It is very important to know what it takes to record and do it right.
This article can not do justice to this because there are tonnes of possible scenarios to sound recording and we can not possibly cover them. However, this post will address the basics and also help you have a head start to recording in any Digital Audio Workstation.
Things to consider:
First, understand your recording equipment - the DAW, the microphone, and the soundcard. Your ability to use these equipment will contribute largely to the success of your recordings. So get all the knowlege you can on them so you don't misuse them.
Your recording space: Your microphone will pick up the sound just the way the room treats it. If you room is reverberant like a bathroom don’t expect your mic to neglect that room quality in your recording!
Mono and Stereo: Mono utilizes One channel and Stereo utilizes more channels. Stereo is the reproduction of sound using two or more independent audio channels in a way that creates the impression of sound heard from various directions, as in natural hearing(your two ears/pair of speakers or headphones). Monaural sound reproduction is intended to be heard as if it were a single channel of sound perceived as coming from one position.
The Recording track. If you are recording mono instrument or vocals you need a MONO track If you are recording stereo effects or instruments you need a STEREO track
Sample rate and bit depth: 44KHz, 24bit for music and 48kHz, 24 Bits for visual media (Recommended)
Sound card settings Ensure your sound card is properly set. You should have read your sound card manual for adequate setup instructions. The setup instructions will enable you to connect the sound card seamlessly with your DAW.
Microphone The type of microphone you use will determine the settings required for successful recording. Some mics require phantom power to work, while some don’t. Some mics can also be irreversibly damaged if phantom powered by accident.
Arm your track: Most DAWs will require you to arm your track for recording before it will receive any sound from your microphone.
Set your levels Avoid recording too loud at all cost! Make sure your input peak meter is just a little beyond the green zone… that is, just touching the yellow zone in your peak meter.