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How to Create Your Own Backing Track With the Zoom HD8

To create backing tracks on the Zoom HD8, you must have a previously recorded music selection. Backing tracks are musical or vocal performance tracks that enable the producer or artist to sing or play along with the music. While it is possible to sing and perform music on the spot, backing tracks enable you to accomplish smooth transitions within the song. The Zoom HD8 allows you to take previously recorded music and edit or create new compositions from the recording.

Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce the volume of all stereo devices connected to the machine and pan them to "Mono." Devices such as keyboards, drum machines and guitars should be centered if panned to the left or right.

    • 2

      Play the selected track from an output device such as a keyboard, MIDI controller or drum machine. Move the volume sliders for each output channel to half way. Mix the track by moving the sliders up and down.

    • 3

      Press the "Play/Mute/Record" button, which is located above the "Key 1" slider. Select the "Key 2" slider and press the "Play/Mute/Record" button until it's lit-up red. Set the "Fader 1" and "Master Fader" parameters to "0dB." Slowly move the "Master Fader" up as you press "Play" on your device output source.

    • 4

      Press "Stop" on the output device. Set the "Key 1" recording to the left channel by turning the "Mono" channel knob. Record the instrumental part of the song by selecting the "Mono" option. Hold down the "Record" key on the recorder and press the "Play" button. Press the "Stop" function when you are done recording. Play the song back by pressing the "Zero" button and then pressing "Play."

    • 5

      Play the vocal part of the song by pressing "Play" on the selected output device. Ensure the timing is correct by playing the previously recorded track and the vocal track at the same time. Set the "Key 2" recording to the right channel by turning the "Mono" channel knob. Record the track by holding down the "Record" key and pressing the "Play" button on the recorder.

    • 6

      Preview the backing track by pressing the "Zero" button and then pressing "Play." Re-record the song if you aren't satisfied with the recording.

Recording Music

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