Intro

1
Intro
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is a fully-functioning Audio and MIDI
sequencer, allowing you to piece together a full
song with both MIDI components and audio (such as
vocal or guitar). Essentially it is a recording
studio in a box. Contained in Cakewalk are
various views which allows you to control and
edit specific aspects of your composition.
2
MIDI Setup
MIDI SETUP
Before starting any MIDI program you should
define your inputs and outputs. In Cakewalk it
is done by selecting Options/MIDI Devices. Then
choose which devices you will be using.
3
Views
VIEWS
There are 14 different Views that you can use in
Cakewalk. Each view is has its strengths. What
you are working on within Cakewalk determine
which view you will use.
8. Video
1. Piano Roll
9. Big Time
2. Event List
10. Markers
3. Staff
4. Audio
11. Tempo
5. Lyrics
12. Meter/Key
6. StudioWare
13. Sysx
7. Console
14. Studio Mix
4
Piano Roll
PIANO ROLL
This is a view that is used when dealing with
MIDI. It gives MIDI information in a grid-like
fashion. The vertical position determines the
note to be played and the horizontal position
determines which beat or measure it is played in.

5
Event List
EVENT LIST
This view shows all MIDI data that is
transmitted.

6
Staff
STAFF
This view displays traditional musical staves
showing MIDI information. You can create or edit
MIDI information in this window

7
Audio
AUDIO
This window displays the waveform for an audio
track. This view will not show MIDI information

8
Lyrics
LYRICS
This view allows you to input lyrics in to your
songs. These lyrics are displayed on the the
Staff view as well.

9
StudioWare
STUDIOWARE
This window shows a version of a studio mixer.
This view appears differently depending on
whether you are using it with audio or MIDI.
When using with MIDI it allow you to add FX but
with audio you can only adjust the volume and pan
left/right.

10
Console
CONSOLE
This view is an enhanced version of the
StudioWare view. It will allow you to insert
Audio FX, Pre Amp, snds, returns, etc, as well as
level meters.

11
Video
VIDEO
Used for syncing Audio and Video sequences

12
Big Time
BIG TIME
This view displays time in HMSF or MBT. You
can toggle between them by left clicking on the
time display.

13
Markers
MARKERS
This window allows you to see a list of markers
in a given piece. Markers are used for jumping
to specific sections of a song. These markers
are applied by the author.

14
Tempo
TEMPO
This view allows you to graphically change the
tempo of any piece. Your changes can be as
drastic or as subtle as you wish.

15
Meter/Key
METER/KEY
This window will display the meters and keys of a
piece. It will show if there is a change of
meter or key as well as what measure it is in.

16
Sysx
SYSX
This System Exclusive view shows you if there are
any Sysx messages being sent from your computer
to your Midi instrument

17
Toolbars
TOOLBARS
Here are other toolbars worth noting.
Tempo quickly change tempo
Loop define beginning and end of loop

Reset
Transport Contains standard Stop, Play, Skip
and Record buttons
Position shows cursor position
18
Recording MIDI With Controller
RECORDING MIDI WITH CONTROLLER
When starting a new MIDI composition click on the
NEW button in the menu bar. Select Normal then
click OK.
19
Recording MIDI
RECORDING MIDI
You will see a new Track view in the window. Now
click on the Name window on Track 1 and enter
name for this Track. This will prepare the track
for recording.
(2) Enter Title
20
Channel
Next double click the Source space. This will
activate a dialog box asking you to choose a
source, port, channel, etc. Switch Source to
MIDI Omni, set the Port the MIDI interface you
are using and set Channel to 1.
21
Patches
It is also in this window that you can select
your instrument for this channel. Click on the
Patch down arrow and select the instrument of
your choice.
22
Metronome
While Cakewalk is recording you will hear a
metronome beating. You can turn this off under
Options/Projects if you wish. Choose the
Metronome tab and de-select Recording
23
Recording Audio
RECORDING AUDIO
You will now add an audio track to the MIDI track
you have just created. Now click on the Name
window on Track 2 and enter name for this Track.
This will also prepare the track for recording.
(2) Enter Title
24
Channel
Next double click the Source space. This will
activate a dialog box asking you to choose a
source, port, channel, etc. Switch Source to
Stereo, set the Port the Audio interface you are
using. This is all you have to select in this
window.
25
Effects
EFFECTS
You can now add Effects to your audio channel.
To do this drag the vertical bar dividing the
screen to the right until you can see the Effects
column. Click on the effects box in Track 2 to
bring up a Black Box.
26
Effects
To choose an effect (or effects) to apply to your
track right click on the Black Box. Choose your
desired effect. Click Done and it will appear in
the Effects box.
27
Recording
You should now be ready to record. First the
track must be armed. This is done by clicking on
R in the window (The third button in the MSR
sequence). You will see the ARM light on the
bottom of the screen as well as the Record button
lights up on the Transport Bar.
Armed Track Indicators