I really need to set up something to record myself playing a few progressions so I can practice licks and stuff over the top. It would be great if I could then record this to hear the good from the bad and the ugly!
So, rather than buying a 4 track is they're any sites where I can download some free software to do this through my PC's sound card? And while I'm here what about software to produce effects??
try Acid Pro, made by Sonic Foundry. You can download a free trial version which allows you to lay down a limited number of tracks, but it has most features of the full version, such as looping, cut and pasting tracks. I used it for a while, and it took some time to get used to, but it produced good results.
also, i think Cakewalk has a free trial version, but i've never used it before.
what if you try Cool Edit or Samplitude. They can be found on the net normally. If you type samplitude in a search engine, then you will be taken to samplitude cracks. At least, normally, because some of these links have been shut down. I think you can also download demo versions from the official sites. Give it a try.
it's limited to 8 tracks but if you run out of tracks you can always mix it down to two channels and start again from there...Also check out http://www.sharewaremusicmachine.com - almost all the free/shareware and demo programs that is available out there....from sequencers to real-time effect processors....