Multitrack Recording

Multitrack recording multitracking or just tracking for short is a method of sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create a cohesive whole. This is the most common method of recording popular music. Multitracking can be achieved with analogue, tape based, equipment from simple cassette based 4/8 trackers to 2" reel to reel 24 track machines , digital equipment that relies on tape storage of recorded digital data such as ADAT 8 track machines and hard disk based systems, often employing a computer and multitrack audio recording software.

Multitrack recording devices vary in their specifications, such as the number of simultaneous tracks available for recording at any one time; in the case of tape based systems this is limited by, among other factors, the physical size of the tape employed. For computer based systems the trend is towards unlimited numbers of record/playback tracks, although issues such as memory and CPU available will in fact limit this from machine to machine. It has to be noted that on computer based systems, the number of simultaneously available recording tracks is limited by the sound card discrete analogue or digital inputs.