In our last installment, we discussed the different ways you can record your music on your own; from here on out we’ll focus in on using your PC to get creative. And to do just that, you’ll need to get yourself an audio recording program.

There are many VERY high quality programs out there that you can purchase if you like – software such as ProTools, Cubase, Sonar, Logic (for Mac users), SawStudio, etc. are all fantastic programs that allow you to record music as well as use programmed digital instruments (and of course if you’re a Mac user, you’re rocking GarageBand!). With the big quality also comes something else – a big price tag. Many times, you can get a smaller/reduced features version of that software for free with the purchase of some sort of recording equipment; I’ve received free copies of Sonar LE and Cubase LE when buying some recording interfaces, for instance.

However, for anyone who’s already got a microphone (even a built in one on their computer) and wants to get started right away, there are a number of excellent free (or very low cost) recording programs available for download that you can grab right now and use to get recording within minutes. Almost all of them support multi-tracking, which is simply recording one track, then being able to listen back to that track while recording something new, for example recording yourself playing a guitar and then being able to listen to that guitar you just recorded while singing along to it. Then, when you’re done with that, you can adjust how loud each individually recorded track is, if it comes out of both speakers, just one, you name it!

Let’s take a look at what’s available for you to try out!

AUDACITY – Audacity is one of the most well known free recording software programs on the Internet, and for good reason. It’s easy to use, has a simple interface, and works well on almost any computer system. It’s perfect for beginners, and supports multi-track recording and VST plugins (Virtual Studio Technology, VSTs are essentially add-ons that can help you manipulate your audio any way you like). There are more than a few wizard rock podcasts and albums that have been recorded using Audacity. Their online Wiki is great, and you can find tutorials all over the web.

WAVOSAUR – For people who just want to set up a microphone, and pick up a guitar/banjo/ukelele/keytar/kazoo and let ‘er rip, Wavosaur may be perfect for you. It’s a very simple program that actually doesn’t even install itself on your hard drive (for those that are rightfully wary of installing a new unknown program). It does support VST plugins, however it doesn’t support multi-tracking. Wavosaur also works great as an editing program, if you’re looking to cut or edit individual audio files.

KRISTAL AUDIO ENGINE – Kristal is a great program that features up to 16 individual tracks, VST plug-in support, and comes with some built-in effects and EQ. It’s completely free, has an intuitive layout and interface, and works fantastic on a wide number of computers, especially if you have an older one that’s not quintuple core with 8GB RAM and 5 terabyte harddrives running in a RAID 5 array. While the number of tracks and plug-in effects per track is limited, you can get a LOT of use out of this great free software.

REAPER – I placed Reaper on this list because you can try it for free for 30 days, and after that a personal use license is just $50 (or you can choose to continue to use it for free as it’s an uncrippled, unexpiring program). Reaper is quickly gaining recognition for it’s easy to use interface, it’s HUGE amount of included effects and plugins, and the sheer amount of features that come with it. Reaper has a full featured user forum for help and advice, online tutorial videos, and an entire online user manual. At first glance, Reaper has probably the biggest learning curve for someone who’s new to the world of recording, however getting in “under the hood” will give users a wealth of knowledge and a great tool to help make some awesome music. And those OS X users can grab it as well!

MIXCRAFT – This is probably the closest a Windows user can get to using Garageband. You can add in loops, virtual instruments, import pre-made songs and edit them to taste, you name it. It is, however, a paid program. If you’ve used Garageband and absolutely want the closest you can get without buying a Mac, then definitely download Mixcraft and try it for free for 14 days. If you like it, you can spend $65 to continue to use it.

TRAKAX – TrakAxPC is a unique program that’s really geared towards users who want to mix together and splice loops. With a wealth of free loops, instrumental tracks, and MIDI available online and just a quick Google search away, it’s easy to mix some together to create a new song. If using pre-made tracks is more up your alley, then by all means give the free TrakAx program a shot!

In the next few installments, we’ll talk more about what exactly those VST plug-ins and effects we talked about above are, some other pieces of free software you can use to create digital music, and different kinds of mics and interfaces you can use to get your songs recorded at pro quality on a small budget!