Course Catalog Media
Audio Software — Audacity
3 units / 14 items
This course teaches students how to record, edit, and produce audio using Audacity, a free and open-source digital audio workstation. Students will learn to record voiceovers, edit and clean up audio, apply effects, mix multiple tracks, and export finished projects. Whether you want to make a podcast, edit music, create sound effects, or improve audio quality, Audacity is a powerful starting point.
Course Objectives
- Install Audacity and configure audio devices for recording and playback.
- Record audio from a microphone and import existing audio files.
- Perform fundamental edits: cut, copy, paste, trim, split, and join clips.
- Apply effects like noise reduction, equalization, compression, and reverb.
- Work with multiple tracks to create layered audio mixes.
- Export finished projects in multiple formats (WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG).
System Requirements
Audacity 3.7 runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is completely free and open-source. A USB microphone or built-in mic is recommended for recording exercises, but not strictly required (you can practice with downloaded sample audio).
Getting Started
Install Audacity, configure your audio settings, and learn the basic interface.
- ReadingWhat Is Digital Audio?
- Download and install Audacity (free, open source). Choose the installer for your operating system.
- Optional: Install the FFmpeg library to enable import/export of MP3, AAC, WMA, and other formats.
- ReadingThe Audacity Interface
- VideoAudacity Tutorial for Beginners
- Video Resource: Watch Mike Russell's Audacity beginner guides for clear visual walkthroughs of recording and editing.
Recording & Basic Editing
Learn to record audio, navigate waveforms, and perform essential editing tasks.
- ReadingSetting Up Your Microphone
- Exercise 1.1: Connect a microphone (or use your built-in mic). In Edit → Preferences → Audio Settings, select your input device. Record yourself introducing your name and a fun fact. Save the project.
- ReadingThe Toolbar & Playback Controls
- ReadingSelection, Cutting & Trimming
- Exercise 1.2: Open your recording. Use the Selection tool to highlight awkward pauses or mistakes, then delete them. Trim silence from the beginning and end.
- ReadingImporting & Exporting Audio
- Exercise 1.3: Import an MP3 song file. Practice splitting clips (
Ctrl+I), moving them on the timeline, and joining clips. Export the result as a WAV file. - ReadingAudio Concepts: Sample Rate, Bit Depth & Channels
- CheckpointUnit 1 Activity - Record a 60-Second Introduction
- Video Resource: Watch Audacity editing workflow tutorials to reinforce cutting, fades, and loudness cleanup.
Effects, Mixing & Projects
Apply audio effects, work with multiple tracks, and complete real-world audio projects.
- ReadingNoise Reduction & Cleanup
- Exercise 2.1: Open a recording with background noise. Select a few seconds of pure noise → Effect → Noise Reduction → Get Noise Profile. Then select the full track and apply Noise Reduction.
- ReadingEssential Effects Guide
- Exercise 2.2: Practice applying Amplify, Normalize, Fade In/Out, Equalization, Compressor, and Reverb to audio clips. Listen to how each effect changes the sound.
- ReadingMulti-Track Mixing
- Exercise 2.3: Create a multi-track project: import background music on one track, record narration on a second track, and add a sound effect on a third. Adjust volume levels and panning so they blend well.
- ReadingThe Envelope Tool & Automation
- Exercise 2.4: Use the Envelope Tool to duck the background music volume down during narration, then bring it back up during pauses.
- CheckpointFinal Project - Produce a Mini Podcast Episode
- Video Resource: Watch podcast mixing tutorials in Audacity for practical noise reduction, EQ, and compression examples.