How to Use Audacity

Now that you have installed Audacity and the lame_enc.dll file, you are ready to record a sound file. If your computer does not have an integrated microphone, you will need to use an external mic. You should also understand how to adjust your volume through the volume control panel. You can view this video clip if you need help with this process.

Welcome to the Audacity work environment

Audacity is a rather robust audio editing environment (considering the cost) and while it can do a lot, you will only need to be able to record and perform a basic edit of your audio file. As you look around the environment, you should notice the following:

  1. Control Buttons: These buttons look like those found on any mp3 player/recorder, VCR or tape recorder. Hey, they even function the same way. This is where you will control the recording and playback functions of your project- red button to record, square to stop etc.
  2. Volume Control: You should be able to control your playback and recording volumes here. Each computer is different so you should know how to control these items through your computer as well. However, for your convenience, they have been included in this workspace.
  3. Input Source: This is where you can select your sound input source. If you are recording and do not seem to be picking anything up, check your input source. This is often where the problem can be resolved.
  4. Timeline: This is where you can view the file in its wave format. This is helpful when trying to edit your file. In this location, you can edit your file by trimming the ends, and splicing other clips together. Consider this the main work space.

This is all you really need to know about the workspace to start podcasting. If you are adventurous, check out the other things that Audacity can do for you. You can also visit the Audacity site for additional tutorial materials to help you with your recording/editing project.

Create MP3

Now that you have created and edited your audio file, you need to create the MP3 that you will post in your podcast. This is as easy as selecting Export as MP3 under the File menu.

 

Posting your Podcast

We will now take a look at how you post the sound file as a podcast.