How to record audio using headphones and Audacity

Audacity is a powerful free program that can be used to record music. Using only minimal equipment, you can record everything from your jazz flute playing to an interview with the President of the United States. Once you have recorded the audio, you can use Audacity to manipulate it. Make music for videos, cover your favorite songs, or record conversations with your children so you can hold it against them in the future!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with a microphone jack
• Headphones
• Audacity

1. Open Audacity. If you do not own a copy of Audacity, go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ and download the most recent version.

2. Plug your headphones into the microphone jack.

3. Press the record button in Audacity. Your headphones will now pick up audio as if they were microphones!

4. Play piano, interview your grandmother, sing, get close to a chirping bird, or tell your band to take it from the top.

5. Press the stop button when you are finished recording. You have now recorded audio.

Tips & Warnings

• Any type of headphones will work, but earbuds are preferable because they are easy to move around.
• With the steps outlined above you can record in any environment. I've recorded interviews outside and also recorded my guitar playing in quiet rooms.
• Experiment with the distance from the source you are attempting to record. Most headphones are surprisingly sensitive and can record sounds from quite a distance.
• In addition to recording, Audacity is a powerful audio manipulator. With the tools in Audacity - many of which are found under the effects tab - you can make an acoustic guitar sound like everything from a distorted lead to a bass. Try tapping on the guitar to make a drum sound!
• Always record a few test sounds before using headphones in crucial situations.

Resources

• Audacity homepage

[lildutchgirl56]

on 6/1/2009 I'm not electronics savvy, but my son would love this information. Thanks for sharing!