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How Do I Create Songs for Frets on Fire Drums?

"Frets On Fire" is an open-source music themed computer game that approximates very closely the popular Rock Band series of games, letting you play virtual guitar and drums via your computer. The main difference in the games is that you use your keyboard as controller in "Frets On Fire," as opposed to the dedicated instrument controllers that you use to play "Rock Band." "Frets On Fir"e lets you import and play along with songs from your own collection.

Things You'll Need

  • Audio interface
  • USB or FireWire cable
  • MIDI controller
  • Computer
  • Digital audio workstation
  • 1/4-inch jack cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect an audio interface to your computer, such as a USB or FireWire cable, according to make and model. An audio interface enables you to record audio to your computer.

    • 2

      Connect a MIDI controller to your computer via USB. MIDI controller enables you to play and record with the virtual instruments in your digital audio workstation. With a MIDI controller, record synthesized versions of instruments that would otherwise be difficult.

    • 3

      Launch your preferred digital audio workstation, for example Cubase or Audacity. Digital audio workstations approximate the layout and functionality of a recording studio.

    • 4

      Open the “File” menu and create a new session. Name the session.

    • 5

      Create a new audio channel from the “File” menu. Name the track the instrument you intend to record with first.

    • 6

      Connect a 1/4-inch to your preferred instrument, such as electric guitar or bass.

    • 7

      Set the tempo. The typical default tempo for a digital audio workstation is 120 beats per minute. In the box that says “120” type in your preferred tempo. To determine the correct tempo, turn on the metronome icon, hit play and play along. Increase the figure in the box to increase the tempo. Because you are recording for Frets On Fire Drums, it’s preferable not to include any drums in the track, otherwise they’ll clash with you when you’re playing. For that reason, record with the metronome to keep in time.

    • 8

      Hit “Record” and play in your take. Repeat this process for each audio instrument you want to record.

    • 9

      Click “File” and select “New MIDI” track. Click “Instruments” and assign a sound to your MIDI track, for example “Horns.”

    • 10

      Hit “Record” and record your MIDI track using the MIDI controller. Recording with MIDI is optional, but it does give you access to a wider range of sounds than using only the instruments you own.

    • 11

      Click “Save” and name the track. Click “File” and select “Export.” If the option to export as a .ogg file is available, select that. If not, export as .mp3 and then rename the file by deleting “.mp3” and typing “.ogg.” This is the preferred file extension for Frets On Fire Songs.

    • 12

      Save the renamed file to the “Frets On Fire” directory in your C drive. When you next open Frets On Fire, the recording you made will be there.

Recording Music

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