Amateur Audio Editing « StupidGeek’s Blog

Amateur Audio Editing

Audio Editing is a diverse subject. People that are avid editors are called “Audio Files”. Audio is also difficult, because there are so many different sources and files to save audio in.

Now, you can spend over $600 for Pro Tools, but in this post I will tell you how to get the bulk of the features for FREE! Everyone likes free.

There are two pieces of software that you need to get started. An audio editor, and an audio file converter. With the audio editor, you can record, cut, paste, distort, etc. the file. And, in order to play with the files, you might also want to download a file converter, to convert almost any file format to any other file format; such as .wma or .mp3, or .m4a to .mp3.

The file sound converter is called Switch. This can be found at http://www.nch.com.au/switch/. Now, it says it is a trial version, but it does not often bug you, and if it does, just uninstall/redownload it. All this utility does it allow you to import audio files into it, and then you can just choose the output file format of you’re choice, and it can even export the files into the same file folder of the original files. (This is a great way of getting around iTunes file copyrighting – the other way is burning CDs. This is much more efficient, and cheaper)

Now that you have the files to play with, download Audacity. This open source software can be found at: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/. Now, you can either download 1.2.6 or 1.3.6(Beta). I downloaded the beta, and there seem to be no bugs, but I haven’t used it extensively. Also, to access the full functionality of the software, you need a microphone. Most laptops have them built-in, and low-quality mics are cheap.

FEATURES:

Generate:

With audacity, you can generate many different tones, includeing white noise, and a standard 440hz tone (useful for tuning a B flat instrument). Other useful things include Click Tracks, and even Silence. Somewhat self explanatory.

Noise Removal:

An amazing feature in Audacity is the Noise Removal feature. When you are using a plug in microphone, or the built-in one, there is usually background noise; whether it be a fan in the backround, the hum of a jack hammer outside, whatever. Now, what this feature does, is take a “profile” of the noise. this is done by, in silence (or the lack there of), record a few seconds of the background noise. (See photo 1) Now highlight that clip. Then go to Effects > Utility > Noise Removal > Noise Removal… (See photo 2)Click that (noise removal…) and it will bring up a dialoge box. Click on Get Noise Profile, with you’re selection highlighted. (See photo 3)Next, record your audio. (be sure to Mute the noise profile track). (See photo 4)When you are finished, go back to Noise Removal…, and then click OK. (See photo 5)Ta Da! Your track is now free of background noise. (See photo 6)