Topics Map > Software Guides > Audacity
Audacity: Information
Basic overview of Audactiy
Description: Audio editing and recording software.Usage: Podcasting, voice-overs, music production.
Available locations: The Studio (LIB 017), Labs & Studios: Design Lab (LIB 140) and free to install on personal computers.
Access: Download for free at: https://www.audacityteam.org/
Help: (253) 535-7525, itech@plu.edu, or visit the Help Desk in Mortvedt Library
Free to download and use, Audacity is a great way to capture and edit audio. It is easier to use than Adobe Audition or Pro Tools, so it's recommended for first-time audio editors. With a microphone, you can record audio for a podcast, voice over for video, or other audio elements. Since this is a free piece of software, this can be downloaded onto any personal computer.
When recording audio, iTech recommends finding a quiet place with as little background noise as possible. USB microphones are available for check out and can be used with Audacity to create high-quality recordings. Even though Audacity is loaded on the Design Lab computers, these are shared spaces and not appropriate to record audio. If you need access to an isolated sound studio for recording, please e-mail itech@plu.edu.
Destructive Editing
Audacity is a destructive editor, which means that audio recorded directly in Audacity is permanently changed when edited. For example, after a voiceover is recorded and edited, the original recording will not be retrievable unless a backup copy was made. Always immediately export recordings prior to editing (see Audacity: Exporting an Audio File (MP3, WAV, etc) for more details).
External audio files imported into Audacity, such as background music downloaded from a website, are not subject to destructive editing. It is safe to edit imported audio files without the risk of altering the original.
Audio Resources
- Official Audacity manual: A robust collection of online walkthroughs, materials, and troubleshooting guides.
- Audacity: Downloadable & Printable Guide: A pdf document containing the following guide's information.
- Free Music Archive: Browse through free music that is licensed and safe for re-use.
- Sound Bible: Free sound effects.
- Internet Archive: A library of millions of free movies, music, and audio. A great resource for public domain films.
- Radio Aporee: Sound maps from specific locations, great for interesting background sounds.
- Podcast Outline Template: Use this template to create an outline for podcasts. Click the link to download the file, which is a Word document. The text in the outline is placeholder text, utilize the resource as desired.
- PLU Library: Over 100 discs of free sound effects available for checkout.
Equipment
- Labs & Studios: Studio (LIBR 017) Located in the basement. Reserve the space here
- Contains all the resources needed for audio production
- [Link for document 93424 is unavailable at this time]
- Labs & Studios: Design Lab (LIB 140)
- 18 Mac computers fit with Audacity and Adobe CC software, among other programs, perfect for audio editing.
- Bring headphones or check them out next door at the Help Desk in the Library.
- Recording On Your Own
- Blue Yeti microphones and Snowball microphones are available at the Help Desk in the Library for checkout.
- Use the following links to help you get started with each microphone if you decide to check it out.
| 0:46 | Import Files | 1:54 | Mute / Trim Outside Selection | 4:38 | Export One / Multiple Tracks |
| 0:54 | Create Tracks | 2:31 | Amplify (Volume Adjustment) | ||
| 1:18 | Split Tracks | 3:08 | Compression | ||
| 1:37 | Extension | 3:48 | Fade In / Out |
PLU Instructional Technologies equips users with the knowledge and tools needed to create digital content, but does not accept responsibility for how these programs are utilized. We do not claim ownership of any user-created content and will not be liable for violations of copyright or Fair Use laws. The legality of user-created content is the sole responsibility of the user.
Guide Index
Audacity: Downloading & Installing
Audacity: Interface Overview & Tools
Audacity: The Timeline & Tracks
Audacity: Importing Audio Files
Audacity: Increasing Clip Volume (Amplify)
Audacity: Fixing Inconsistent Volume (Compressor)
Audacity: Fading & Adjust Volume in Specific Sections (Keyframing)
Audacity: Splitting & Panning Tracks
Audacity: Removing Background Noise
| Need support? Contact itech@plu.edu or visit www.plu.edu/itech. |