Audacity, the free and open source audio software, allows businesses to take sound production into their own hands.
Customized sound recordings with editing and high-quality output used to require a skill level beyond the small business owner or freelancer. But with Audacity’s easy to use platform, all your recordings can now be handled in-house.
For small and medium sized businesses that are interested in creating their own audio, Audacity may be a good fit. The ease of use will encourage your company to create more material, maybe even launch your own podcast.
The following step-by-step instructions highlight how to record and edit basic audio files.
Download Audacity
Once you download and open Audacity, you will be brought to the general layout dashboard.
Your screen may look slightly different because the drag and drop format allows you to make adjustments as needed.
How to Use Audacity
Pre-Record Checklist
- Input Source
- Microphone Check
- Microphone and Speakers in Position
Input Source
While you can record directly from your computer, for the best sound quality it’s recommended that you purchase a separate microphone. The market is full of products that are specifically created for podcasts and business related recordings.
Once your microphone is plugged in, you will find it under “Primary Sound Capture.”
Microphone Check
Chose your microphone by name and from there you can adjust the audio levels and conduct your microphone check.
Microphone and Speakers in Position
Once your voice talent and script are prepared, you are ready to record. Be sure to place the microphone on a stable, unobstructed surface.
Audio Recording
Audacity’s layout contains the familiar: pause, play, stop, skip and record functions.
When you are prepared to officially record, click on the big red record button.
The Audacity platform comes to life when you start recording. The timeline displays in real-time, while your WAV files are being created.
Click the “Stop” button to finish recording. You can also press your spacebar.
Clicking the “Play” button will allow you to listen to your recording.
You will more than likely have some corrections or general edits to make before finalizing your recording.
Editing Audio Files on Audacity
The main tool that you will use to edit files is the selection tool that looks like a capital “I”.
Use this tool to click and highlight the section of audio you want to edit.
You can delete entire sections this way by simply highlighting them and hitting the delete or backspace buttons.
For other editing options, you can highlight the section and drop down the “Effect” menu from your toolbar.
The many effects and tools available within Audacity will turn your in-house production into a professional recording.
Once your recording is complete, you can save the file in MP3 or WAV format, the two most popular formats for different use cases. And just like that, you can create audio content for your small business without having to spend any money. The only investment is setting aside some time to learn how to use Audacity, which can be accomplished rather quickly thanks to its intuitive and easy to use design.
Image: Audacity
