Comping

There are various methods you can use to record your best performance. Comping refers to the process of recording multiple takes, then assembling a final “composite” track by combining the best parts from each take.

While some musicians can perform a flawless performance in a single take, most people typically record several takes so they have a few alternative versions of the same performance in case there are any mistakes they want to fix later.

Instead of using punch recording to painstakingly record multiple short “perfect” takes, it is often a better approach to record multiple longer takes, even if they contain mistakes, then isolate the best parts from each take. This approach is usually more relaxed and allows you to capture a better performance.

Cakewalk makes comping very easy and transparent. You simply click or drag across the takes you want to keep, and Cakewalk automatically mutes all other overlapping takes on the same track.

There are three primary methods you can use to comp in Cakewalk:

Comping record mode. The default recording mode in Cakewalk is called Comping. When recording, previously recorded material on the track is not heard. When a recording is done, the newly recorded material is unmuted and all other takes are muted for the duration of the new material. Each take appears on its own Take lane, with the newest take on top. For details, see Comping record mode and Recording modes.

Manual comping. When Take lanes are visible on a track, you can use the Smart tool or Comping tool to isolate overlapping takes. Simply click or drag across a take, and all other overlapping takes in the same track are muted. For details, see Comping with the Smart tool and Comping tool.

Speed comping. After recording multiple takes, you can audition any individual take, use keyboard shortcut keys to audition other takes and then select which take you want to use. For details, see Speed comping.

You can use one or more of the different methods to create a perfect comp. Cakewalk will even apply configurable crossfades between takes automatically, and you can quickly “flatten” the final comp to a new Take lane and mute the original takes.

A. Comp clip B. Takes

 

 

See:

Basic comping workflow

Recording takes

Auditioning takes

Comping methods

Comping with the Smart tool and Comping tool

Speed comping

Adjusting crossfades

Comp clips

Finalizing the comp

Removing all unused takes and empty Take lanes

 

See also:

Take lanes