Audacity is a simple sound editing program that can be downloaded for free on the Internet. While it is fairly easy to use, some people may find it difficult to get started, so here are some instuctions on creating a simple project:
Step 1
Plug in your microphone and headphones, or ensure your speakers are turned up.
Step 2
Make sure "Microphone" is selected in the top right-hand corner.
Step 3
Click on the red circle, which will start recording, and speak into your microphone. If it doesn't look like anything is recording, make sure that you increase the dial next to the microphone icon. Your voice will appear as a long jagged line, but it may look more like a series of blue shapes.
Step 4
Place your cursor at the beginning of the audio and click and drag towards the right to select all of the sound.
Step 5
Go to "Effect" > Amplify to adjust the amplitude of your sound (i.e. loudness). If you click OK without adjusting anything, then it will automatically make your sound as loud as possible before clipping occurs (where some sound is cut off, and it will lose quality). You may not want it this loud, though, so you can adjust it to any volume. Setting it to a negative number will make it quieter.
Step 6
Import some background music by going to "Project" > Import Audio and double clicking on selected music.
Step 7
Edit the background to desired amplitude (see step 5).
Step 8
Optional: Select the part of the background music you want to have under your voice, as it will likely be too long. Leave some extra to fade in and out. Then click the button shown in the image that will trim the outside selection.
Step 9
Select the icon for the Timeshift Tool (double-headed arrow), which will allow you to move around your sound. Align your voice with the background music.
Step 10
Click back on the Selection Tool, which looks like an I.
Step 11
Select a small section at the begining of your background music.
Step 12
Click on "Effect" > Fade in, to fade in the music.
Step 13
Select a small section at the end and then go to "Effect" > Fade out.
Step 14
Experiment with other effects on the music and your voice. Continue with the steps when you are happy with what you have produced.
Step 15
Go to "File" > Save Project As to save your work. Type in a filename and click Save. This is the version you will open in order to edit your project if you wish.
Step 16
Go to "File" > Export... or Export As MP3 (depending on the version of Audacity) and save similarly to the previous step. This is a compressed version you can use on Web sites or other applications.
Tips
- Press CTRL + Z to undo your last change.
- Press CTRL + I as an alternative to step 6 (importing sound).
- Once you have completed this simple exercise, you will be able to go on and create bigger and better Audacity projects. Aim high!
- Look on the Internet for sound effects you can use. There are many Web sites that offer a large range of free ones for your use. Alternatively you can buy a CD of sound effects.
- Writing a script first will allow you to plan what you are going to say, so you don't have to go through the difficult process of editing out stutters and slip ups.
Things You'll Need
- Audacity
- A microphone
- Speakers or headphones
- A computer
- A saved piece of music (on your hard drive or on removable hardware)
