How to Set Up a WAV File
A WAV file is a file that contains data for sound bits, noise, and music. Although these files are much larger than compressed audio files like MP3 files, WAV files have better clarity. As of May 2010, Windows XP is still the most popular operating system and Windows XP users can set up WAV files without third-party programs, unlike users of Windows Vista and Windows 7.
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Instructions
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1
Launch "Sound Recorder" from the Start menu. You can find "Sound Recorder" by going to the "Accessories" folder and then going to the "Entertainment" folder.
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2
Set up the recording format by clicking the "File" menu and then clicking "Properties." In the drop-down box labeled "Choose from," select "Recording formats" and click on the "Convert Now..." button to load the "Sound Selection" dialog.
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3
Set the format to "PCM" from the combo box and click on the second combo box below to choose the sound quality. Items with a higher rate of kb/sec have a higher file size, but better overall sound quality. Click both "OK" buttons to close both dialogs.
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4
Plug the microphone into the appropriate jack and set the microphone record level by clicking the "Edit" menu item and clicking "Audio Properties." Click the "Volume" button under the "Sound Recording" option group to bring up the "Recording Control" sliders. Check the checkbox under the "Microphone" section and maximize its volume level. Close the "Recording Control" and click "OK" to close the dialog.
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Click on the "Record" (red filled circle) button to create your WAV file according to the settings that you made. Speak into the microphone or play any sounds to the microphone for recording. Click the "Stop" (black filled square) button to end the recording.
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Play back your recording by clicking the "Play" (black filled triangle) button to check whether it sounds good. Save the recorded WAV file by clicking the "File" and clicking "Save As" if you are contented with the changes. Type a filename for your WAV file and choose the location where you wish to save it. Click the "Save" button to create the WAV file.
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Tips & Warnings
The microphone jack is usually pink in color or has a small microphone symbol near it.
In the "Sound Selection" dialog, you can save your format and attributes as a preset so you can quickly set up multiple WAV files on the same settings.
You can lower the quality of saved WAV files to reduce the file size by clicking "File" and then "Open." Look for a WAV file and then repeat the second and third steps.
You can optionally add effects to the WAV file by clicking the "Effects" menu. Available options include volume and speed alteration, echo and reverse.
