Glame multitrack recording

(08-30-2004)

Glame have, from 1.0 version, the ability to do multitrack recording in a very simple way.
This text gives basic Glame settings for this use.


1) About buffer size and low latency


As in all multitrack recorders,we will need to minimize the time delay between the recorded track is monitored
and then actually recorded (latency):
this is achieved by setting the Glame audio buffer to a low value (see later) but then, we will easily
get so called xruns (buffer overruns or underruns) which will cause audible clicks .
Some tips to avoid xruns:
- Don't use ext3 partition but ext2. The best is to use a separate ext2 partition for audio use,
so you can format it often .
- Stop unneeded deamons, such as syslog .

2) Glame preferences settings


Swapfile tab:
- Path : This is were audio data is stored, so better to use a ext2 partition here.
- Maximum virtual memory used for caching: set it to 80% of the ram amount. This will reduce disk access
while recording and possible associated xruns .

Waveedit tab : disabling "wave scroll" is a good idea at recording time (xruns ...)

Audio in/out tab:
The following is ok for my sound card (a very basic Soundblaster 128 pci), and Alsa drivers :

- Default input plugin: set to alsa_audio_in
- Input device: set to hw:0,0

- Default output plugin: set to alsa_audio_out
- Input device: set to hw:0,1

- Size hint for audio buffers [samples]: This is the previously quoted "buffer size". 220 is a good value for me
(acceptable latency, no click).



3) Recording

	- Fill a project with tracks , then double click on it to open the waveeditor .
- Click on the red record selector corresponding to the track to be recorded, then click on the toolbar play/record button
to start recording. (Note that pressing the space bar would not record , but only play) .
- Click stop when done.
- Obviously, to record others tracks, click the corresponding record selector , and click play/record...
You should then monitor the previously recorded tracks while recording.