Here is a step-by-step method that will enable you to add music to camcorder footage that you have already shot, using an Audio Mixer.

Difficulty Level: Average      Time Required: Varies

1. Find out how long your video footage is and make sure your music is of the same length.
2. Record your music on a Cassette tape or MiniDisc (if from CD's all you have to do is connect the CD Player to the Cassette Recorder or MiniDisc Recorder and copy the sections you want).
3. Set up the Camcorder, Mixer, Cassette Player (or MiniDisc Player) and VCR in close proximity.
4. Plug in the audio outputs from the Camcorder into one of the Line Inputs of the Audio Mixer.
5. Plug the video ouptut from the Camcorder into the video input of the VCR (set the input selector on the VCR to Line-In or AV-In).
6. Plug the Cassette Player or Minidisc Player into another of the line inputs on the Audio Mixer.
7. Plug the Line Outputs of the Audio Mixer into the Audio Inputs of the VCR.
8. Put the previously recorded Camcorder Tape in the Camcorder.
9. Put the recorded Audio Cassette (or MiniDisc) into the Cassette or MiniDisc Player.
10. Test the sound levels from the Audio Mixer by playing both the Camcorder tape and the audio tape or disc at the same time (don't record on the VCR yet). Adjust the sound levels and synchronization accordingly.
11. Rewind everything back to the beginning and prepare for the final recording step.
12. Insert a blank video tape into the VCR and place the VCR in the REC/Pause mode (allow the tape to advance about 30sec before placing in REC/Pause).
13. Cue up the Camcorder and Cassette Deck by placing both in the Play/Pause mode at their appropiate starting points.
14. Start the VCR recording process by releasing the REC/Pause Button. After the VCR starts, release the Pause/Play modes on the Camcorder and Cassette (or MiniDisc). You will see the video on your TV as this process continues.
15. When this process is complete, shut everything down except the VCR. Rewind the VCR and play back the completed tape.
    

1. Make sure you have all the needed connecting cables and they are of the proper length.
2. Always have extra video tape.
3. Make sure the Camcorder Video and the music synchronize correctly--timing is important.
4. Practice using the Audio Mixer before using it on your project.
   

Related Features:

• Garage Video
• Basic Video Editing: Concepts and Tools
• Radio Shack Audio Mixer.
• Sima Audio Mixers - Model SED-EM, Model SED-2, and SSM-3.