Set up a microphone stand in the quietest part of the room, away from windows and air conditioners. Adjust the stem so the collar is the right height for what you want to record. For example, if recording a singer, set it to the height of his head. If recording a guitar amplifier, set it so the collar points to the center of the speaker.
Connect an audio interface to the computer. The method for connection varies depending on make and model, but typically it is either a USB or Firewire cable. Connect the cable to the appropriate port on your computer. The audio interface converts the audio so Sequel 2 can interpret it.
Slot a microphone into the collar. Connect the female end of an XLR cable to the microphone. Connect the other end to the “XLR In” socket on the audio interface.
Double-click the “Sequel 2” desktop icon. The program will automatically open a blank session.
Click “Add New Track.” When prompted, select “Audio,” then “Empty.” By selecting “Audio,” you assign the audio interface -- rather than any connected MIDI devices -- as the input device.Sequel has preset channels with default settings, which are designed to save time and optimize the recording settings. By selecting “Empty,” you override these presets and can make your own adjustments.
Double-click the track to name it. Give it a name that you’ll easily understand if you come back to work on the track later, such as, “Lead vocal Take 1”
Click the “Record Ready” button on the channel control panel. This arms the track to receive audio.
Connect a pair of headphones to the “Phones Out” jack on the back of your audio interface. Using headphones lets you hear the audio you are recording, and any backing tracks, without the sounds spilling into the microphone.
Audition the microphone. Sing or play into it at the loudest intended level. If the red warning light on the Sequel 2 interface flashes, reduce the “Gain” dial on the audio interface. Continue to audition and tweak until you find the loudest possible input volume before the warning light comes on.
Hit “Record” and play or sing your music. Once finished, hit "Stop." To record another track, click the “Add New Track” button and select “Audio” and “Empty.”