Audacity is a free, open source, digital audio workstation. It can be used to both record and edit audio. Due to its nature of being open source, you could even install Audacity on your home computer and use it to edit audio there! Instructional Video Guide
Getting Started with Audacity
- If using our equipment, ensure that Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is connected to both the iMac USB-C port, and connected to the USB dock device located at the base of the iMac.
- Insert your flash drive into the USB dock device, if you plan on using one to transfer your files.
- Wake up the iMac, or press the power button located on its bottom left corner on the backside if it isn’t on.
- Select the "Podcast Room User" profile when logging in. If another profile is shown by default, click away to show the other profiles. There is no password; simply click on the profile picture or press enter if a password prompt appears to log in.
- You should now be at the Podcast Room User desktop. Locate and open Audacity on the dock or desktop. It looks like this:
Once opened, Audacity looks like this:
Using Audacity to Record & Edit
- The first thing you’ll want to do is create a track to record on. Find "Tracks" on the top bar, then "Add New," and create a Mono Track.
2. Once made, the track looks like the image below. Make sure you have the "I" shaped indicator selected to select audio along the timeline (it should be selected by default).
3. Ensure that you have the correct recording device selected by opening "Audio Setup," then "Recording Device," and selecting the audio capture device you are using. If using our equipment, "Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen" should be selected.
4. Also in these settings, check that under "Playback Device," "iMac Speakers" is selected, and under "Recording Channels," "Mono" is selected.
5. Once those settings are squared away, you should be ready to start recording.
- To begin recording, click the red circle.
- To stop recording or playback, click the black square, or press the spacebar.
- To playback your recording, click the green arrow, or press the spacebar.
- Use the black arrows to navigate to the beginning or end or your recording.
6. After your audio has been recorded, you may want to edit out certain areas of the recording. With the selection tool, navigate to the part of the recording you want to edit out, click and drag on the audio track, and then press "Delete" on the keyboard.
Audacity has many editing tools and mastering effects that can be used to enhance the quality of your recording. If you’d like to learn more about how to do something in audacity, try searching YouTube for video tutorials on how to use its various functions.
Exporting Audio Files from Audacity
Once your recording is good to go, you’ll want to export it as a readable file. The most common type of audio file is MP3, which is a fairly universal audio format.
To export your audio:
- Select "File" from the top bar, then "Export Audio."
- Enter what you’d like to name the audio file.
- Find the folder you’d like to save the audio file to. If you have a flash drive plugged into the iMac, export your file to that device.
- Select the audio file format. "MP3" should be selected in most scenarios. The rest of the settings should be kept as they are.
- For "Export Range," if you only have one track, export the entire project. If you have multiple tracks and want to export them as separate files, use the selection tool to select the areas you’d like to export before opening this window, and then choose "Current Selection."
- Click on the "Export" button to export the audio file.
Before leaving the Podcasting Studio, please make sure the equipment is back in place and plugged in so others will be able to use it.