Book Image

Getting started with Audacity 1.3

Book Image

Getting started with Audacity 1.3

Overview of this book

Using the Audacity software as the starting off point, we discuss what the software is, what it can do, how you can use it, and where you go to get started installing it. All of this information is grounded in some basic audio editing terminology and background for those that aren't so technology inclined.Then we'll start digging into a sample project! You'll learn about how to set up a project, create a voice track, record an interview with Skype, and basic audio editing techniques. All of this done in an easy to follow, task based approach with lots of examples. Here, we plan to go a step further, we teach how to wrap all of these steps together and create a podcast that can be posted on your own website or blog.There's always more you can do with Audacity! The last portion of the book is dedicated to just that - discussing more advanced editing and mixing techniques, using affects, adding music, adding additional plug-ins to the software. All still incorporating examples and easy to follow tasks you can try on your own audio projects.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Getting started with Audacity 1.3
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
Preface
9
Giving Your Audio Some Depth: Applying Effects
Toolbar, Menu, and Keyboard Shortcut Reference
Glossary of Terms
Index

Vinyl records, cassette tapes, or minidiscs


You can use Audacity to record songs from other media, such as vinyl records, cassette tapes, and minidiscs. However this requires a bit of technical knowledge and some trial and error if you've never done it before. You will also need some special equipment, such as:

  • A tape deck, minidisc player, or stereo system that has a "line out" connector on the back of it.

  • A stereo cable that can connect to the above equipment and then to the "line in" connector on your computer. If you don't have one that fits properly, you can purchase one at almost any electronic store. Just take note of the connector type that you need by looking at your stereo equipment documentation (some types include: mini plugs, RCA, 3.5 mm plug, and so on). Alternatively, you can take the equipment with you to the store and ask for help! Avoid using adapters for connector types, as this is likely to add more noise to your recordings.

  • For vinyl records, you need a special turntable...