View source for Simple Recording with Audacity

== Purpose ==

:This WIKI explains how to use the '''Audacity''' application to create simple recordings.'''Audacity is an easy-to-use digital multi-track audio recorder and processor'''. This application is also available in Windows and MAC OSX due to its popularity.

:In this tutorial, we will only concentrate on recording a voice via the computer lab's webcam, and importing and some background music. The artist and performer of this song has given permission for this song to be used in these Westminster YouTube videos.
[[Image:audacityElements.png|thumb|650px| The '''Audacity''' application is an easy way to create, edit and produce music... ]]



===YouTube Video===

:If you want to see the visual steps for "Simple Recording with Audacity",
:Here is a link to a customized YouTube video: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uppLRSh2RCI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uppLRSh2RCI]


===Written Instructions===

:Below are the instructions on how to create a simple recording (eg. commercial) using the Audacity application:

: '''WARNING: YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL WHEN USING ANY APPLICATION IN THE WESTMINSTER COMPUTER LAB WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE ARTIST. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE MUSIC YOU CREATE BE "HOME-MADE", OR USE PUBLIC DOMAIN MUSIC.'''
[[Image:preSettingAudacity.png|thumb|350px|In the '''Sound Preferences''' dialog box, select the '''WebCam as the default input device''']]


====Set-up Prior to Using Audacity====

:In this tutorial, we will keep the recording session simple:
::* No recording of instruments
::* Recording from a simple microphone (WebCam)


:Since there may be several input devices connected to the computer system, never assume that the recording input device is the WebCam. We need to check and if possible, change the sound settings on the computer system to select the WebCam as the audio recording device.

:Go to the '''main menu''' and select: '''PREFERENCES''' ->  '''SOUND'''

:In the "Sound Preferences" dialog box, click the Input tab, and select LifeCam Cinema Analog Mono by pointing and clicking on the radio button. Refer to diagram on the right to confirm. When finished, click the CLOSE button.


====Main Elements of the Audacity Application====

:The Audacity application window has several elements or "toolbars". It is important to take some time to study and experiment with these toolbars in order to be more flexible and efficient when using the Audacity application.

:'''Here is a table displaying all toolbars:'''


:<table border="1" cellpadding="2">
 <tr>
   <td>'''Element'''</td>
   <td>'''Description'''</td>
   <td>'''Diagram'''</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
   <td>'''Menubar'''</td>
   <td>Containing all operations for recording, editing and producing an auditory product.</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityMenubar.png|400px| ]]</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
   <td>'''Transport Toolbar'''</td>
   <td>x</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityMainToolbar.png|250px| ]]</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
   <td>'''Mixer Toolbar'''</td>
   <td>Containing slider controls to mixer settings on the sound card.</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityInputBar1.png|400px| ]]</td>
      </tr>
        <tr>
   <td>'''Meter Toolbar'''</td>
   <td>Audio meter to display and used to help control recording and playback volume levels.</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityInputBar2.png|200px| ]]<br /><br /></td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
    <td>'''Device Toolbar'''</td>
    <td>Used to select the soundcard, webcam, USB devices for input and/or playback.</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityInputBar3.png|400px| ]]</td>
      </tr>
      <tr>
    <td>'''Selection Toolbar'''</td>
    <td>x</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacitySelectionToolbar.png|500px| ]]</td>
      </tr>
    <tr>
    <td>'''Transcription Toolbar'''</td>
    <td>x</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityTranscription.png|100px| ]]</td>
      </tr>
 <tr>
   <td>'''Tools Toolbar'''</td>
   <td>x</td>
   <td>[[Image:audacityEditToolbar.png|100px| ]]</td>
 </tr>
</table>


====Importing Music into Audacity====

To be completed ...

====Reducing Tempo (Without Affecting Pitch)====

To be completed ...

====Recording Your Voice====

To be completed ...

====Editing Recorded Tracks / Adding Effects====

To be completed ...

====Saving Project / Exporting to Other Sound Formats====

To be completed ...


====Additional Resources & Tutorials====

To be completed ...