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How to Make a Demo CD for a Music Producer

Recording a high-quality music demo once required expensive studio time and assistance from an experienced engineer. With today's technology, however, more bands are choosing to make their own demos at home using just their instruments, voices and computers. With just a bit of technical knowledge and musical talent, you too can put together an impressive demo CD for a producer in very little time.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Musical instruments
  • Instrument cables
  • Microphone
  • Blank CDs
  • Monitor headphones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Download or purchase a digital audio workstation with multitracking capabilities. In other words, use any music software that will allow you to record and layer your music one track at a time. Examples would include ProTools, Logic, GarageBand, Cubase and FL Studio (See Resources).

    • 2

      Set up your home recording studio. Arrange your instruments and microphones and any other hardware that you plan to use for your recording, and plug your headphones into your computer to eliminate feedback. Monitor headphones will give you the most perspective. For the best recording quality, purchase cables that will allow you to plug your instruments and microphones directly into your computer's USB port. Music stores sell a variety of cables that serve this purpose, eliminating white noise and giving you a richer sound.

    • 3

      Open your audio editing software and create a new project. In the main window, your tracks will appear as long horizontal bars stacked atop one another along the song's time line.

    • 4

      Select a tempo for your song. You should see a tempo reading somewhere in the main window, usually set as "120 bpm" by default. By choosing an appropriate tempo, your program's metronome will hold the beat accordingly, allowing you to play each part in perfect time.

    • 5

      Select a track and click "Record" to begin recording your first instrument. Designate a different track for each instrument and voice, as this will allow you the greatest editing capabilities and provide you with the cleanest sound.

    • 6

      Edit your tracks. After you have recorded each voice and instrument, you will likely find that the tracks do not flow together perfectly. Some will need more volume, others will benefit from effects like reverb or echo, and some might need EQ adjustments to eliminate excess bass or add dimension. Your software will allow you to do all of these things, so adjust the imperfections in each track until you have one solid piece of music.

    • 7

      Save your song in MP3 format. Your software will contain an option for this, often using the words "Save as MP3," "Send to iTunes" or "Bounce."

    • 8

      Burn your songs onto a CD after you have completed each one to your liking.

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Recording Music

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