From Papa2004, a frequent contributor to the Home Studio Forum

To our new friends who are just beginning to use any version of Home Studio, please read this carefully: There are many qualified users in this forum that can help you resolve just about any problem you might have that isn't related to inferior hardware or incompatible software; however, we need your help in order for us to help you...Please read on...

1) When you have a problem, please provide as much information as you can. Please don't start a thread with a post such as this:

quote: My MIDI tracks are skipping. What can I do?

Thanks, Bubba

Okay, what's missing here?

* Version of software being used;

* Computer specs (detailed) including what soundcard is being used;

* How were the MIDI tracks recorded--external keyboard (what model), softsynths?

Get the picture?

2) Please be as specific as you can about your problem and/or how you're trying to do what you want to do. A post such as this:

quote:

Help! Microphone isn't recording. What's wrong?

Thanks, Jake

* You haven't told us anything other than you can't record your microphone;

* See the items listed above;

* What kind of microphone? Does it require phantom power? Are you using a preamp that supplies phantom power? If so, how is it routed to your DAW?;

Is the picture getting clearer?

3) Please read the help files supplied with your software and do the tutorials that may be offered. More often than not, doing so will help you avoid posting something embarassing such as this:

quote:

Do I need a microphone to record vocals?

Thanks, Dora

4) Take some time to read other threads in the forum. You'll be amazed at the number of problems that have been solved by a simple tweak here or there;

5) Look outside of the forum for more information. Want to learn about MIDI? Do a Google search on MIDI Tutorials and you'll be deluged with results. Better yet, check your local library or music store for books on the subject. Subscribe to magazines that are relevant to what you want to do;

6) Realize that most DAW software is not actually a "plug & play" solution. There is a learning curve that you must be willing to adapt to. If you're a complete novice to any kind of recording, don't expect to produce the equivalent of "Dark Side of the Moon" two days (even weeks or months) after you've started using the software;

7) Go back and read the first paragraph of this post;

8) Go back and read the second paragraph of this post;

9) Don't expect instant gratification or solutions to your problems. Quite often the users who may have the right answers are busy doing other things (like working in their own studios and trying to earn money);

10) Finally, if you are going to reply or post on this forum from someplace other than where your DAW system is set up (at work, etc.,) have your computer's specs (and your DAW software version) available...Frankly, I can't comprehend why anyone would feel the urgency to ask a question when they're not in a position to try to implement the solutions suggested unless their internet access is only available at their workplace, in which case I hope you have a very understanding boss.

New users, new members, long-time members & veteran users alike make or break what forums such as this one are able to accomplish...We must all work together, and that requires a little consideration and regard for the simplest law of problem solving...Tell us as much about the problem as you can (and provide details about what might be the cause).

Oh yeah, I should mention these things in closing:

* Park your ego at the door. Nobody cares about how great you think you are;

* Be willing to accept constructive criticism and not cop an attitude;

* If you post a ridiculous question, expect a ridiculous answer;

* Know what your current limitations are and don't expect to exceed them until you have taken the time to learn how;

* Take the time to learn the proper terminology used in DAW recording. By doing so, your posted questions or replies will be more quickly understood;