Connect the FW-1804 to your computer. Connect a Firewire cable to one of the two "Firewire Out" ports. These ports are on the back left of the FW-1804 as you look at it from the rear. Connect the other end of the Firewire cable to the Firewire port on the side of your computer.
Double-click the desktop icon of your preferred audio production program, such as Logic or Ableton.
Click "File" and select "Open New." This opens a blank recording session.
Click "File" again, click "Audio Track" and type in the number of tracks required into the dialog box. Rename each track with the instrument to be recorded. For example, double-click where the track says "Audio 1" and replace with "Electric guitar."
Click "File." When prompted, click "MIDI Track" and type in the number of tracks for each MIDI instrument in the band. Double-click on the name box and type in a new for each track.
Connect a pair of headphones to the headphone jack on the rear of the FW-1804. These are necessary when recording audio because they prevent the backing track from "spilling" into the microphone or guitar pickups. Use the speakers as a monitor when recording MIDI, if you prefer.
Connect any MIDI instruments, such as drum machines and synthesizers, to the FW-1804 with a USB cable. Click "R" on the relevant MIDI instrument channel. Hit "Record" and key in the beat or synthesizer pattern.
Connect any electric instruments you use with a quarter-inch cable, for example bass guitar, electric keyboard or electric guitar. Connect the other end to a quarter-inch input jack on the front of the FW-1804. There are four jacks to choose from.
Audition the instrument. Play it as loud as you intend to record and monitor the gain meter on the front of the FW-1804. If it flashes red, turn down the relevant "Gain" dial for the jack.
Click the "R" icon on the instrument's audio channel to assign the FW-1804 to that channel. This is called "arming" the channel.
Hit "Record" on the recording software and play your take. For optimum results, record each instrument individually.
Set up a microphone stand and adjust the telescopic stem to a height suitable for your singer. Slot a microphone into the collar and fit an XLR cable to the base of the microphone. Connect the other end to the "XLR input" on the FW-1804. Audition the microphone level and adjust the "Gain" dial where necessary." Arm the channel and hit "Record."