View source for Recording with REAPER in the Podcast Studio

== Overview ==
This article describes recording with 1-4 microphones to REAPER.

== Audio Interface ==
The Podcast studio has a Tascam Mixcast 4
* The Mixcast is used to set recording and headphone levels.

=== Mixer Channels ===
* 1-4: Mic inputs
* 5: USB feed from the computer
* 6: Stereo line input
* 7: Bluetooth
* 8: Sound Pads

=== Setting Mic Levels ===
The faders on the Mixcast set the levels for the recording. We also need to set the mic preamp levels.
# On the touchscreen touch the 3 horizontal lines in the top left.
# Touch the square on the left.
# Touch Mic 1 
# Talk into Mic 1 and adjust the slider on the screen.
#* Have the loudest parts of the signal (the peaks) in the orange region of the meter.
# Click the triangle to the right of the Mic 1 to go to next mic.
# Repeat for all the microphones being used.

=== Setting Headphone Levels ===
* Use the fader on the Mixcast to set initial levels
* With a strong input level, the channel fader should usually be close to zero (unity).
* The is a separate headphone levels for each headphone.
** All 4 pairs will have the same mix
* Adjust the level for each participant as needed.

== Recording ==

=== Creating a New Project in REAPER ===
# Open the '''REAPER''' application.
# If there is a warning about REAPER needing to access the microphone click '''OK''' on the first warning and '''Allow''' on the second warning.
# REAPER should open with a template for the Podcast Studio
# You need to save the project befroe recording.
## '''File > Save project as...'''
## Click '''Desktop''' on the ledft sidebar.
## In '''Save As''' enter a meaningful name.
## Check the box for '''Create subdirectory for project'''. 
## Click '''Save'''

=== Track and Input Set Up ===
* The default template should have 9 tracks and a Stereo Mix fader
* Track 1 is the stereo mix from the faders on the Mixcast.
** This provides a rough mix of the recording.
* Tracks 2-5: Mics 1-4
* Track 6: USB feed from the computer
** This can cause feedback if the Pro Tools MIx fader is turned up.
** This would be used for using audio from another app like a participant via Zoom or Teams or media playback from QuickTime.
* Track 7: Line input
* Track 8 Bluetooth
* Track 9: Sound Pads
* MASTER: REAPER Mix 
** Leave this down while recording.
** Turn up when playing back after recording.

=== Recording ===
# Turn down the large knob on the '''Mackie Big Knob''' monitor controller.
# Arm the tracks you will be using by clicking '''Track Record Arm''' button for each track as needed.
# Always record the '''Tascam Mix''' on track 1.
# Arm any mic inputs and other inputs as needed.
#* If you are not using the USB feed from the computer do not arm this track.
#* It will help prevent accidental feedback.
# Check record levels and headphone levels.
# Click where you want the recording to start on '''REAPER's''' timeline, moving the playhead to that location.
# Click the '''Record''' button on the transport controls or press (command)+(R) to start recording
# Click the '''Stop''' button or (spacebar) when done
# In the '''Select files to save or delete''' window click '''Save All'''.
# Click the '''Track Record Arm''' button on all armed tracks to disable recording.
# Click '''Play''' or (spacebar) to play back the recording.
# Turn up the large black knob on the '''Mackie Big Knob'''  monitor controller listen on the speakers.

=== Playback ===
# Set the '''REAPER''' Master fader to 0.
# On the '''Mixcast''' turn up the '''USB''' fader.
# On the '''Mixcast''' turn up the '''monitor out'''
# Click '''Play''' to playback the recording.
# Turn up the large black knob on the '''Mackie Big Knob''' monitor controller listen on the speakers.
# Make sure track 6 in the '''REAPER''' template (USB) is not record enabled. If it is input monitoring, this will cause feedback.

[[Category:Podcast Studio]]
[[Category:REAPER]]

[[Category:Podcast Studio]]