Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Jun 21 - 10:29 AM

With the right setting, Audacity will also record any sound being played on your computer. If you can hear it, you can save it.
==============================================
then

Add to that a YouTube downloader at https://vidd.ly/ and a generalized video downloader called "video downloader professional" (needs different ones for Mozilla type browers and Chrome browsers) (Google it)

and a free video editor at http://avidemux.sourceforge.net

and you can work with most formats. Playing them all is a matter of choice. I prefer PotPlayer to play almost anything, even though there are many choices----you probably have your favorite already.
***Note: So many options means YOU must be honest and respect the legal rights of owners of various material. Being able to enjoy music easily also requires NOT publishing, repackaging, selling etc. it. ***

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: DaveRo
Date: 05 Jun 21 - 03:08 AM

I don't think Audacity's 'freeware' status is in doubt. It's open source, under the GPL, so anyone can use and distribute it - provided they stick to the GPL licence conditions. You can sell it too, if you can find people willing to pay - perhaps alongside other services or a nice instruction manual.

I expect Muse, the new owners, will develop paid-for services based on Audacity and they want to make that easier and avoid future disputes. But I don't know.

If 'the community' of Audacity users don't like what Muse do with it they could always 'fork' it - take a copy, change the name, and go their own way. This is what happened with OpenOffice when people didn't like what Oracle were doing with it and created LibreOffice. The result was confusion though, so let's hope not.

I used the new version 3 for the first time yesterday. It looked and worked exactly the same.

Audacity v3 New Features

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 04 Jun 21 - 01:28 PM

There is current music forum debate/controversy regarding Audacity.

Apparently it has recently been aquired by a music 'corporation'
putting Audacity's future freeware status in doubt...?????

The new owner says there's nothing to worry about,
whilst imposing new licence agreements on volunteer coders...

Something to keep an eye on......

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jun 21 - 01:21 PM

There are tons of tech threads here at Mudcat; I tried grouping a couple and seem to have fried them. I've just started a project to digitize some LPs and we had another query about it, so I'll bring this back to the top for the resources mentioned. None of these threads are incredibly recent, but they're a starting point.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Arkie
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 09:50 AM

Joe you might try MP3myMP3 to do the recording. It is freeware and records to MP3 and Wav. If it works or doesn't it could help narrow down the issues. It is supposed to work with Windows 7 and Vista. I used it when I had issues with using Audacity for recording from the computer.   

mp3mymp3

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 03:30 AM

Hi, Jon-
That's exactly what I did with Windows Vista, and it worked fine. I tried it with Windows Vista and Audacity and everything looks fine on Audacity screen - but I don't get a signal when I try to record.

On the Audacity Device Toolbar toward the top of my screen, there's a little microphone icon. To the right of that, I have selected "stereo mix." To the right of that, I have selected "2 stereo input channels." I think those two should be the proper settings for input.

But when I try to record, nothing.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 06:01 PM

Try this Joe.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: bradfordian
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 05:48 PM

I used Audacity to create a duet for the Mudcat Seasonal CD (UNTIL THE DARK TIME ENDS)As my singing partner is 150 miles away and we have not yet met each other, this was achieved by exchanging Audacity sound files over the internet, and I did the final mixing. An interesting mini project and you can judge if it works when you buy the MUDCAT CDs!!!!

bradfordian

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 04:34 PM

Since I switched to Windows 7, I haven't been able to get Audacity to record the sound output from my computer. I think that's some effort of Microsoft to prevent me from bootlegging from YouTube and online music services. Oh, well....I suppose that was mostly what I might have done with it.

I just finished a recording project that I did with my Zoom Handy H2 recorder, edited with Audacity. It worked very well. My son has Mac-based recording software that's a huge step beyond Garage Band, and it is lots better than Audacity. It costs a bundle, though; and Audacity is free.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: GUEST,Jeff Dexter
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 04:21 PM

I love audacity.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Peace
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 12:42 AM

Refresh.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Tootler
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 06:13 PM

Not my tutorials, but Audacity's. I had reason to use the splitting up a large file tutorial recently.

The recorder orchestra I play in did a "spot" at the (UK) national recorder festival and I recorded the performance, which meant setting up a mic and my Edirol R09, pressing record and running back to my seat to play. The resulting large file of a concerto in three movements had then to be split into separate tracks, one for each movement. The Audacity tutorial proved very easy to follow and it worked very well.

If you are interested, you can hear the result here The piece in question is the Steve Marshall Recorder Concerto. Before anyone makes remarks about the amount of reverb, the performance was in a School Gym, so you can imagine what the room acoustics were like [grin]

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From:
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 09:33 PM

The general page for all of their/Tootler's tutorials is found at Audacity Tutorials

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: jeddy
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:22 PM

instead of recording using the mic, i connect it to the headpnone socket of the stereo, i am turning cassettes into mp3 it's a long proccess but when i can be bothered, i am sure it will be worth it.

take care all

jade x x

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Tootler
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 07:03 PM

There is a relevant audacity tutorial here

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:51 PM

That's interesting, Joe. I've been recording whole sides from my LPs to convert them into CDs. Then I've been going through, cutting out tracks and then importing them into new Audacity files to clean up and then convert into WAV files.

Sounds like this analyze function could make the whole procedure much quicker.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 04:17 PM

I recorded a lecture yesterday, and wanted to separate it into five-minute segments for burning onto a CD. I found the terminology a little strange, so I actually had to resort to reading the tutorial. Under the "analyze" menu, there's a section for generating "labels" that split a large file into sections. Then you go to the "file" menu and select "export multiples" to generate separate WAV files that can then be burned onto a CD.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 02:14 PM

Well it turns out that "Mixcraft" is a "Try it free for 7 days" deal which will cost $50 for a key code in order to keep it.
I am so impressed with this one though that I may well buy it.
(when I've used all of my E-mail accounts up)
I think this is the one that I tested earlier this year when they were introducing it to the market.
On another note:
I'm getting a lot of Bumps and Crackles in Playback mode. Any suggestions other than loose connections?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: John Hardly
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 11:01 AM

I never did figure out because I went right from the search box, double clicked and installed. I think it was in a different dimension. A dimension of time and space...

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 09:27 AM

OK John - where was it hiding?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 02:28 PM

So, the jury is out?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 10:47 AM

Well? Huh?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: John Hardly
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 09:27 AM

It finally came up in the search of my computer (still don't know where it was). Installed fine. Now to record.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: John Hardly
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 08:55 AM

Only one desktop. And I did a program search and found nothing. Really the weirdest damn thing ever. It's just not there after the download.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 08:49 AM

ah second thought - I always direct it to a special dedicated download area directory - may be yo need to refresh your desktop - or do you have more than one 'desktop'... (directory named desktop)

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 08:42 AM

Once it is 'on your dsktop', that's just the package file - you need to install it. Did you read the instructions how to install it on the place you got it from?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: John Hardly
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 08:12 AM

weird.

I just tried to download it twice. I directed it to my desktop and when the download was complete, no audacity on my desktop -- or anywhere else that i could find on my computer.

If it works as easily as it downloads.........I'm in trouble.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Nick
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 07:41 AM

Haven't tried that one but have tried Reaper which is an excellent program with video help and a manual

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 01:26 AM

Well it shaped up, to a point.
The simple truth of the matter is, I'm a complete eejit when it comes to this stuff so I searched "Eejit proof studio, free download" and got "Mixcraft 3.0" which seems to be more user friendly and also allows me to store it as mp3, without breaking into any other applications.
Anybody tried it?

Mixcraft 3.0

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:42 PM

Audacity is starting to shape up now. Thanks all of you for your help.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 16 May 07 - 10:12 AM

AKG is my affordable choice. I have an AKG C100S which uses a wide range of phantom power but also takes a 9 volt battery and the AKG Perception 100 which must have 48 volt phantom power to operate.
Both are around the $200 but cut that price in half for online purchases.
AKG parts are manufactured in Austria or Germany and assembled in China, thereby keeping the price down.
As for the Chinese knock-offs. You really do get what you pay for.
Lots of opinions on mikes around here. Good luck with it.
A bright sunny good morning to all,
from the Highlands.
Jim

p.s. I got my Lightscribe back. Making steady progress here.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 May 07 - 09:19 AM

"It what you do with them that counts"

... as the actress said to the bishop...

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: treewind
Date: 16 May 07 - 08:42 AM

Yes, I've used a mic that looked and sounded like it came out of a Christmas cracker. You get what you pay for.

Seriously, there are a lot of cheap Chinese mics that are incredibly good value for money, but they are very variable and the Chinese still haven't got all of the manufacturing secrets of the likes of Neumann, Schoeps, Sennheiser, Beyer and Audio-Technica.

First thing: what are you plugging the mic into? Does it have phantom power? If it does, get a condenser.
The Audio Technica AT2020 is a fairly foolproof jack-of-all trades mic that doesn't cost a fortune.

You can also get a long way with a pair of Shure SM57's and a decent low noise preamp. It what you do with them that counts, just like musical instruments.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 May 07 - 08:08 AM

"what type of microphone would be best to use? "

Normally, the brief answer to that has been 'the best you can afford', however these days I have noticed what appear to be 'Chinese made' plasticy looking mikes intended for 'karaoke' style use which are amazingly cheap. I don't know about the quality, has anybody tried them seriously?

You will also get lots of varying advice on all sort of construction types of mikes, which various people swear by (and some at!) for various purposes.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: GUEST,RamblinStu
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:18 AM

I only discovered this thread yesterday. Then I downloaded Audacity last night, and made my first recording last night as well, and it works fine.

Obviously I will need to be some tweaking and adjusting to improve the quality but I am very pleased with the system. Thanks Mudcat

While I'm here, does anyone have any advice as to what type of microphone would be best to use?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 16 May 07 - 12:10 AM

If that's disc C, I have 9.86GB free on a total of 37.2.
That's not a good thing then?
$$$

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Bill D
Date: 15 May 07 - 11:28 PM

for any serious audio/video recording & editing, you do need a bit of free space to manipulate things. With fairly new computers, this isn't 'usually' a problem, as spacious HDs are the norm. (I have 160 GIGS, and that is not huge)..You really should be offline also, and close all unnecessary programs so as to give your editing processes priority.

There are various things that might keep you from hearing sound...(that is, volume controls can be turned off in several places....check all menus and controls). Making sure Audacity is set right: just open Project: import audio, and load some file you know works, and play a bit..if you get sound, you go on to your project.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 May 07 - 10:11 PM

oooooooo...

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 15 May 07 - 09:43 PM

Could my hard drive be too small now that I have Vista?
Is that the problem?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: JohnB
Date: 15 May 07 - 09:29 AM

It has worked great for me all the time I have used it. Whatever is coming out of the speakers at the time can be recorded through Audacity.
You can then play with it(the recording) as much as your desires and abilities will allow. The minimum you should do is to trim the ends of the track to get rid of what you don't want and to "Normalize" the whole track.
Audacity needs an extra programme to produce MP3's, all you need to do is follow the instructions and that works fine too.
Good Luck sorting it out, JohnB

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 15 May 07 - 01:10 AM

(no doubt the sound card problem.) ???
I was thinking that myself but I'm getting sound out of the speakers.
Also, I've taken a signal from the 1/8" stereo output on the interface and plugged that into the line in. Audacity can record me now but there'll be no real quality in it.
Therefor: I would guess that the problem lies in my configuration. Audacity & the Soundcard seem fine.
I'm happy now but will be happier when the interface does what it's supposed to.
Thanks for your help, yous!

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 May 07 - 12:14 AM

I could never get Audacity to work right. It didn't pick up anything (no doubt the sound card problem.) Are there updates that might be more user friendly now?

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 14 May 07 - 10:42 AM

One word: Vista!
I'm running updates right now to see if I can get my Lightscribe driver back. Audacity showed up as being incorrectly installed and incompatible with Vista in its current form.

Good Morning All!
from the bright & sunny Highlands.
Jim

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Grab
Date: 14 May 07 - 08:38 AM

The lack of a proper VST user interface in Audacity bugs me. VST plugins can do their stuff, but it doesn't give them the hooks to display the interface properly. This means that most of them come up with a couple of dozen sliders with non-helpful names, and this makes most VST plugins unusable.

I also don't like the fact that you can't move (timeshift) sections of track, only the complete track. Often enough, there's one chord which is slightly off the beat, and I just want to shuffle that across a bit. But in Audacity, that requires a bunch of copy-and-pasting which is just a pain.

Still, I'll keep using it because I can't justify spending on anything better yet. :-/

Graham.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 14 May 07 - 06:53 AM

I use Audacity for recording music clips for a local quiz. It works like a dream for equalisation, compression, fading in/out and the odd bit of editing. I've used it every week now for 60 weeks and it's never let me down.
Bob Webb and I also use it in his studio for editing CD tracks in the form of WAV files and it can work wonders. Highly recommended.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 May 07 - 03:39 AM

I found Polderbits quite good when I needed to record some stuff form analogue tape (as WAVs) then edit it into tracks then save as MP3s to email to people. It has a 14 day free trial with all features enabled and I got considerable email support during that period. After the 14 days it is not expensive to buy and I am considering whether to do that.

I have also used Audacity to record and then QuickAudio to convert to MP3, but I have not tried any of the really clever bits of Audacity.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Jim Lad
Date: 13 May 07 - 10:55 PM

She did, Bill and pm'd the link to me. Sorcha's probably frustrated from trying to help me. The link is good though & I've registered for the forum which is full of people who know as little as I do being helped by people like you.
Cheers!
Jim

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 07 - 10:40 PM

wow, Sorcha...do you have something strange to do? Audacity usually cooperates fine for folks.

Did you look here?

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 May 07 - 10:05 PM

Audacity, very easy recording...you gotta be KIDDING me. Audacity is NOT user friendly. The Help file is useless, the link in the Help file doesn't work, neither the Help File nor the actual website (finally found with Google) address the issues I need,.....sheesh. There must be another program somewhere.

Subject: RE: Tech: Audacity: Very easy recording!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 13 May 07 - 10:01 PM

It was originally written for Linux. A search will turn it up - even for Fedora 6 - it should show up in one of the potential packages than can be added in Yum or Yumextender if you have that.