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Make a copy of the file before editing to ensure that the
original audio is untouched and that the file imported into
Audacity will always be associated with the project.
RECORDING IN AUDACITY
As a note, the volume controls within the program are secondary to the computer's volume control.
Experiment with both volume controls for appropriate volume levels. If you are using a laptop, the
webcam is the default input device. If you are using a microphone or a device such as a cassette tape
recorder, the operating system and Audacity must reflect this selection. Always perform a test; review for
proper recoding levels. The IMC has a variety of cables and adapters to connect most any device to
available ports on your computer.
THREE STEPS IN ORDER:
1. Connect the device and turn it on.
2. Open Audacity. Within Audacity, select the input device. If it is not present, confirm the
device is on and plugged in. Quit Audacity and reopen. Select the input device.
3. If the recorder is not listed in Audacity, exit Audacity and select the input device/port from
the sound preference/settings in the operating system. Open Audacity. Within Audacity,
also select the input device.
STEP ONE: Connect the equipment and turn it on
USB Microphone:
Plug the USB microphone into the computer and turn it on before opening Audacity. If
Audacity is already open, save your project, quit Audacity, turn on the microphone, and then
re-open your project. Audacity does not always immediately recognize the microphone.
Microphone:
Connect the microphone to the dedicated Microphone port. In its absence, use the Line –In port on the
computer. Turn on the mic.
Line In for Microphone, Phonograph, or Cassette Tape Recorder:
You will need an audio cable to connect the equipment to the computer. One end must be 1/8”. Plug the
audio cable into “sound out port” (headphones/speaker) on the tape deck, and the other end into the
“sound in port” (line level Input) on the computer. If the cassette tape recorder’s port is ¼” use an
adapter ¼” to “1/8.”
STEP TWO: Open Audacity. Within Audacity, select the input device.
Review the Input Device and Input channel drop down menus to select the source of the audio. In this
example, the input device is a microphone, plugged into the microphone port. Complete a test recording
and adjust levels.