Audacity is FREE as defined by the Audacity design team. IU Kokomo students can download Audacity from IUware at

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Miranda Austin
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This tutorial will describe how to (1) download Audacity on either Windows or Mac computers, and (2) set up Audacity to edit and save audio files in either *.wav or *.mp3 format.

1 This tutorial will describe how to (1) download Audacity on either Windows or Mac computers, and (2) set up Audacity to edit and save audio files in either *.wav or *.mp3 format. All IU Kokomo student workstations on campus have Audacity already installed. However, Audacity can easily be downloaded and installed on your personal computer. Download Audacity and install the application on your computer. Audacity is FREE as defined by the Audacity design team. IU Kokomo students can download Audacity from IUware at Audacity is available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. So, whether you have a Windows computer or an Apple Macbook you can download Audacity! 1. Open a Web browser. 2. Navigate to 3. In the left-hand navigation bar of IUware, select Multimedia. 4. On the IUware Multimedia page, select Multimedia Editors. IUware (for Windows ) CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 1 of 19

2 IUware (for Macintosh ) For additional information, see Appendix I Helpful hints for using Apple Macintosh computers. This section is especially helpful to users with experience with Windows computers. Appendix II Instructions to install Audacity in the both the Microsoft Windows 7 environment and the Macintosh environment. Appendix III How to install the LAME MP3 encoder plugin to allow saving audio files in mp3 format. Appendix IV Where to find documentation (Quick Reference Guide and User s Manual) for Audacity and tutorials. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 2 of 19

3 Now, install Audacity (See Appendix II). After installation, there should be an Audacity icon available. If it is not, Audacity can be accessed from the Start menu (Windows) or the Applications folder (Mac OS). In the windows environment, the Audacity icon looks like this desktop. It can also be found in the Start menu in Programs., which may appear on the In the Macintosh environment, the Audacity icon looks like this the desktop or on the dock. It can also be found in the Applications folder., which may appear on NOTE: From here on to the end of the tutorial, unless otherwise indicated the instructions relate to both Windows and Mac environments. The Appendices address each specific environment for installation of the product. Connect a headphone and microphone set to the computer. There may be a headphone/microphone control located mid-way on the cable between the headphones and the connector plugs. Microphone level: On the cable control module, make sure the microphone level is set to maximum level (words may vary). Headphone level: On the cable control module, make sure the headphone level is set to maximum level (may be a volume control knob or wheel). Now, make sure that the input device (microphone) and the output device (speakers or headphones) are connected and correctly configured. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 3 of 19

For the Windows environment: To set the configuration of the Playback and Recording devices (microphone and headphones/speakers) in the Windows environment, open the Sound dialog box Click Start,

4 For the Windows environment: To set the configuration of the Playback and Recording devices (microphone and headphones/speakers) in the Windows environment, open the Sound dialog box Click Start, open the Control Panel, and open Sound to display the Sound dialog box. Playback Devices (Playback tab): The Headphones icon should have a green checkmark beside it. When the headphones are plugged into the computer, this is the way the Sound dialog box should look (above). But, if the Sound (Playback) dialog box shows the headphones with a downward-pointing red arrow beside the headphones icon, the headphones are not properly plugged in. Check to make sure that the CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 4 of 19

5 headphone connector is in the correct jack and that the microphone connector is in the correct jack. They might be reversed. Or, if the Sound (Playback) dialog box shows the speakers icon with a green checkmark, then click on (select) the headphones icon, right-click on the headphones icon to display a shortcut menu, and click on Set as default device. Recording devices (Recording tab): The Microphone icon should have a green checkmark beside it. When the microphone is plugged into the computer, this is the way the Sound (Recording) dialog box should look (above). CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 5 of 19

But, if the Sound (Recording) dialog box shows the microphone with a downward-pointing red arrow beside the microphone icon, the microphone is not plugged in.

6 But, if the Sound (Recording) dialog box shows the microphone with a downward-pointing red arrow beside the microphone icon, the microphone is not plugged in. Set recording and playback levels: On the Recording tab of the Sound dialog box (above), right-click on the microphone, and click on Properties. The Microphone Properties dialog box will display, as shown below. In the Microphone Properties dialog box, click on the Level tab. Set the Microphone level to 100. Eventually, the microphone level may have to be reduced. Set the Microphone Boost level to db, or higher. Click OK to exit the Microphone Properties dialog box, and click OK to exit the Sound dialog box. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 6 of 19

For the Macintosh environment: To set the input/output peripheral settings in the Macintosh environment, open System Preferences, by clicking on the System Preferences

7 For the Macintosh environment: To set the input/output peripheral settings in the Macintosh environment, open System Preferences, by clicking on the System Preferences icon on the dock. Click the Sound icon to open the Sound dialog box so that settings can be configured. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 7 of 19

8 Click on the Output tab. Here, output balance and output volume can be set. Adjust the control sliders appropriately. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 8 of 19

9 Click on the Input tab: Here, the input devices are shown, and input volume and output volume can be set. Adjust the control sliders appropriately. Close the System Preferences dialog box. Close the Sound dialog box by clicking System Preferences in the Apple toolbar at the top of the screen, then clicking Quit System Preferences menu item in the dropdown menu. NOTE: This tutorial is intended to allow students to (1) Download Audacity onto their personal computers, and (2) to provide a tutorial in a brief overview format to get started. Full documentation for using Audacity is available on the Audacity Web site at It is recommended that students pursue this product documentation for a full explanation of features, as each new version of Audacity may have new/changed features from the previous version. See Appendix IV of this document for details. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 9 of 19

10 Recording voice clips using Audacity: Launch Audacity In the Windows environment, click the Audacity icon on the desktop If the icon is not on the desktop, then navigate through the Start button and then Programs to find Audacity. In the Macintosh environment, click the Audacity icon on the desktop or on the dock If the icon is not on the desktop or on the dock, then navigate within the Applications folder to find Audacity. Audacity will launch. In the Windows environment, Audacity looks like this CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 10 of 19

In the Macintosh environment, Audacity looks like this Because the application looks very similar and operates the same in both environments, the following introductory tutorial can be used for both

11 In the Macintosh environment, Audacity looks like this Because the application looks very similar and operates the same in both environments, the following introductory tutorial can be used for both environments. I will use the Windows screenshots in this tutorial, but remember the instructions apply also to the Macintosh version. Note: It is important to configure the headphone/microphone first, before launching Audacity. Do not launch Audacity before setting headphone/microphone settings. It is easier to troubleshoot problems one at a time in a specific sequence, than sitting around wondering why Audacity won t record anything. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 11 of 19

12 The Audacity main screen is shown below. The main operating buttons are labeled. A quick overview of the Audacity application controls Rewind to Start Play Record Pause Stop Rewind to End CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 12 of 19

Recording a voice clip with Audacity. To record a voice clip (1) Click the Record button. (2) Start speaking into the microphone. (3) When you are done speaking, click the Stop button.

13 Recording a voice clip with Audacity. To record a voice clip (1) Click the Record button. (2) Start speaking into the microphone. (3) When you are done speaking, click the Stop button. Note: As you record, the red level bar should move corresponding to your voice, and a voice waveform should be recording across the Audacity screen. If it is not, recheck the microphone settings to make sure they are correct. If the microphone level is set to 0, nothing will be recorded. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 13 of 19

14 To play a voice clip (1) Click the Rewind button. (2) Click the Play button. (3) When you have heard enough or the clip has completed, click the Stop button. Note: The output device volume controls may have to be adjusted to hear the recording play at the proper volume level. Saving a voice clip with Audacity. Audio files can be saved in either *.wav format or *mp3 format. Saving files in Audacity is called Exporting. Saving a file in *.wav format. After the raw audio file has been processed: clipped and desired effects added, it can be saved in *.wav format. Audacity can export audio files in *.wav format right out of the box. In the File menu, click Export as WAV, then specify (1) the destination folder and (2) the filename. Click the Save button. Saving a file in *.mp3 format. To be able to save a file in *.mp3 format, it is required that the LAME plug in for Audacity be installed properly. For instructions on how to install the LAME plug in, see Appendix III of this document. After the LAME plug in has been installed, audio files can be saved in mp3 format. After the raw audio file has been processed: clipped and desired effects added, it can be saved in *.mp3 format. In the File menu, click Export as MP3, then specify (1) the destination folder and (2) the filename. Click the Save button. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 14 of 19

15 Opening an audio clip into Audacity. Audio files can be imported into Audacity. Opening files in Audacity is called Importing. Importing a file. In the Project menu, click on Import Audio, then specify (1) the target folder and (2) select the file. Click the Open button. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 15 of 19

16 Appendix I Helpful hints for Apple Macintosh computers. This appendix is especially helpful to users with experience only with Windows computers. There are two Apple document on the Apple Web site that are helpful to new users of Apple computers and the Macintosh operating system. Mac 101 Get Started with the Mac This document is targeted to those users who have never before used a Mac. Web URL: Switch 101 Migrate to Mac This document is targeted to those users who are current users of Windows-based computers and are switching to a Mac, or need to learn how to use a Mac. Web URL: CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 16 of 19

17 Appendix II Instructions to install Audacity in the both the Microsoft Windows 7 environment and the Macintosh environment. Installing Audacity is simple. Open a Web browser, and go to the Audacity home page at: Click on the Download tab at the top of the page. Select the operating environment (Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux/Unix). Microsoft Windows: Check the specifications of your computer against the Systems Requirements for Audacity to make sure that you can successfully install Audacity on your computer. The older a computer is, the more the risk that Audacity will not install correctly. Download and Run the Audacity installer. Follow the standard Windows application install procedure by following the on-screen instructions. Apple Macintosh: Check the specifications of your computer against the Systems Requirements for Audacity to make sure that you can successfully install Audacity on your computer. The older a computer is, the more the risk that Audacity will not install correctly. Download and Run the Audacity installation file. Follow the standard Macintosh OS application install procedure by following the on-screen instructions. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 17 of 19

18 Appendix III How to install the LAME MP3 encoder plugin to allow saving audio files in mp3 format. In Audacity, audio files can be saved in either *.wav or *.mp3 format. Files can be saved in *.wav format directly with Audacity straight out of the box. However, to save files in*.mp3 format, a special plugin the LAME MP3 encoder plugin must be installed. Open a Web browser, and go to the Audacity home page at: For the Windows environment: To download the LAME MP3 encoder plugin, go to the Audacity Download page for Windows: Under Optional Downloads, locate the LAME MP3 encoder link in the Plug-ins and Libraries section, and click that link. Follow the step-by-step instructions for Windows provided on the page that displays. For the Macintosh environment: To download the LAME MP3 encoder, go to the Audacity Download : page for Mac OS 9/X: Under Optional Downloads, locate the LAME MP3 encoder link in the Plug-ins and Libraries section, and click that link. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided for MAC OS or X on the page that displays. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 18 of 19

19 Appendix IV Where to find documentation (Quick Reference Guide and User s Manual) for Audacity and tutorials. Open a Web browser, and go to the Audacity home page at: User documentation is available for Audacity. It can be found online by clicking the Help tab on the Audacity Web site. The link to the Documentation and Tutorials is in the left-hand navigation bar of the page. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions page (FAQ) for Audacity. It can be by clicking the Help tab on the Audacity Web site. The link to the FAQ is in the left-hand navigation bar of the page. CSER How to Set up a computer to record files in Audacity Page 19 of 19

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