more info

Are you getting a signal through your mic at all? What sound card are you using? Kick out some more info and it'll be easier to help you.

I'm not quite sure what sound card I'm using and the program works fine but I can only hear what I recorded after I recorded it and I was wondering if there was any options to turn on so I can hear my voice as I record it. The only way I can do this at the moment is to run my mic through my crate amp where there are two outputs (one for my headphones and one to the computer), but its a cheap amp and it messes up the quality of the vocals.

um... *bump*

If you're 'not quite sure what sound card you're using' you're most probably using some built in Soundblaster compatible card. These are NOT for recording audio, rather for multimedia entertainment, gaming, etc.

The direct monitoring style you're talking about, splitting the signal and monitoring your input simultaneously with recording, is one way of solving the problem. But as long as you're using that soundcard you won't be able to hear the input signal mixed with the rest of the tracks while you record.

In order to be able to monitor through the software (which also enables you to use plugins live) you need a soundcard built for audio recording. These types have very low latency ASIO drivers, down to 2-4 ms, which is way less than you will ever be able to notice. Not only that, but the analog-digital converters are much better than the ones found on built-in soundcards.

Consider getting such a soundcard if you're just a little serious about home recording. M-Audio Audiophile 2496 is a good choice, has stereo in- and out, it costs a hundred bucks, it's well tested and lots of people are satisfied with it.