BandLab Multitrack Recording: A Practical Walkthrough

Before you start

BandLab runs as a web app in a compatible browser and as a mobile app. Multitrack recording uses BandLab's project studio, where each recorded part becomes a separate track in the same project. Close other programs that may use the microphone or speakers, and make sure the browser or app has permission to access your audio input. If you are using an external microphone or audio interface, connect it before opening the project so BandLab can list it as an input option.

Step-by-step instructions

Create a new project or open an existing one. In the studio view, add the number of tracks you need before recording. If the project already has enough empty tracks, you can skip ahead to selecting an input.

1. Open the project in the BandLab studio.
2. Add an audio track if there is no empty track for the part you want to record.
3. On the track, choose the correct input source, such as the built-in microphone or an audio interface input.
4. Select the monitoring option if your device supports it and you need to hear yourself while recording.
5. Move the playhead to the point where recording should start.
6. Enable count-in or pre-roll if you want a short lead-in before recording begins.
7. Press record, perform the part, then stop the recording.
8. Listen to the take. Delete it and record again if it is not usable, or keep it as a completed take.
9. Repeat the process on another track to add the next part.

Keep recording levels steady. A track that records too quietly may need extra gain later, while a track that distorts during recording is difficult to repair. Adjust input gain before the next take if the waveform appears very small or heavily clipped.

Check the output

Play the project from the beginning and listen for balance, timing, and unwanted background noise. Confirm that each new recording appears on its own track and starts from the expected position. If a take is early or late, you can undo and record again, or move the clip after recording.

Check the waveform while listening. A very short or flat waveform may mean the wrong input was selected or the microphone was not active. A waveform that reaches the top and bottom of the track may indicate clipping, which is best corrected by lowering the input gain and recording another take.

Common problems and next steps

If the microphone does not appear in the input list, check the browser or app permissions and confirm that the device is connected and recognized by the operating system. If monitoring is silent, check the track monitor setting, the device output volume, and whether the browser or app is using the expected audio output.

For timing problems, record with a count-in or use headphones to keep the existing track from bleeding into the microphone. If the new take is slightly out of alignment, stop and inspect the clip before recording many more parts. Once the performance is acceptable, balance the track volumes and continue adding parts or preparing the project for export.