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How to record music at home using a windows computer

I have been writing songs since I first started playing guitar. This might give away my age, but I was making up my own funky lyrics for songs before Wierd Al ever met Dr. Demento and got sorta famous with My Bolongna.

As I got older I wanted to start recording my own music. I use to play around with two cassette tape decks back in the day. But then along came personal computers.

I tried Audacity and Kristal which are powerful free multitrack recording programs  in their own right. But they just didnt have enough juice for what I wanted to do.

I gave Reaper and Cubase a shot too. But they were on the other end of the spectrum and they were  just a little bit hard to get really good results with, considering the amount of time I was willing to put into them. Now there are people out there that really love all the software I mentioned above. But, after years of working in the IT field I learned a long time ago that looking for the easy way to do something isnt always a bad thing.

SOFTWARE: Sonoma Wire Works Said, “Let there be RIFFWORKS!”

Riffwords Standard

Riffwork’s is a free four track recording software suite. It will easily install on a Windows Xp later version of windows, they even have a Mac version. Just make sure you have the correct hardware to go with it. Below I have a link to Riffwork’s supported hardware page. Be sure you go there first and own a supported device before even downloading the software. I bought a Line 6 UX2 because it was on the hardware list. And it has to be one of the best investments I have ever made for recording music.

Riffwork’s comes with effects (echo,delay, reverb & more) and what has to be the absolute best free electronic drummers (IMHO) I have ever came across. You can even buy more drummers packs to expand the styles it will play. Time can be changed to 4/4 to 3/4 or just about any time signature you can come up with. Plus the multi-track and riff system it uses are extremely easy to use and it is easy to come up with impressive sounding tunes.

If you buy the full version (Riffwork’s Standard) you can unlock the ability to record up to 32 tracks at a time. This is one really cool and easy to use piece of software. Just be sure to read the hardware notes below.

Now for the Riffworks Kicker!

Let’s say you have came up with a song, did your vocals, tried to make you guitar or keyboard or whatever you might be using to do the backing tracks. But you just can’t come up with a bass line, keyboard solo, backing vocals etc… that you need to finish the song. YOU CAN POST IT WITH RIFFWORKS TO RIFFLINK and other musicians will most of the time add parts. And I’m telling you, a very high percentage of these musicians are extremely good and so talented you will wonder why your not paying big bucks for the session work. On a final note. Once you have your song finished Sonoma Wirework’s has provided Riffworld which is a website where you can easily post your finished masterpieces.

Hardware:

 

One of the most important issues with Riffwork’s is making sure you have the correct hardware to use with it.
I will post video tutorials on how I use this software to make my music.
So…  YA’ALL Come back now ya  hear!
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How to publish a podcast using wordpress, podPress, and Dropbox!

I recently set Layzpig’s blog up so he could start uploading podcast. Below is a quick tutorial on how you can do it too! Sorry for the high pitched hum in the screencast. I’m still working the bugs out of my screen recording software.



Use the link above to sign up for dropbox and get 250mb free! I get 250mb more for my account. So if you use that link Thanks! =)
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Trip to to Loma Linda to visit the Gastroenterology Clinic

I went to Loma Linda today to see a Gastroenterologist. Ive had a gut problem for a while and after some googling of my own. I found a Medical Center that did what I want to have done to fix the problem.

I have been to a few hospitals and seen a few doctors in my day. But todays visit was impressive to say the least. When I was searching, at first I found that the Mayo Clinic in Arizona somewhere had a good Gastro Department and used the equipment that (from what I had read on the internet) was the best tool for the job. When I called the Mayo Clinic the receptionist was rude and got extremely snippy when I asked her what I had to do to get my insurance to pay the bill. So I thought, well I wont say what I thought this is a pg-rated blog.

Next I found that Loma Linda Medical Center had the equipment and a professional that could “get er done”. So I called the gastro… department and was greeted by an extremely helpful and intelligent receptionist.  She walked me through what I had to do to get my insurance coverage and set a time for me to come see their gastroenterologist. She said that I was going to see Dr. Yan Shi Zhao. I researched the Dr. Zhao and she has great credentials… So today I showed up.

Well, it was worth the trip. Everyone was helpful, had a smile on their face and seemed eager to help. Meeting Dr. Yan Shi Zhao was a pleasure to be sure, she listened, checked, gave advice and set up my appointment for an endoscopy (or a gut google as I call it) so she could collect some samples and decide what needs to be done. As I left I felt as if I had spoke to a true professional in the field.

In ending, Dr. Yan Shi Zhao and her supporting staff made me feel as if I was a real human that was going to get his ailment researched and treated as needed, and not a money cow with good insurance that they could suck some cash out of.

Bravo Loma Linda, and thanks Dr. Zhao and Staff!

Dr. Zhao:

Here is the link to my CT scan

Thanks!