audio recording

Introduction to Audio Recording

Created by The University of North Texas in partnership with the Texas Education Agency

UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved. 2


I. Configure hardware for recording.

A. Connect the microphone



B. Open the Sound Recorder program.

1. Click on the Start Menu

2. Go to: All Programs → Accessories → Entertainment → Click on Sound Recorder



C. Select input line.

1. Right click on speaker icon on task bar



2. For Vista:

a. Select Recording Control

b. Select input line



3. For XP:

a. Click on “Open Volume Control”

b. click on “Options”

c. Select “Properties”

d. Select “Recording”

e. Click “OK”

f. Select correct input line



D. Set the record settings

1. Volume – adjust record volume level during a practice recording check.



a. With the Volume control still open, speak into the microphone the same way you are going to do the final recording.



b. Click on the red record button on Sound Recorder.



c. Watch the sound signal (green line) in the middle of the Sound Recorder. The signal should fill 50-75% of the height of the box.

Do not allow the signal to “flatten” at the top or bottom. Adjust the volume slider on the Volume Control to set the correct volume level.



d. Click on “Stop.” The level is set.


Introduction to Audio Recording2. Quality

a. Open “Properties for Sound” by clicking on “File,” then “Properties”.

b. Click on “Convert Now”.



c. Click on the down arrow under “Name” and select “CD Quality”.

Click “OK”.

CD quality requires approximately 2 meg of file space per 10 seconds.



3. Add Echo if desired:

After the recording is made, echo can be added to the file by clicking on “Effects” then clicking on “Add Echo”.

You must then save the file to keep the echo effect on the file. Echo gives a “reverb” affect and is usually more suitable for music than for voice.



II. Initiate the recording process.

A. Click “Record”

B. Start Input



III. Stop and save recording.

A. Click “Stop”

B. Click “File”

C. Click “Save As”

D. Select Save Location

E. Name file

F. Click “Save”



IV. Playback - Click “Play”.


Summary Questions

1.1. What is the first step in setting up your What is the first step in setting up your computer to record?computer to record?


Summary Questions

1.1. What is the first step in setting up your What is the first step in setting up your computer to record?computer to record?

Answer: Connect the microphone.


Summary Questions

2.2. Where is the Sound Recorder program Where is the Sound Recorder program found if your are opening it form the found if your are opening it form the “Start” menu?“Start” menu?


Summary Questions

2.2. Where is the Sound Recorder program Where is the Sound Recorder program found if your are opening it form the found if your are opening it form the “Start” menu?“Start” menu?

Answer: In the “Entertainment” group of “Accessories” in “All Programs”.


Summary Questions

3.3. What must be accomplished in the What must be accomplished in the Volume Control program?Volume Control program?


Summary Questions

3.3. What must be accomplished in the What must be accomplished in the Volume Control program?Volume Control program?

Answer: The correct input is selected and the volume for that input is brought to the correct level.


Summary Questions

4.4. How do you start the recording How do you start the recording process?process?


Summary Questions

4.4. How do you start the recording How do you start the recording process?process?

Answer: Click on the red “Record” button.


Summary Questions

5.5. Describe the signal strength as Describe the signal strength as displayed by the displayed by the green linegreen line in the in the Sound Recorder when the record Sound Recorder when the record volume is properly set.volume is properly set.


Summary Questions

5.5. Describe the signal strength as Describe the signal strength as displayed by the displayed by the green linegreen line in the in the Sound Recorder when the record Sound Recorder when the record volume is properly set.volume is properly set.

Answer: The signal should fill 50-75% of the height of the box. Do not allow the signal to “flatten” at the top or bottom.


Summary Questions

6.6. What are three ways to change the What are three ways to change the characteristics or quality of a characteristics or quality of a recording?recording?


Summary Questions

6.6. What are three ways to change the What are three ways to change the characteristics or quality of a characteristics or quality of a recording?recording?

Answer:

Adjusting the quality level of the recording under “Properties.

Adjusting the volume level.

Adding echo.

audio recording

Technology

recording control

audio recording iv

final recording

recording process

volume control program

practice recording check

open volume control

record volume level