Mixing multiple audio tracks

[VideoTechMan]

I have a question, a close friend of mine who sings chorus was asking me on if it was possible to say mix 4 different parts to create a harmony. This may be a little complex so let me try to explain it a little better.

My friend sings in baritone (she is a wonderful singer too), though she can sing tenor and 2 other levels too. What she wants to know is, is that she wants to be able to record a part in baritone, the same part in tenor, and the same for the other 2 parts, and combine them into one entire track so that all 4 parts can be heard at once. Its kinda like a practice CD for her to study with. I also recommended to her that it would be a good idea to get a better microphone for good voice quality. She sings in a chorus in a city about 40 miles east from where I live, and they are really awesome performers.

She has been trying to do it with her tape recorder but was only able to do 2 parts. I told her that she could record all 4 parts, and then that could be imported in the computer and combine the 4 parts together to create like a harmony.

Does anyone have an idea how this can be done? I am pretty sure that doing something like that is done by mixing the 4 parts (audio tracks) together to make the harmony-like sound. Getting the sound in the computer wil be easy. What would be the proper software to do this with? If anyone gets lost in understanding this question ill be glad to try to clarify it a bit better. This may be more of a pro type question. Thanks!

ADDEDUM: I was just thinking.....I know it may be old fashioned, but will a 4-channel reel to reel deck work? it may sound crazy I know, but I still have a studio R2R deck and does record in 4 channels, but I am not sure if it can record in 4 seperate tracks.

VTM

[Cornucopia]

Yes, it's possible.

You need a pro- or semipro- audio editing and mixing app that includes support for multi-track recording, including the capability known as "sound-on-sound".
This is where you can record a new track, while simultaneously listening to the playback of other track(s).
In the old days, you sometimes would run out of the number of tracks, so to be able to record more, you had to combine earlier tracks (possibly with the new track) and move it over to another track in order to erase the previous ones and make room for more. This was called track bouncing.
Good thing is, you wouldn't have to do any track bouncing, because any app that supports multitrack will be able to do at least 8 tracks, which is more than your friend needs. So it'll be easy to just record each track separately in order.

Apps that do multitrack:
CoolEdit Pro (aka Audition)
SoundForge
Logic Audio
Nuendo
ProTools

Audacity may be able to also (I'm not sure).
Unless Goldwave has changed, it can only do stereo (2 tracks).

Once you get the 4 parts, use the app to either:
1. Mix it down to a single stereo track, for use on standard Audio CD.
2. Mix it down to multiple "element" tracks, use Karaoke use on DVD or SVCD. (That's a cool way to do it, but requires lots more steps and a player that supports it).

If you have the correct connections, and tape, and you're happy with the sound of the R2R, you could certainly use it. Just be sure that it explicitly supports "sound-on-sound". Just being 4 track doesn't necessarily make it so.

HTH,
Scott