Record Yourself on Bandlab
Use BandLab to record your voice or instrument, add simple effects, mix tracks, and export a finished song to listen and share safely.
About this activity
Use BandLab to record your voice or instrument, add simple effects, mix tracks, and export a finished song to listen and share safely.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Ask an adult to help you sign in to or create a free BandLab account.
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Step 2
Start a new project in BandLab by tapping Create New Project.
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Step 3
Choose the track type by selecting Voice/Mic if you will sing or Instrument if you will play.
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Step 4
Turn on the metronome and set a tempo that feels comfortable for your song.
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Step 5
Press the red Record button to start recording.
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Step 6
Perform your voice or instrument part until you press Stop to finish the take.
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Step 7
Play back the recorded track and listen to how it sounds.
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Step 8
Add a simple effect to the recorded track by opening Effects and choosing one like Reverb or EQ.
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Step 9
Add another track or pick a loop by tapping the + button and choosing a drum or harmony loop.
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Step 10
Adjust the volume sliders and pan for each track until everything sounds balanced.
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Step 11
Export your finished song using the Share or Export option to save it to your BandLab profile.
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Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I record myself on BandLab?
To record on BandLab, create a free account and open a new project. Tap the + to add a track, choose Voice or Instrument, then press Record and play or sing into your mic. Add more tracks for harmonies or drums, use built‑in effects and presets, adjust volume and pan in the mixer, then Export > Save/Share as an MP3. Practice takes and use undo to keep the process simple for kids.
What materials and equipment do I need to record on BandLab?
You'll need a device (phone, tablet, or computer) with the BandLab app or website, a stable internet connection for cloud projects, and headphones for monitoring. A built-in microphone works, but an external USB or phone mic improves sound. Optional items: an instrument, a simple audio interface for pro mics, and a quiet recording space. Keep chargers handy and have a parent help with account setup for younger children.
What ages is recording on BandLab suitable for?
Recording on BandLab is suitable for kids about 8 and up with adult supervision; younger children (4–7) can participate if an adult operates the app. Older kids and teens (11–18) can work more independently and learn mixing basics. Adapt tasks: little ones can sing or press record, while older kids edit and mix. Always supervise account creation and sharing until the child understands privacy and online safety.
Is using BandLab safe for kids and what should parents watch for?
BandLab is safe when used with parental guidance: set projects to private, avoid sharing personal details in profiles or notes, and review sharing links before sending. Disable public collaborations if you prefer no outside contact, and monitor in‑app comments or messages. Use headphones at safe volumes. Benefits include creativity and audio skills, so encourage constructive feedback and keep younger kids' accounts linked to a parent-managed email.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a microphone or an instrument to record on BandLab?
Use your phone's built-in mic or headphones with a mic for the Voice/Mic track, or choose an Instrument track or pick a loop with the + button if you don't have a physical instrument.
My recording sounds too quiet or noisy—what should I try?
Before pressing the red Record button, move closer to the mic, turn on the metronome to keep steady timing, use headphones to reduce background noise, and after playback raise the track gain or adjust the volume sliders and EQ effect.
How can I change this activity to suit different ages?
For younger kids, have an adult sign in and record a single short Voice/Mic take or add a simple drum loop with the + button, while older kids can build multiple tracks, experiment with Effects like Reverb/EQ, pan parts, and Export the finished song.
How can we improve or personalize our song after the first take?
Add harmony or drum loops using the + button, tweak Reverb or EQ under Effects, balance parts with the volume sliders and pan, then Export and share your finished song on DIY.org.