Hopefully this has helped you get past that first daunting hurdle and you successfully make your first recording.

    Your First Recording … Get The Software … And More Tutorials

    You can download Audacity from here http://www.audacityteam.org/

    … and you can get a 60-day trial of Reaper from here http://www.reaper.fm/

    If you have enjoyed this tutorial, then do go and look at the other videos on our YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to subscribe as we are gradually adding new videos you won’t want to miss!

    Other Popular Recording Software

    Bestseller No. 1
    AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 | 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8...
    AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 | 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8...
    • Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual...
    • Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution,...
    • The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat & Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and...
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2
    Mackie Onyx Artist 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software...
    Mackie Onyx Artist 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software...
    • Boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
    • Zero-latency direct analog monitoring of inputs
    • 1/4” TRS input with Hi-Z switch for connecting guitar, bass, and more
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3
    Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows
    Image Line FL Studio 20 Producer Edition Mac/Windows
    • Powerful mixing and automation
    • The best Piano Roll in the business
    • Flexible Browser and workflow features
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 4
    PreSonus ATOM Production and Performance Pad Controller with Studio One Artist Software
    PreSonus ATOM Production and Performance Pad Controller with Studio One Artist Software
    • Tight integration with included studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on...
    • Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility
    • 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 5
    Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 Audio Interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software,...
    Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 Audio Interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software,...
    • Get everything you need in one box, and start recording straight away
    • Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs
    • Bus-powered for easy mobile recording with no power adapter needed USB 2. 0 connectivity for fast transfer speed and low latency Built-Like-A-Tank design to...
    $349.99 −$30.00
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 6
    Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production...
    Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production...
    • Boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
    • Zero-latency direct analog monitoring of inputs
    • Dedicated 1/4" TRS outputs for connecting studio monitors
    $279.99 −$30.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 7
    PreSonus AudioBox Studio Ultimate Bundle Complete Hardware/Software Recording Kit with Studio...
    PreSonus AudioBox Studio Ultimate Bundle Complete Hardware/Software Recording Kit with Studio...
    • Complete recording solution: Just add a computer
    • Audio Box USB 96 audio/MIDI interface with cable
    • Eris E3.5 compact, 2-way, active studio monitors.Input Impedance:0.5 MΩ
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 8
    Mackie Onyx Artist 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software...
    Mackie Onyx Artist 2-2 Audio/Midi interface With Pro Tools First/Tracktion Music Production Software...
    • Boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
    • Zero-latency direct analog monitoring of inputs
    • Zero-latency direct analog monitoring of inputs
    Buy on Amazon
    SaleBestseller No. 9
    ACID Pro 8 Suite - Professional music production
    ACID Pro 8 Suite - Professional music production
    • Complete DAW for loop-based music production with 9 GB of ACIDized loops.
    • Professional VST instruments and effects worth over $ 2,000.
    • Powerful music software with 64-bit technology.
    $399.00 −$270.00
    Buy on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 10
    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface Full Studio Bundle with Creative Music Production...
    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2x2 USB Audio Interface Full Studio Bundle with Creative Music Production...
    • Get everything you need in one box, and start recording straight away
    • High-performance 24-bit/192kHz converters
    • Super-low latency lets you monitor with native plug-in effects in real time
    Buy on Amazon

    Last updated on 2021-02-25 / Affiliate links / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API

    You Might Also Like …

    • Record Your Keyboard or Piano On Your Computer Step-By-Step
    • How To Record Audio and MIDI At The Same Time In Recording Software
    • Record Multiple USB Mics in Audacity and Reaper – Windows Tutorial
    • Record 2 USB Mics At Once – A Step-by-Step Guide For Mac
    • Home Recording Studio Setup For Beginners
    Make First DAW Recording Step By Step Tutorial

    Found this helpful? Please share it ...

    [This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure policy here.]

    Previous Post: « Best Dynamic Microphone Best Dynamic Microphones in 2021 For Studio And Live Recording
    Next Post: Blue Yeti Pro USB/XLR Microphone Review Blue Yeti Pro USB/XLR Microphone Review »

    SMALL PRINT

    • About Music Repo
    • Privacy and Cookie Policies
    • Site Map
    • Technical Support
    • Contact Us

    EQUIPMENT

    • Audio Interfaces
    • Microphones
    • MIDI
    • Studio Headphones
    • Studio Monitors
    • Recording Software
    • Audio Cables

    TUTORIALS

    • Get Started
    • Video Tutorials
    • How To Guides
    • Record
    • Learn
    • Create
    • Songwriting

    INSTRUMENTS

    • Guitar
    • Keyboard and Piano
    • Piano

    FOLLOW

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2021 · Music Repo · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Genesis Pro with the Mai Delight Theme