Recording Setup

When using Audacity it is important to ensure the microphone etc., that you are using is selected...
  • Open Audacity
  • Click on the File menu and select Preferences... from the drop-down menu that appears.
    Image of File menu
The I/O Tab...
  • In the dialog box that appears, Select the Audio I/O Tab (I/O stands for Input/Output)
    Image of Audacity Preferences Dialog box
  • Note the two sections
    • Playback and
    • Recording
  • Make sure you select the sound card for your PC/laptop/Mac or the device you are proposing to use (e.g. USB Headphones) Note: they should be 'plugged in' prior to opening audacity.
  • In the Channels drop-down select 1 (Mono): the file size is smaller and unless you are recording using stereo microphones and or you have a stereo sound card it would be pointless to select any alternative
    Image of Channels pane
    Note: If you need to hear what you have already recorded, e.g. a guitar track that you now wish to sing along to, then check the Play other tracks while recording new one check-box (again in most cases this will not be checked)
The Quality Tab...
  • In general leave the settings as they are...
    Image of Quality Tab Settings
    Note:  the Sample Rate of 44100Hz is same Sample Rate as CDs
File Formats Tab...
  • In the When importing uncompressed audio files into Audacity section of this Tab, Select Make a copy of the file before editing (safer)...
    Image of Importing options
    This means Audacity will make a copy of an imported file and work on that, leaving the original file untouched (very important if audio file is ePortfolio evidence)
    Note: The other tabs can be left as they are.
  • Click OK.
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Produced and edited by John Dalziel (eLearning Adviser) JISC RSC-Northwest - Lancaster University