Module 2: Selecting a Podcasting Audio Editor
Audacity
Overview
In order to create a podcast, you must have an audio recording/editor program. While there are a variety of programs you can choose to record audio, this instructional program will focus on the program Audacity. Audacity is a free and easy to use audio editor that is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. With Audacity, you can record live audio, convert tapes and record to digital records, and cut, copy, splice, or mix sounds together. In addition, you can change the speed or pitch of a recording! Please visit List of Features for a complete list of features that Audacity has to offer.
Other programs that you may consider includes Garageband for Mac OS X and Mixcraft 5 for PC. Garageband comes preloaded on a Mac computer, but is not free to use otherwise. Mixcraft 5 is another audio recording program that designed for PC computers and is not free of charge.
For this reason, the instructional program will focus on Audacity, a free audio editor compatible with a variety of operating systems. Should you need additional assistance, you can visit Audacity's FAQ page, or contact the author/instructor of this instructional program.
You are able to click on each of the images below. There are some images that will expand in size to give you a better view at what is being discussed, or you will be brought to the respective page with a designated URL link.
Other programs that you may consider includes Garageband for Mac OS X and Mixcraft 5 for PC. Garageband comes preloaded on a Mac computer, but is not free to use otherwise. Mixcraft 5 is another audio recording program that designed for PC computers and is not free of charge.
For this reason, the instructional program will focus on Audacity, a free audio editor compatible with a variety of operating systems. Should you need additional assistance, you can visit Audacity's FAQ page, or contact the author/instructor of this instructional program.
You are able to click on each of the images below. There are some images that will expand in size to give you a better view at what is being discussed, or you will be brought to the respective page with a designated URL link.
Step One:
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Audacity can be used by individuals for free, and can be used on computers operating Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Depending on your computer system and your needs, you will need to download the appropriate version. Please visit the Audacity Download page to select the download for the appropriate operating system and version. Follow the steps to install the program on your computer. Once the setup is done, launch Audacity. |
Step Two:
Upon completion of the required set up, you will be prompted to launch Audacity. If you are ready to, please launch Audacity. If you want to wait until later, you may do so. You can come back and open the program when you are ready to record your first podcast. After you launch Audacity, you will be shown a screen that provides tips along with the program itself. The tip box can be removed from start up by clicking the check box located in the left hand corner. If you wish for the box to appear each time, make sure the box is not checked. To remove the tip box from your current screen, you can click "OK" in the bottom right hand corner of the box. In addition, you will also be shown the program Audacity. This is where you will create your podcasts. Just like with all software programs, you can create very simplistic podcasts or very complex podcasts. This instructional program will focus on how to create a simple podcast. To get started, you will want to make sure that you have a microphone and speakers connected to your computer. If you do not have a built-in microphone or built-in speakers, you will need to purchase or locate external hardware to complete this section of the program. |
Step Three:
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With Audacity, creating a podcast is simple and easy! Once the program is open, you can immediately begin recording a podcast. To begin recording a podcast, click the red circle button located in the top left section of the Audacity window. To stop recording your podcast, click the yellow square button. This will stop the recording from continuing. |
Step Four:
After you record your podcast, you will see a blue frequency wave, which represents your recorded podcast. You can replay your podcast by clicking the green triangle button.
If you are satisfied with your podcast, you can save it. If you want to edit your podcast, there are a variety of features that you can use. If you wish to edit your podcast, please see Step 5. If you are ready to save your podcast, please skip to Step 6. |
Step Five:
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Audacity offers a variety of tools to edit your podcast. There are three toolbars within the Audacity's program. They include the Main Toolbar, the Mixer Toolbar, and the Edit Toolbar. The Main Toolbar consists of the colorful buttons on the top left, and the six buttons on the top right. With these buttons you can record, stop, play, and pause your podcast. In addition, you can select a portion of the audio where you can amplify the volume. You can edit the sound by using the draw tool, especially regarding pop-type sounds. To learn more about the main toolbar, please visit Audacity's Main Toolbar site. Audacity has a Mixer Toolbar. This toolbar is located under the main toolbar on the right. In the picture, you will see two images. The first image will appear if you have built-in hardware, such as a microphone and speakers. The second image will appear if you have external hardware that needs to be plugged in. The internal or external hardware will be the source you record your podcast from. The left side of the toolbar is the Output Slider. This lets you control the output level of your soundcard. If you have a distortion in your audio recording, you can try and edit it here. The right side of the toolbar is the Input Slider. This lets you control the level of the input from the input selector. This controls the recording level setting of the soundcard. To learn more about the mixer toolbar, please visit Audacity's Mixer Toolbar site. In addition to the aforementioned toolbars, Audacity also has an Edit Toolbar. Once you create your podcast audio, you can edit it. You can cut, copy, paste, trim, splice, and mix the audio. If you make a change, you can undo or redo the edit. You can also zoom in and out of your audio to specifically focus on a particular sound. For example, if there is a pop sound, you can zoom in to edit the sound out of the audio. To learn more about the edit toolbar, please visit Audacity's Edit Toolbar site. As mentioned before, there are a variety of tools that you can use to create and edit your podcast audio. Should you need additional help, you can visit Audacity's Reference Page. |
Step Six:
Saving an Audacity file is also very simple, but not quite as simple as clicking "Save As." Many podcast programs that host podcasts accept MP3, WAV, and other formats. Unfortunately, if you save an Audacity file as "Save As" it will save in the Audacity format .AUP. This will not be compatible with any other program than Audacity. To save your podcast audio recording, you will want to click "File" and scroll down until you reach "Export Selection." Once you click "Export Selection," you will be prompted to enter in a file name to save your podcast audio. You will then also need to select a location to save your file. Finally, before you can save your file, you need to select a file type from the list. There are a variety of file extensions that can be used to save podcasts including, but not limited to MP3, WAV, and M4A. MP3 formats are the most commonly used format for audio due to its small size. It allows for many tracks to be included in one location, such as CD's. In order to save your podcast audio as an MP3 file, you will need to download an extra software piece. The reason for this includes the patented algorithm to create an MP3. Audacity does not have the right to do it; therefore, an external program is needed. To save as an MP3, select "MP3 Files" from the list. Once selected, click "Save." You will then be prompted to download Lame MP3 Encoder for free. This will allow you to save your podcast audio as an MP3. You will automatically be taken to the webpage to download the program free of charge for the appropriate operating section. If you wish to download the program prior to saving your podcast, please visit Lame MP3 Encoder page where you will find directions on how to download the program for your appropriate operating system, as well as set up instructions. Once complete, you can then save your podcast as an MP3 file. This will allow you to easily upload it to a podcast hosting site or your own website without taking up a lot of space. |
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Create as many podcasts as you wish. Get creative and have fun recording your podcast(s). Once you are done recording your podcast(s), you can upload them to your website, but first you need to select a podcast program to host them, specifically one that can create a playlist that can be embedded to your external website. Please visit the next section to learn about podcasting Programs to host your podcasts. |