Intro to audio editing File types, field tips and Audacity

All about sound files Types of sound files:.wav: Uncompressed, bigger file size.mp3: Compressed, most common web format.wma: Windows-based compressed file, has some “tinny qualities”. aiff/.pcm: Other uncompressed sizes Rule of thumb for everything: Record it at highest quality size, compress when ready. Record.wav, edit and then create your.mp3.

About your recorder Zoom H1 Things to know: Records.wav or mp3 or.mp3 Has inputs for external microphones and headphones

Avoid amateur mistakes Wear headphones. If you can’t hear what you’re recording, you’re going to miss something. Carry back up batteries and SD cards (or clean off your recorder after EVERY assignment). Be careful with your fingers. Handling the recorder makes a sound. Use the tripod or hold absolutely still if possible. Watch your levels. This can make or break your assignment. Too loud is blown, too quiet will be unusable -- ambient room noise will overwhelm your interview after you boost it enough.

About audio levels Scales differ, but most peak at 0. On your recorder, levels go from -40 to 0. Good recordings peak at 0, but to be safe, set your recorder to peak just below, so you don’t clip your source. “Clipped” audio is like an overexposed photograph. The information is destroyed and you cannot fix it.

Know your microphone Condenser mic: This type of microphone “hears” everything in the room. Lavalier mic: This can be clipped to your source. This is one of the best ways to get sound in a loud setting, such as a crowd. Line/stick mic: Something you hold out in front of you. Different models collect cones of sound, 90/180 degrees.

Sound types: Ambient sound Examples: murmur of a crowd, music at an event, rumbling of train, wind blowing Used to add texture, describe the scene What it’s not: A specific sound that advances the story. This is background noise.

Sound types: Natural sound Examples: Clapping, a bell, the sound of someone breathing, an announcement, etc. Natural sound advances the story. It can signal a transition. A good audio story almost always begins with a nat sound element. What it’s not: Anything that’s background. Nat sound is distinct, not textural.

Sound types: Interviews/Actualities Examples: Any interview you do with a source. This can be on the scene or in a quiet environment. You can also easily record phone interviews with Skype and programs such as Audio Hijack Pro.Audio Hijack Pro

Recording tips: The interview Be aware of your own voice. Print reporters will often interrupt, and step on the back of quotes. Let your source speak. Be quiet. Learn to ask open-ended questions. Ask questions that make the source tell the story.

Using Audacity Audacity is freeware. That’s amazing, but it means its buggy. You must: Save frequently Pay attention to your file structure. Know where you’re saving things. Use it for simple editing and fading. The “effects” are generally disappointing.

To use Audacity: Audacity download page. A tip: don’t download the beta ones. Buggier.download page To export an MP3 with Audacity, you’ll need to install the LAME MP3 encoder. FAQ page Download page

Tutorial help These detailed handouts can help you: Super-Fast Guide to Audio Editing Editing Audio with Audacity (Part 2) Setting up preferences in Audacity