Oh, the

Oh, theA Primer for Podcasting

"Audacity" is a trademark of Dominic MazzoniAudacity Logo by Harvey Lubin !Mary Beth LemoineMedia 6467 Spring 2009

This is a simple tutorial. It introduces the software and points out the principle features of this great software. There is much more than what will be covered in this presentation, but this will get you started and you will be able to create a wonderful audio file. Be sure to click on the speaker for further instruction.1Download the SoftwareGo to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

A is a free software available through Sourceforge. It is free but it the authors of the software should be referenced in your work.2Optional DownloadsTo create MP3 files

In order to save your podcast, you need to download an additional piece of software. This allows compression of your work which allows for easier uploading to wikis and blogs.3Open Audacity

This is the beginning interface. We will go through the features in future slides.4

Set PreferencesYou will need a USB microphone/headset

Your soundcard Your microphone Set to 2 (Stereo)

It is important to set your audio preferences. Although your computer may have a microphone built in, your quality will be much better with a USB microphone. A Logitech microphone is featured here. Be sure that your microphone is the one found on the Recording line. Changing the channel from 1 (Mono) to 2 (Stereo) is not necessary, but is highly recommended. All of the remaining tabs are set as default and do not necessarily need to be changed.5Menu Options

It is important to have a general familiarity with all the menus and features of the software so as know of the possibilities, but we will only use a few to make a basic, but effective, podcast.6Control Buttons

Top Row:Selection ToolEnvelope ToolDraw Tool

Bottom Row:Zoom ToolTime Shift ToolMulti-Shift Tool

RewindPlayRecordPauseStopFast Forward

The control buttons are very important. You will recognize most of them from using other technologies, but one important thing to note is that the Record button is red and the Stop button is yellow. This can be confusing.7Output Options

From Left to Right:Cut CopyPasteTrim Outside SelectionSilence SelectionUndoRedoFit Selection in WindowFit Project in Window

Output Level MeterInput Level Meter

You will see the input level meter turn red as you record. If this peaks too much, you can tone down the input level using the slider above. The buttons to the right are similar to those found in most other applications, but this is important to know that you can edit your audio after you have recorded it.8You are ready to record

Record (Red Button)/Stop (Yellow Button)Microphone Input Level MeterAudio Recording

OK, have a go! Remember the red button is record and the yellow button is the stop button. Notice the blue recording audio waves that changes with the intonation of your voice. With the Selector button, you can edit and delete. Using the Control buttons, you can further audit your work.9Background music?

Drill down to audio files:

mp3 files wmv files au files other file types?Hint: For those of you familiar with Windows Explorer, you can also drag and drop right into Audacity.

You may wish to add some background music to your voice. You will import an audio file and Audacity will find it. There are a number of audio types that you can import, but most are wmv or mp3 files.10Edit audio

Delete Use Selection Tool, Select and Delete (Hold mouse down and drag)Fade Use Selection Tool, Select, Effects, Fade in/Fade Out

Your voice is located on one line and the background music is on another. You will want to edit your work so that you can hear your voice well and that the music is not too loud. 11Save or Export?

Save your project (not compressed)Export as a wav file (large)Export as an mp3

Dont forget to save your work. You have a few options, but you may wish to export your work as an mp3 file since it is a smaller file. Dont forget to save it to a location that you will be able to find at a later date.12

Have fun!

Play around, have fun, and let your students, faculty and others do the same. Thanks for watching!13