Digital Audio Module

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2 Digital Audio Module Introduction What is Digital Audio and how has it changed the way we work and play? Digital audio is all around us on our computers, stereos, tvs, and MP3 players. The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to create and edit original digital audio files from music to radio broadcasts and podcasts. As students work through the module, they will be required to document any problems or challenges they face in a journal or logbook. Students will also be required to write their responses to any exercise questions in this journal. The students may choose to use either WordPerfect to create their journal or create an online journal in the form of a blog. Outcomes Students will be expected to: 1. produce a work plan that outlines the possible criteria for choosing resources for manufacturing a product (AUD1) 2. identify and clearly state audio problems (AUD2) 3. collaborate to identify strategies for completion of project (AUD3) 4. explore alternate solutions to problems (AUD4) 5. identify and utilize specific tools and resources to solve problems (AUD5) 6. utilize safe practices when using resources (AUD6) 7. demonstrate how CIT is used to help create new knowledge (AUD7) 8. demonstrate digital communications principles and technologies (AUD8) 9. use language and terminology of audio technology (AUD9) 10. understand the basic elements of the audio production process (AUD10) 11. become familiar with basic audio production equipment (AUD11) 12. develop skills in audio recording (AUD12) 13. develop criteria to evaluate content and design of audio product (AUD13) 2

3 Assessment Part 1 (Introductory Activities) Intro to Sound Recorder 5% Audacity 10% Hardware etc 10% Part 2 (Students must complete any 1 activity) Final Projects 40% Audio Journal 20% Peer evaluation (students can choose 1 project to be evaluated by their peers) 5% Self-evaluation 10% 3

4 Part 1: Introduction to Digital Audio Exercise 1: Digital Audio Overview The Internet provides tutorials on a variety of technology topics. You also know that web sites come and web sites go. This means that without notice, sites could be removed from the World Wide Web. Following is a site that will be used for the first activity. Students and teachers may find alternative sites to use for this activity if they wish. Nortel Networks ( site will be used in this first activity. Scroll down the site and under the heading Technology Topics, you will find two video tutorials. One is Digital Audio and the other is Digital Ethics. What do you already know about Digital Audio? Where does it come from? How is it created? To get you thinking about Digital Audio, your first exercise is to access the website and watch the two videos. The first video provides a short overview of How to create digital audio. The main tool that the videos use is the tool that you will be using: Audacity. The second discusses Copyright issues. If you re unsure of the definitions of some of the words in the videos, check the Glossary at the back of this module for more information. 4

5 Exercise 2: Recording a Simple Audio File with Sound Recorder The Windows Operating System comes with built in software to record audio. All you need is a sound card in your computer and an inexpensive microphone. Using Sound Recorder, you can: Record audio Add sounds to a file Delete part of a sound file Change the playback speed, volume and direction Change or convert the sound file type Add an echo NOTE: If you have a Windows computer at home, you can access Sound Recorder by following the steps below. To Open Sound Recorder: 1. Go to the Start Button 2. Click on Programs 3. Click on Accessories 4. Click on Entertainment 5. Click on Sound Recorder 5

6 Sound Playback and Sound Recording Settings If Sound Recorder does not record audio, check the Audio Properties to see the recording source and playback source. This can be found under the Edit menu. In the Audio Properties window, you can change the options for Sound Recording and Playback. 6

7 The Sound Recorder Window In the centre of the window is a flat, green line. As you speak into the microphone, or as you play a sound, you will see this green line oscillate to represent the sound. These are Sound Waves. The Position Indicator (on the left) is represented in hundredths of a second The total Length of the sound file is shown in seconds (on the right) The Slider shows where the sound file is playing, relative to its overall length. You can drag the slider to move through the sound file. Below the Slider, you will see the symbols for: Tips for Recording Speak in a clear steady voice. Keep the microphone close to your mouth, but not too close. Don t move while recording. Don t touch the microphone/ headset. Try to keep an even volume level when speaking. Avoid speaking too loudly as this will produce a harsh effect known as distortion. Rewind Fast Forward Play Stop Record 7

8 Record an Audio File: 1. Use the microphone to record a short audio clip (between 30 and 60 seconds) introducing yourself. Before you begin recording, you must write out your script. The script should be included under the heading Exercise 2 in your Audio Journal. Include the following information in your recording: name age grade hometown hobbies that you may have any other information that you would like to include 2. When you re ready, press the Record button and wait 5 10 seconds before you begin speaking into the microphone. 3. As you speak into the microphone, you will see the green line move up and down representing the sound waves. The louder you speak, the higher the waves, but remember...speaking too loudly can damage the equipment and your hearing! 4. Press the Stop button when you are finished. 5. Save your file as exercise2.wav. Sound Recorder saves files in WAV (.wav) format (you ll learn more about audio file formats in a later exercise). NOTE - Increasing Maximum Recording Time Sound Recorder has a default maximum time of 60 seconds of continuous recording time. If you stop recording at any point before reaching the 60 second limit, you can then continue recording and have another 60 seconds of continuous time before Sound Recorder automatically stops. Repeating this startstop routine will provide you with more recording time if it is required. Use the following steps to increase your record time before you begin. 1. Make sure your microphone is muted so it will not pick up sound. 2. Press the Record button and then let Sound Recorder run for 60 seconds (recording silence) 3. After Sound Recorder stops recording, click Save As on the File menu, and name the file Blank.wav 4. You can now use this file to increase the maximum recording time in Sound Recorder. 5. To increase recording time, click the Edit menu and select Insert File. 6. Locate the Blank.wav file you saved in step 3. When you do this, the maximum recording time is increased by 60 seconds. 7. Repeat the previous step for each additional minute of recording time you need. 8

9 Exercise 3: Editing a File The editing tools are located under the Edit menu. After you edit a file, click Play to listen to your changes. If you like what you hear, click Save As and give your file a new name so you don t save over your original file. If you don t want to keep the changes, and you haven t saved the file, click on the File menu and choose Revert to restore the file to its previous state. Removing Unwanted Audio: 1. Open your file exercise2.wav that you created in the previous exercise. 2. Move the slider so it is positioned at the beginning of where you started speaking (we want to delete the 10 seconds of silence). 3. Under the Edit menu, select Delete Before Current Position - this deletes the audio from the beginning of the file to the current position (getting rid of the dead air) 4. Move the slider toward the end of your file. 5. Select Delete After Current Position - this deletes the audio after the cursor. 6. If you are satisfied with the results, save your file as exercise3a.wav 7. This method can also be used to select portions of an audio file. For example, if you only wanted 10 seconds in the middle of a 35 second clip, then you could delete the audio before and after it. 9

10 Mixing & Inserting Files: NOTE: Inserting and Mixing Files only works with uncompressed sound files. If you do not see the green line in Sound Recorder, the file is compressed and you cannot modify it. In the next part of this exercise, you will be working with free.wav files that can be found on a variety of sites on the Internet. The site below has several Techno sound files. Check out the site and save any 5 different sounds with which you would like to work. When saving the file, you must Right Click on the link and select Save Target As. Make sure you save the sounds into your folder. Once you have your 5 wav files saved, follow the instructions below to learn how to combine sounds to create new files. Insert File This inserts an entire sound file anywhere into the current file. An inserted file will increase the length of the sound file. 1. Open any one of your sound effects. 2. Use the slider to scroll to the middle of your sound. 3. Select Insert File from the Edit menu. The Insert File dialog box appears. 4. Select one of your other saved wav files. 5. Click OK. 6. Click the Play button to listen 7. Remember, if you want to save the file, save it with a new name. (You don t want to save over the original file.) 8. Save the file as exercise3b.wav Mix With File This mixes a second file with the original file and you will hear both files at the same time. 1. Choose one of the sound files that you saved previously. 2. Move the slider to a spot where you would like to mix in a new sound. 3. Select Mix with File from the Edit menu. 4. In the Mix with File dialogue box, select one of your other wav files. 5. Click OK. 6. Choose 3 more wav files and mix them to create a new audio file. 7. Play back your file and if you are happy with it, save this mixed file as exercise3c.wav 10

11 Exercise 4: Adding Sound Effects 1. Open your exercise1.wav file 2. Click on the Effects menu 3. Apply each of the effects to your file to see how each one alters that sound file. 4. In your journal, answer the following questions under the title Exercise 4: Sound Effects. a. Describe how each effect changed your sound file. b. When would you use the Add Echo effect? c. Describe a situation in which you could use the Increase Speed effect. d. How could you use the Reverse effect? NOTE: If you only want part of your file to have a special effect, you would have to make a copy of your sound file, cut it into portions, apply the effect to the desired portion and then combine the files into a new audio file. 11

12 Exercise 5: Audio File Formats The purpose of this module is to give you a brief introduction to digital audio. There s so much more to learn! Access the resources provided or simply do a search using Google, and answer the following questions in your journal under the title Exercise 5: Audio File Formats What is the difference between an.mp3 file and a.wav file? 2. When should you use an.mp3 file? A.wav file? 3. What other types of audio files are available? 4. What does compression mean in relation to audio files? 5. Define lossy. 12

13 Exercise 6: Morning Announcements Using your knowledge of Sound Recorder, create and record morning announcements for your school that would grab the attention of your classmates. Your announcements must: 1. Include a written script showing all spoken audio as well as any special effects/sound effects to be included. This script should be written in your Audio Journal. 2. Be approximately 1 minute in length 3. Include at least 1 effect (ex. A bell sound to start the announcements) 4. Demonstrate an understanding of mixing/inserting files by combining audio from at least 2 sources. For example, to make your announcements realistic, you could add a background office noise sound effect. Use Google or Dogpile to search for these sound effects. Note that in Dogpile, you have the option of just searching for audio files. You can also include wav and free in your search criteria. 5. Save your file as exercise6.wav 13

14 Introduction to Audacity Sound Recorder allows you to create and edit simple digital audio files in.wav format. There are several other audio applications that allow you to create audio files. These applications range in price from free to several hundred dollars. In this section of the module, you will be working with Audacity, which can be downloaded for free from Audacity has more capabilities than Sound Recorder. It allows you to create audio files with multiple tracks and has a wide variety of effects that can be applied to enhance your audio file. Over the lessons included here, students have the opportunity to produce a variety of audio projects using Audacity. Once they have demonstrated an understanding of how this software works, students will be expected to learn how a mixing board and other recording equipment works and how it can enhance their recording experience. Following these experimental activities, the second part of this module allows students to put their new skills to work by creating an original audio project. Five suggested activities are included, demonstrating how digital audio can be used in a variety of different settings. 14

15 Exercise 7 The Audacity Window 1. Open Audacity 2. Record an audio file approximately 60 seconds long describing your favourite activities/foods/movies/singers etc. NOTE: Make sure you have the correct INPUT source selected. This will probably be set to MICROPHONE. If Audacity does not record, go to EDIT > PREFERENCES and check the recording and playback sources. 3. Save your file as Exercise7. Audacity saves in.aup format. To play your audio file outside of Audacity, you would have to export your file as a.wav or.mp3 file. You will learn how to export your files in a later exercise. 4. Try each of the buttons outlined below to examine their purpose. Selection tool: used to select or highlight parts of the recording Envelope tool: allows you to change volume over time Zoom: Use the buttons to zoom in and out on the recording to help you select sections of the file more accurately Audio Control Bar: Play/Record/ Pause/Stop Rewind/FF TimeShift Tool: Allows you to click on a wave form and drag it left or right to move it earlier or later in your timeline Cursor: shows you where you are in the recording Cut/Copy/ Paste/Trim: Using the Selection tool to highlight a portion of your audio track, you can cut, copy and paste a selection into other tracks or other projects. You can also silence a selection or cut outside the selection Undo/Redo: Undo or redo the last operation that was performed. 15

16 Mixer Toolbar The Mixer Toolbar allows you to select your Input Device, as well as set the volume levels, both for playback and for the input device Meter Toolbar The Meter Toolbar monitors input and output levels, allowing you to see if your recording is too loud. The brighter parts of the bars shows the average audio levels and the darker parts show the maximum audio level reached. These levels should be monitored to avoid Clipping. If the volume is set too high, the tops of your audio signals get clipped off generating extra high-frequency noise in your speakers, which sounds like pops, clicks and noise. To fix this problem, you need to adjust your volume levels. Distortion occurs when you've turned the volume up too high. If you would like a more detailed overview of the Audacity tools available, check out: 16

17 Exercise 8: Audacity Effects Audacity comes with several different effects that can be applied to your audio file. To apply an effect, use the Selection tool to highlight the section of audio to which you wish to apply the effect. Then choose the desired effect from the Effect menu. Unlike Sound Recorder, the effect does not have to be applied to the entire file. 1. Open your Audacity Exercise7 file. 2. Apply each effect listed below to different parts of your file. These can be found under the Effects menu. 3. In your journal, create a table similar to the one shown below to describe how each of these effects alters your sound file and an example of a situation in which the effect could be used. Effect Description Potential Use Amplify Change Pitch Bass Boost Change Tempo Fade in Fade out Wahwah Echo Change Speed Reverse 17

18 NOTE: There are several other effects that can be downloaded and added to the Audacity Effects menu. To download these files: Go to the Audacity website Click on the Download link Select the Windows link Click on LADSPA plugins installer Run the file. The effects should be added to your Effects menu Due to restrictions on the network, you may need to ask your teacher to add these effects for you. Once these new effects are added, experiment with them to see how they can alter a sound file. Remember, you can apply effects to just portions of your audio file by simply selecting it using the Selection tool. 18

19 Exercise 9: Working with Tracks and the Project Menu Sound Recorder only allowed you to work with a single or MONO track. Mono means that the audio is played out of only one speaker or CHANNEL, or it is played out of both the left and right speakers equally. Audacity has the ability to create STEREO tracks. So what s the difference between Mono and Stereo? Simply put, it s the difference between One track and Two tracks. Sound can be moved back and forth in the stereo spectrum, giving the illusion of movement. The Top track represents the left speaker or channel and the Bottom track represents the right speaker or channel. When tracks are joined as a stereo pair, all edits will apply to both tracks. Opening tracks:! When starting a new file in Audacity, clicking the Record button will automatically create a new mono track.! If you already have an audio file with which to work, you should go to the File menu and select Open. NOTE: Track popdown menu Always give your track a name by clicking on the Track popdown menu. Options to mute, delete, or adjust volume are available on each track. 19

20 The Project Menu allows you to add tracks to your current audio file or import audio from another file. If you have.wav or.mp3 audio files to add to your project (such as songs ripped from a CD or sound effects downloaded off the Web), use the Import Audio command. This will automatically insert these new sounds onto new audio tracks. To record original audio, on a separate track, select the New Audio or Stereo Track. NOTE: The following exercise will allow you to practice combining more than one audio file to create a new project. This exercise is done with the Windows wav files that you hear when you start your computer, but other wav files could be substituted. 1. Open chimes.wav (C:/Windows/Media) 2. Click on the Project menu 3. Click on Import Audio 4. Locate chord.wav 5. Click on the Track pop-down menu on chimes 6. Select Split Stereo Track. 7. Chimes should now show as 2 separate tracks. Splitting the Stereo track will allow you to edit each track independently. 8. Use the Selection tool to highlight a portion of one of your tracks. 9. Click on the Copy button to make a copy of the highlighted section. 20

21 10. Place your cursor in another track and Paste your selection. 11. Use your editing skills to combine these files into a new original project. Use any Effects you wish and experiment with the commands under the Generate menu. 12. Take note that you can move tracks up and down within your Audacity project. 13. When finished, use the Quick Mix command under the Project menu to combine your tracks permanently and cut down on playback noise. 14. Save your creation as exercise9.aup Exercise 10: Exporting Audio Files If you simply saved your audio project as an Audacity file, you wouldn t be able to listen to your work on an mp3 player or on a webpage. Your file must be exported into a more common file format such as an mp3 or wav file. NOTE: Before you can export your.aup file, you must install the LAME MP3 encoder that can be found on the Download page of the Audacity website ( Click on the LAME MP3 encoder and save the file to a location that you will remember. The next time you try to export as an mp3 file, Audacity will ask you where this file is stored. This only needs to be done once. 1. Open exercise9 2. Click on the File menu 3. Select Export as MP3 4. Your first time exporting as an mp3, Audacity will ask you where the LAME encoder can be found. 5. Now export the same file as a wav file. 6. How do the sizes of these 2 types of files compare? Which one is bigger? Record your answers in your journal. 21

22 Exercise 11: Creating a Sound Bank Now that you have had the opportunity to work with Audacity, your next project is to create sound effects that you could potentially use in future projects. Your sound effects will be combined with those of your classmates to create a class sound effect bank that can be shared and used by you and your peers. For this project you must: Create a sound bank with a minimum of 5 effects, exported as wav files. Save each sound effect with a descriptive name Include effects that are appropriate, versatile, and justifiable Look around you...what items could you use to make sound effects? What could you use to make rain? Thunder? Doors closing? Keys jingling? BE CREATIVE! 22

23 The Hardware Session 1- Introduction to Hardware (AUD11) CAUTION! Loud noise can result in permanent hearing damage. DO NOT record loud noises or listen to audio playback at high levels. Before you begin working with the mixer, ensure that you know how to properly connect the hardware (mics, cables, mixer, headphones etc) to the computer. 23

24 8 Channel Mixer: You must be familiar with proper terminology. Use Google to locate explanations for the following terms and include them in your journal. Trim, Channel, fader, mute, solo, pan, input, output (AUD9) U-Control Audio CODEC (USB connection from mixer to computer): 24

25 Follow the instructions below to learn how to use the Mixer: NOTE: Once all cables and hardware are connected, if you have not done so, change the Sound Recording source to USB Audio CODEC. 1. Click on Edit 2. Click on Preferences 3. Recording Device should show USB Audio CODEC. Also note that if you wish to playback the audio over speaker or headphones connected to the U-Control USB device, you must change the Sound Playback setting also in the Preferences window to USB Audio CODEC. Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into the U-Control USB device. These settings can also be changed in Sounds & Audio Devices in the Control Panel. 1. Open Audacity 2. Click on File 3. Select New 4. Make sure the Mixer is plugged in 5. Set level on master volume. 6. Plug mic into mixer channel - make sure the levels are turned all the way down before you plug in the mic (If the mic has a switch, make sure it is turned off) Set individual channel volume level using the knobs. (NOTE: It is best to set levels at 12 o clock to start and then go from there) Experiment with pan, EQ, midrange, low buttons, trima microphone is a transducer which converts sound energy into electrical energy The Trim knob controls how much the signal is amplified. If you set the trim too high, you are increasing the distortion level as the input stages have to operated too closely to their maximums. Once your signal is distorted, you can't undo it. In general, if you set your trim so that you get the signal to constantly hit between 0db and +3db, you will be in the right area. 25

26 7. Test voice with mic (Someone will need to be the engineer and operate the software, while another student checks the mic levels) Record the sound check with the software Analyze the levels checking for volume, distortion, etc Experiment with pad, mute (unmute), reverb, echo and other effects Add EQ to add tone.(this will have to be done for different speakers as everyone s voice is different and has different frequencies. No set EQ applies to everyone.) (AUD-5) 8. When listening for levels, keep the volume low for critical listening More Tips for Working with Mixers 1. Use multi-tracking 2. Set up proper input levels (microphone levels (-60 to -40 decibels), instrument levels (-30 to -20 decibels) 3. Write down levels (master, channel, etc) so that they can be reset properly for the next time, avoiding another sound check. This information should be recorded in your journal 4. Audio equipment is very sensitive, so care must be taken. Equipment must also be properly maintained 5. When learning about a piece of equipment, it is important to refer to any manuals 6. Use headphones to replay sound check (both for speaker and engineer) if working area is not separate from rest of classroom 7. Allow flexibility for background noises in product Check the proximity of the speaker s voice to the mic (Make use of the windscreen for proximity) Proper placement of the microphone will help to ensure the best potential of the voice. TO DO: Demonstrate to your teacher that you understand the role of the hardware by identifying the components of the audio system, explaining how it is assembled and explaining the major functions of the equipment. (AUD11) 26

27 Exercise 12: Creating a Radio Commercial Record the following script into Audacity. Use both the Mixer and effects from Audacity to adjust the audio. Then add sound effects where stated. You can create your own sound effects, but it must sound professional and you must use at least 1 sound effect found online using Google or Dogpile. STEPS: 1. Read through script and decide on necessary sound effects and music to set tone of commercial 2. Locate Appropriate Sound Effects You need 3 required sound effects. (You may make your own sound effects or use previously created effects) 3. Record Your Narration Follow the script. You can adlib, but you must use everything from the script. You will be graded on the clarity and how convincing your voice is. 4. Arrange your files Put all your files in order. Be sure to adjust volumes so everything goes together seamlessly. Also, drop in your sound effects so that they are in the correct place. Be sure your music is not too loud! 5. Add Effects Highlight sound clips and use the Effect menu as needed to achieve the desired special effects. Also, be sure the music fades in and out so that it doesn t sound odd. 6. Test and Export When you are satisfied with your work, test it, retest it, and then, when ready, export it as an mp3. See next page for script... 27

28 Zap Breakfast Cereal Script (Faint music playing in the background) (Stomach Growling Sound Effect) Voice One: (add echo) Your name? Voice One: (LOUDER with stomach growling effect) Your name?? Voice Two: Who said that?? Voice One: (ECHO) It s me your stomach! Voice Two: My stomach?? Voice One: (ECHO) A little food would help here what s for breakfast? Voice Two:...but I don t have time, I ll be late for school! Voice One: (ECHO and overlap previous) School?? How can you possibly expect to perform when your stomach is empty?? You NEED to eat breakfast! It s the most important meal of the day! Voice Two: Alright you win what would you like? Toast? Pancakes? Cereal? Voice One:(ECHO) Yeah, cereal but not just any cereal.we need the one that energizes us! (Shock effect here) Voice Two: (interrupts voice one) Voice One: (sound of milk being poured) Oh You mean ZAP!... Right, right that s it...zap...shocks the life into you!. (sound effects) Voice One: Now we re ready to start the day let s go! (Sound of footsteps running...) Voice Three: Don t let your hunger slow you down get ZAPPED today! (Music fades out) Don t forget to save your work! 28

29 Part 2: Suggested Activities Prerequisite: Students must complete the three components of Part 1 prior to beginning Part 2 (Suggested Activities) There are 5 suggested activities included with this module. Students are expected to complete any 1 of these activities in the time allotted. However, students are encouraged to try out other activities if time permits. Activity 1: Podcast Activity 2:Reader s Theatre Activity 3: Radio Show Activity 4: Music Mashup or Movie Mix Activity 5: Original Musical Creation 29

30 Activity 1: Podcast Now that you have had some time to experiment with audio software and hardware, you have the skills necessary to create a variety of audio projects, one of which is a podcast. Introduction to Podcasting At the core, a podcast is an audio file that is automatically received from the internet and then synced to your mp3 player. The files are received by subscribing to what's called a podcast feed or an RSS feed. You ve probably seen the small orange RSS icon on webpages already. You don t need to know how the feed works to subscribe. You just need to know that you can subscribe to a podcast feed to get the latest shows when they are released. You don t have to remember to check for new shows. You don t have to download it. It's done for you. You can think of a podcast as being like a magazine because you subscribe to it and receive new content regularly. Creating a podcast involves 2 parts. In part 1, you create your audio file by researching, writing and recording your podcast. The second part of podcasting involves posting your podcast to the Web. Part 1 should be very simple for you to do now because you know how to create mp3's. Posting your podcast to the Web might be a little more challenging. Follow the instructions below carefully! Anyone can make a podcast! Part 1 - Creating the mp3 1. Choose a topic 2. Research your topic and write your script. a. Complete this step in your Audio Journal. b. Use Audacity and the Mixer to Record your script, including background music for the introduction and closing, and any special effects if necessary. c. Cite all sources - Creating a podcast may require you to conduct some research on the topic of your choice. If this is the case, you must cite all the sources from which you received your information. 3. Export your project in mp3 format. 30

31 Part 2 -Creating Your Podcast (Add your Audio file to RSS 2.0 Feed) Anything that is viewed on the Web must be written in a special language. Regular webpages are written using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML code). Podcasts are also created based on an extension of this language called XML. In this exercise, you don t have to know how to code; all you have to do is replace the areas highlighted in BOLD. 1. Open Notepad 2. Click on File 3. Click on Open 4. Locate the file called podcast.txt from the Multiuse drive. The text should be the same as shown below. Change each of the areas highlighted in bold to match your information. Make sure you know the location of your mp3 file - FILE MANAGEMENT is key to creating a successful podcast (otherwise your links won t work!) <?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso "?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>your podcast title goes here </title> <description>write a brief description of your podcast.</description> <link> <language>en-us</language> <copyright>copyright 2008</copyright> <lastbuilddate>mon, 11 Feb :00: </lastBuildDate> <pubdate>mon, 11 Feb :00: </pubDate> <docs> <webmaster>yourname@yoururl.com</webmaster> <item> <title>your episode title goes here </title> <link> <description>enter a description for this episode.</description> <enclosure url=" length=" " type="audio/mpeg"/> <category>podcasts</category> <pubdate>mon, 11 Feb :00: </pubDate> </item> </channel> </rss> 31

32 6. Save your file as yourtopic_yourname.xml. Make sure you include the.xml extension in your file name. 7. Both the.xml file and your.mp3 file must be uploaded to a webserver. Ask your teacher to help you with this. 8. Make sure you check your podcast to make sure it works. Use the following validation websites: rss.scripting.com validator.w3.org 9. Download your podcast to your mp3 player. Did it work? 32

33 Activity 2 Reader s Theatre For this activity, students are to write an original story or mini-series, or choose a favourite story or book (children s books or fairy tales work well) to record as a reader s theatre. The students will use their knowledge of Audacity and recording hardware to record themselves reading the story. Once recorded, students will add sound effects where desired. Keep your audience in mind! This activity requires at least 2 students - a sound engineer and a vocalist. STEPS: 1. Collaborate with your partner and use Inspiration to storyboard your production. Map out all acts and scenes. (AUD-1) 2. Write your script using WordPerfect. Keep the following items in mind: script must have at least 3 speaking characters and at least 3 different special/sound effects at least 2 sound effects must be created by students.(aud-7) other effects may be taken from free.wav or.mp3 files available from the Internet materials can be brought from home to create sound/special effects mics can be connected to 2 different channels. Remember to set levels for these channels and record them in your journal so you can quickly reset them each class. 4. Create a new Audacity file and keep the following in mind: start recording dialogue. sound effects may be added to this track, but for more versatility, effects should be recorded on a new track and then moved to the appropriate place in the main dialogue. 5. If using music in the background*: Students using music from a cd as background, select stereo mix for the input source (or what you hear depending on version of software). With the CD playing (using Windows Media Player), press the Record button in Audacity. This will record music directly from the CD. Check the levels as it records make sure to check levels save cd track and give it a name * Be aware of copyright issues if wanting to use recorded music. Use a purchased song and give credit to your sources. 33

34 6. Utilize effects within Audacity to enhance production (echo, pitch, fade in, etc) note that too many effects will detract from quality of production (sometimes less is more ) edit dialogue getting rid of any unwanted text, sounds, etc it is always a good idea to edit consonants and not vowels as consonants offer opportunity for cleanest edits (hard sounds in consonants as opposed to soft sounds in vowels) experiment moving dialogue around within the track 7. Mix tracks moving effects tracks to appropriate places within main dialogue track. use selection tool to highlight sections of tracks to be moved. play moved selection with main dialogue track to hear if they fit. Move if necessary. 8. Export the finished file as an mp3 (AUD-12) NOTE: This activity could be used to create audio books for visually challenged students or for young children 34

35 Activity 3 Radio Show It may be hard to believe...but there was life before television and the Internet! The radio was actually a very popular form of entertainment for many individuals! Families would gather around the radio to hear weekly radio shows produced by companies like the Mercury Theatre and famous personalities like Orson Welles. One of the most famous broadcasts was War of the Worlds in which the aliens were invading the earth. The show caused mass hysteria in the United States because the broadcast was so realistic that people thought they were really being invaded! Radio is a very powerful way to spread a message...war of the Worlds is probably one of the most famous radio shows of its time, but there are many others shows available. Take a few minutes and check out to listen to some pre-recorded radio show. You could also do a search in Google to locate other radio shows. Writing Your Script Once you ve taken the time to listen to some pre-recorded radio shows, it s your turn! In this activity, you re going to write your own radio show script. Your script should not only show the text that will be read/spoken, but also any sound effects that will be part of your show. Recording Your Show Once you ve shared your script with your teacher, you re ready to record. Remember, you don t have to get it all right in one take! You can combine several tracks to create your final radio show. Use 2 of the channels for recording of dialogue. If more than 2 students are going to be reading, they can share the microphones. Save and label the tracks with Audacity. Add appropriate sound effects/other character voices. (free.wav files may be downloaded and used or you can record your own original effects with Audacity using stereo mix. Free sound bites can be downloaded from sites such as Edit the tracks Mix tracks together to create single audio file. Export your final show in mp3 format and burn to cd (AUD10) 35

36 Activity 4 Music Mix or Movie Mix (AUD 10 and 12) In this activity, you have the option to create a music or movie mix. Choose your favourite music or famous quotes from movies and combine them in a unique and entertaining way. NOTE: Make sure you review the copyright video at Remember, copyright laws are in place to protect the artists and creators. Would you like it if someone took something that belonged to you without asking? This project is for educational purposes only and you must use purchased CDs (not burned CDs) that you own. You can also use music that is in the Public Domain. This includes works by authors who have been dead for at least 50 years. For example, works by Beethoven or similar classical musicians would fall under this category. Windows Media Player or MusicMatch can be used to RIP the song off the CD and convert it to mp3 format. Once you ve completed this step, then you can use the Import Audio command in Audacity to open the song. Follow the steps below to create your music mix. 1. Choose at least 5 songs/quotes that have a common theme or word 2. Run each song/quote through Audacity and find the section of the song that you want to use (Keep to a maximum of 8 seconds) 3. Highlight and cut or copy the section of the song/movie line you wish to use 4. Paste into a new track 5. Repeat process for other songs 6. Move tracks into the desired order 7. Add effects (eg. Fade in/out) 8. Use the Quick Mix command to mix songs 9. Don t forget to save your file as you are working! 10. Export your finished file as an mp3 36

37 Activity 5 (For the musicians in the class) *Singing and/or playing a musical instrument is required for this activity. Due to its nature and potential length, students may choose this activity in lieu of completing 2 activities. 1. Select a piece of music for recording (You can do your own or a cover, but you must cite your sources. If you create a CD and decide to sell the CD, royalties must be paid to the artist or writer SOCAN) 2. Lay down a Guide Track (student must sing/play instrument at the same time) If you re using an electrical instrument (eg. Electric guitar), you must input to the channel on the mixer. If you re using an acoustic instrument, then you must set up the mic by the instrument. 3. Make sure you do a practice to check the levels so it s clear and not distorted. 4. Adjust levels accordingly 5. Create tracks for your vocals and instruments and name them. 6. SAVE your file and then choose which track to record first. 7. Begin recording. Don t forget to save your work as you go. 8. Add any effects (fade in/out, reverb, echo ) 9. Once all tracks are recorded, delete Guide Track and/or Click track. 10. Play the tracks and make sure all sounds are in the proper location. 11. Note: Any minor mistakes can be minimized by using the effects (eg. Compression) in Audacity. 12. If you re pleased with the result, then use the QuickMix command to mix your song. 13. Export as mp3 37

38 Glossary terms acoustics- the science concerned with the production, control, transmission, reception and effects of sound. amplifier- a device that will convert a signal with a small amount of energy into a similar signal with a larger amount of energy audio mixing- balance the volume, frequency and content of sound sources such as multiple vocals, instruments, etc. channel-each signal that is input into the mixer has its own channel. Each channel has an XLR input and/or quarter inch jack line plug line inputs decibel- level of noise. eg. Normal talking db, moving car db, hearing damage during short term 120 db. echo- reflection of sound usually arriving after the original source of sound. E.Q.- process of changing the frequency of a sound. Adding E.Q. will add additional energy to a channel. Too much E.Q. will cause clipping or too much energy to a channel. This causes a distorted sound. frequency-measure of sound WAVes within a given period of time measured in hertz(hz) or one WAVe(cycle) per second gain-measured by comparing its input to its output. This gain can either be expressed as a multiplier or in decibels. master controls- main controls often found on the right side of a mixing consol. This controls all channel outputs. microphone-an acoustic to electric transducer that converts sound into electrical energy. microphone (condenser)-highly sensitive microphone containing a pre-amp. that requires an 38

39 additional power source(see phantom power) microphone (dynamic)-microphone capable of dealing with a wide range of sound. Practical and rugged for a variety of situations. Does not need phantom power. multi-track recording- the process of mixing individual sound sources to a single recording. overload indicator- also known as a Peak Light. Indicates how strong a signal is coming from a source. pan-can also be used in an audio mixer to reduce or reverse the stereo width of a stereo signal. For instance, the left and right channels of a stereo source can be panned 'straight up', that is sent equally to both the left output and the right output of the mixer, creating a dual mono signal. phantom power- sends DC current through microphone cables. Usually used to power condenser microphones. pitch- the fundamental frequency of a sound- standard pitch is 440 hz, often referred to as A- 440". This is the tuning pitch of most instruments. reverberations(reverb)-a large number of echos built up. Most noticeable when sound source stops and reflections of sound continue. 39

40 Sample Assessment Rubric Performance Criteria % % % 1. Follows Directions 1 rarely reads directions, has difficulty completing task 3 usually reads and follows directions, has difficulty with complex tasks 5 reads and follows directions, completes task with little or no supervision 2. Content 1 content has little detail 3 content is somewhat detailed 5 content is very detailed, covers major points 3.Creativity 1 lacks creativity 3 demonstrates some creativity 5 very creative 4.Audio Quality 1 poor quality, garbled, unable to hear 3 acceptable quality, able to distinguish audio 5 superior quality, lots of attention to detail 5. Knowledge of Technology (mics, software,etc) 1 not comfortable using tools, repeatedly asks for assistance 3 somewhat comfortable with tools, occasionally asks for assistance 5 confident using tools, rarely asks for assistance 40