Syncing main tracks and overlay tracks

[fiberyum]

Hello. I have very limited computer skills. I would like to record myself playing the guitar with a camcorder with a mic plugged into it. The purpose of the mic is to record the sound coming out of my amp, as well as the sound from the metronome. The first time through will be my playing the rhythm parts. That will be the first recording, or "main track." Then, after I am finished with that, I will record a completely separate video that will consist of a guitar solo. This is the "overlay track." I would like to be able to "paste" the overlay track into the main track at the appropriate time such that it sounds like two people are being recorded playing the guitar at the same time. I would also like for both recordings to be shown in the same video. For intance, the main track would be the lead video. Just of video of me sitting there are playing the guitar. The second video would be shown with the lead video, such as by making it a smaller video in the corner or something.

Someone told me that I could do this with Corel VideoStudio ProX6. Is this true? Also, if it is, how would I go about doing it?

Thank you for the information.

[BrianCee]

Yes it is true - you can do all of that in VideoStudio

Basically you just put your main video in the top track and your second video in an overlay track - size it as you wish and move it to a corner and sync them by sliding the video in the overlay track until it lines up.

I would suggest that after you make the rhythm track you play that back to yourself through an ear piece as you record the solo part - that should make it easier to sync the whole video.

It is much easier to do than explain - make your two videos and try it - use the 30 day free trial first so you can test it first

[fiberyum]

Thanks, Brian. A 30-day trial sounds great. I take it you are suggesting that I download the software and then "return" it electronically if it doesn't work out. The problem is that I will need an owner's manual given my limited computer skills. Will I be able to download an owner's manual if I buy the software this way? Or can I just return the CD for a refund if I decide to buy it that way?

This all assumes, of course, that it won't work. I am not wishing for this outcome.

[BrianCee]

The free trial is available for download only from the Corel website *IF* after 30 days you do not want to buy it , it will stop working and you simply un-install it from your computer - nothing to return - it is a standard part of Corels procedure to have a direct download for a free trial for nearly all of their products.

It's a long time since I used a trial so I am not sure if it comes with the pdf version of the user manual - the paid for programme does but it is certainly available for free download any rate.

The free trial download is a full and working copy of the programme which as I said will stop working after 30 days - but if you decide you want to keep it you simply purchase a Serial number/Activation code which you use to turn the trial copy which you have already installed into a life long copy.

at the moment we have seen pre-order adverts for X7 - so although you can only trial X6 at the moment it might be a good idea not to actually buy the full version yet but wait for the release of X7 ( which will mean a full download and install of that when purchased)


Download the free trial from here - scroll down the page until you see "VideoStudio" :-
http://www.corel.com/corel/category.jsp ... cat3610091

There is a special "Getting Started" guide for new users - which you might like to read first here :-
http://www.corel.com/static/product_con ... ide_EN.pdf

and you can download the user guide here :-
http://www.corel.com/static/product_con ... ide_EN.pdf

[fiberyum]

Perfect. Thanks.