Podcasting could just be a hobby or a major income generating project for some people. Technology makes it really easy to create a podcast. All you need is a computer, a microphone, a free podcasting service wherein you could upload your recorded voice and let the world know what you want to say, and of course – a recording software.
For professional and amateur podcasters alike, there is arguably no better recording technology than Audacity. Audacity is a completely free software wherein you could create a recording and play them with your preferred tracks. Of course there are other software programs for voice recordings that are sold in the market. But the functionality of Audacity is almost the same as other commercial recording softwares. As of this writing, there are more than 20 million downloads for Audacity, and it doesn’t show any signs of going down.
Aside from the “free” feature from Audacity, you can create music using the multi-track capability of the software. Up to 16 tracks can be played at the same time – more than enough if you’re a start-up band.
Audacity has their own extension (.aup). That means, the file that you’re saving can only be played in another Audacity software. For the file to be played in other media players, you have to export them to a standard file such as mp3. wav files can easily be exported but mp3 still requires an encoder. When you download the software, download the LAME folder also located at the official site of Audacity. Unzip the folder. When your select “Export as mp3,” it will ask for the .dll file located in the folder. All you need to do is to look for the file once, and never do it again later.
When using multiple tracks, increase the bit rate. When you download audacity, it will be set at 128kbps by default. With 128kbps, it can at least carry up to four tracks. That’s the usual number of tracks you need to play a simple song. But beware of the file size as 128kbps could master up to 3MB in a three minute song. If you’re doing only one-track (for voice only), you can use 32kbps. You can do this by going to Edit > Preferences > File Format.
Always have a copy in multiple formats. This will be tedious but at least have a file in .aup and mp3 formats. The reason for this is ease in transferring a track from one file to another. If you transfer an mp3 format to an .aup format, all you will hear is a squeaky sound.
So if you’re thinking of podcasting or recording your first song, download Audacity. This is one free software you shouldn’t miss as it will give you the functionality that can be compared to other sound manipulation software. Give it a try and practice all the functionalities and you’ll be a sound master in time.
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i will try these out, because im planning to put some audio on my website
Comment by jason — December 16, 2007 @ 10:19 am