Recently, I recorded a song to be used for a short video and discovered that I can do it using free, and the most basic of tools. Here are the things you will need:

• A MIDI version of the song.
• Audacity, a free sound editor software.
• Another free software, the Jazz MIDI sequencer.
• A headset (and its mic, of course).

Tweak the MIDI with The Jazz Midi Sequencer

Even if you don't have a song which you yourself composed, you can download a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) version of a particular song, and then tweak the song using The Jazz MIDI sequencer. In my case for example, I needed to change the melody track of my MIDI song from Pan Flute to Piano 1. Just click on the second column track, and choose from the list of instruments that pop up. Later, I decided I can do without the melody track and I again clicked the second column track and checked the Clear Track option -- this deleted the track -- and clicked the OK button. Then from the main menu, go to File>Save As or click the Save (diskette) button.

Convert the MIDI to MP3 with Audacity

However, this new MIDI version of your song cannot be edited by Audacity. So you need to import it as MP3. Open Audacity and go to Project>Import Audio and choose your MIDI file. This will convert your MIDI file into MP3 format which Audacity can then edit.

After the MIDI song has been converted to MP3 format, you'll see the song track in the edit window. Plug in your headset to your computer. Make sure that in the Mixer Toolbar, Input Source is set to Microphone.

Record your Voice Track with Audacity

With the headset turned on, click the Record button (the red circle) in the Control Toolbar. When you hear your song (which is still in minus one state or without voice) play, sing into the mic of your headset to record a verse or two. You'll see a new track appear in the Editor. That would be the track of your voice. It would be great if you have a score of your song to follow while recording so you'll hit the notes perfectly.

After singing the verse, click the Stop button (yellow circle) in the Control Toolbar. Then click play -- you'll hear the song track with your voice. If you're not satisifed with your recording. You can delete your voice track by clicking the X button on the upper left corner of the track. Or you may decide to Mute it first by clicking the Mute button on the left side of the track. Click the Record button again to start over -- a new track will appear, etc. If you're finally satisfied with your verse, delete the previous version of your voice track, and go on to the next verse or bars of your score/song. Position the cursor -- that is, point and click the cursor -- near the end of the last voice track you recorded and then hit Record. A new track will appear each time you record.

Repeat the entire process until you finish the song. Remember to Save your Audacity project (*.aup) -- File>Save Project As -- often so as not to lose data just in case the Audacity program crashes.

Record as Many Voices as you Want

If the score provides for other voices, and you know how to sing them, you may do so. The best way is to record a verse melody, and then click Record again. While listening to your voice being played with the minus one or the tune, sing the Tenor or second voice, for instance. You may record as many voices as you want.

When you're done recording all the voices of the entire song, just click the Rewind button (two purple arrows pointing to the left) in the Control toolbar, and hit the Play button. You'll hear the entire song. If you want to change a verse or a song bar, just position the cursor a little before the part you want to change and hit Record; press Stop when you're done with that part. To listen to the changed part, just click the Mute button of your previously recorded voice track, and then hit Play. If you are satisfied with your new version, delete the previous voice track of the part you edited. Repeat this process until the song is polished.

Enhance Using GVerb

Once you are finished with your song, you can now enhance it. A good effect to use is the GVerb effect. This will make your voice sound like your mic has an echo or you are singing in a concert hall. Just select all tracks (Ctrl-A), and go to Effect>Gverb. Here are the settings I used for my own song. You can start with those and then adjust the settings to suit your taste and/or needs:

GVerb Settings:

Roomsize: 40 m²

Reverb time: 15 s

Damping: 0.9

Input bandwidth: 0.75

Dry signal level: 0 dB

Early reflection level: -15 dB

Tail level: -28 dB

After making the changes in the GVerb settings, click OK. All the tracks will now have a reverb effect. Hit Play and you will hear yourself as if singing in a church or a concert hall!

Convert your Song to MP3

Lastly, you may now want to share your song or use it as the soundtrack of a video your editing. Just go to File>Export as MP3, and after conversion, voila, you have your own song!