Sounds like you have a latency problem. This can be for a variety of reasons, something Cakewalk admits. The reason for that could be everything from processor limitations, not enough RAM, your soundcard, or simply that you need to change the latency configuration in the audio settings menu of the program. Considering that that is the cheapest fix, try changing settings first. Be sure to follor the help information in Cakewalk - they can be a little confusing for Cakewalk (I have no idea why they can't seem to explain their programs after all these years) but you will be able to figure out what settings are right for you.
My guess is that when you record, you are listening to the previously recorded track, and playing to it. Then when you play it all back as a mix, they are not in sync as when you were recording them.
If that is not the problem, plesae explain further. You are able to monitor your previously recorded tracks, right? Not just playing each track "blind" and trying to have them match? Hope not. That is rarely possible - if at all.
If you are monitoring your prerecorded tracks while recording on top of them and it sounds different when you play it back, it's definitely latency.
P.S. - me again - OK, live feed - Got it. Same thing, latency. More RAM, more powerful processor, sound card, but first check the latency settings. P.S. - me again - OK, live feed - Got it. Same thing, latency. More RAM, more powerful processor, sound card, but first check the latency settings.
Answers & Comments
Sounds like you have a latency problem. This can be for a variety of reasons, something Cakewalk admits. The reason for that could be everything from processor limitations, not enough RAM, your soundcard, or simply that you need to change the latency configuration in the audio settings menu of the program. Considering that that is the cheapest fix, try changing settings first. Be sure to follor the help information in Cakewalk - they can be a little confusing for Cakewalk (I have no idea why they can't seem to explain their programs after all these years) but you will be able to figure out what settings are right for you.
My guess is that when you record, you are listening to the previously recorded track, and playing to it. Then when you play it all back as a mix, they are not in sync as when you were recording them.
If that is not the problem, plesae explain further. You are able to monitor your previously recorded tracks, right? Not just playing each track "blind" and trying to have them match? Hope not. That is rarely possible - if at all.
If you are monitoring your prerecorded tracks while recording on top of them and it sounds different when you play it back, it's definitely latency.
Mark
P.S. - me again - OK, live feed - Got it. Same thing, latency. More RAM, more powerful processor, sound card, but first check the latency settings.