How to Edit Sound Recordings With Audacity
Audacity is a free software program used to edit or record audio. Available for a multitude of platforms, it allows the user to cut, copy, amplify, record and change most any audio file residing on a computer. With 2 versions available, a Stable and a Beta test version, it is constantly being improved. Very simple to use, it has quickly become a favorite of home audio editors.
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Things You'll Need
- Audacity software loaded
- Computer
- Audio file to edit
- Headphones for concentrated listening
Instructions
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The key to understanding any program is learning the tool bars. The Control Tool bar, shown here, contains a variety of shortcuts that are easy to use. Starting from the left, there are 6 buttons available. The tools here include the Selection tool (allowing you to select a specific section to edit); envelope tool (for changing volume over time); Draw tool (for changing samples); Zoom tool (used for exploding specific sections of audio); a Timeshift tool (for sliding tracks); and a multi-tool that allows you to use all of these tools at once.Also on this control toolbar is a selection of buttons that resemble any standard audio player. They include Skip to Start; Play; Loop; Record; Pause; Stop and Skip to End.
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The Editing Tool bar also shows many important shortcuts. These include Cut; Copy; Paste; Trim (which removes any audio outside the selected section); Silence (which silences the selected section); Undo; Redo; Zoom In; Zoom out; Fit selection into window (zooms section until just fits in window) and Fit Project into Window (zooms appropriately to allow the entire audio file to fit inside the window).These are just 2 of the tool bars available for use.
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Once you have Audacity loaded and opened on your computer, you will notice a series of one word titles stretched across the page. These are shortcuts to menu items that will assist you with your project. Opening a file is easy, simply click on the word "File" then "Open" and select the file you wish to edit or listen to.
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Once the audio file has loaded into the software, you will note that it has converted into wave lengths. As shown here, this voice recorded audio file shows high and low waves with straight lines mixed in between. These straight lines are the silent areas.
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To play the file, click on the play button located in the tool bar. Then, using the edit features, select and edit, change, amplify, etc the selection you have chosen. For each effect you choose, you will be given the chance to experience a preview of the change, before it is completed. There is also an awesome undo tool, which will allow you to undo your changes, up to 10 layers back. Also available under the "effect" list is a "repeat' feature that allows you to repeat the exact same last change any where selected in the file.Upon completing your project, be sure to save it in the format you desire. Audacity automatically defaults to an .aud file, but allows you to export to a mp3, wav and many others.
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