Getting CD Tracks into Cakewalk Products

One question many users ask us is how to get tracks from their favorite CD into their program. Using tracks from a CD can help you learn about the features of your Cakewalk product, and with some creative editing and mixing those tracks can even become a part of your own project. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Use a CD 'ripper', such as Cakewalk pyro, to convert the CD tracks into Wave files

• Follow the instructions of the ripping program you’re using to convert the CD tracks to Wave files.
• Use Insert | Wave File (File | Import Audio in SONAR) to bring the CD tracks into the project for mixing, editing, and so on.

2. Record from a CD player directly into the program

• If you’re using your computer’s CD drive as a player, you first need to make sure your computer’s sound card is set up to record from that drive. Choose Start | Programs | Accessories | Entertainment | Volume Control | Options | Properties. Click on Adjust Volume For Recording, and make sure all boxes below are checked. Click OK, and locate the CD slider. Make sure the Select box at the bottom is checked (you may only be able to check one at a time - check the one appropriate for your purposes). Leave the window open, set up a track in your program to record audio (as outlined in the Help file), and keep an eye on the audio meters for that track. Adjust the level of the CD slider as needed, and when you’ve got it where you like it, go ahead and record.
• If you’re recording from an external CD player through an amp or stereo, connect the amp or stereo to your sound card’s audio input and set up a track in the program to record audio (as outlined in the Help file). Check your levels using the audio meters in the program, and when you’ve got them where you like them, go ahead and record.

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