Digital recording software Presented by Andrew Littlefield

What is it? Digital recording share-ware Features simple, multi-track recording with effects and multiple editing options.

Getting Started Download Audacity at or just Google “Audacity”

Hardware You’ll need a microphone or amplified instrument to plug into the computer. This can either be done through a direct plug into the computer or using a mixing board. A mixing board can give better sound and more versatility. However, plugging directly into the computer provides sufficient quality for quick, easy recording.

Hardware Most computers have an 1/8 inch plug for a microphone jack (this is the same size as a standard earphone plug). Since most amplified instruments use a 1/4 inch plug, you’ll need an adaptor. These can be purchased at Radio Shack for a few dollars.

Most higher quality microphone use a special microphone plug, however inexpensive mics that use 1/8 or 1/4 inch plugs that are more than sufficient for simple recordings.

Recording Audacity works very similarly to Sound Forge. To begin recording, simply hit the record button, and start playing. An audio track is created automatically when you press the record button.

Once you finish your first track, hit the stop button to end the recording. To begin your second track, hit the record button again. Audacity will again automatically start a new track at the beginning. To start a track in the middle of the song, click where you would like to begin on your previous track. This will move the cursor to that location and the track will start here once you hit record.

Audacity also has the ability to add effects such as wah, echoes, and phasers. It can also normalize, compress, enhance bass, change pitch, etc. of a sound file. These are all available through the “Effects” menu on the top tool bar. Simply highlight the section you wish to add the effect to, and select the effect. Due to memory requirements, the file must be stopped to add the effect, not just paused.

The project menu allows you to import audio and MIDI files, align tracks, and contains several shortcuts to help with your project. The generate menu allows you to insert silence, white noise, or pure tones (sine waves and the like) into your project. Each track has it’s own volume and pan controller on the far left of the track. You can also mute tracks from here to assist in mixing.

Music Therapy applications Gives you the ability to easily record songs that you have assisted your client in writing, so you can give them a copy to keep. Record songs that you have written as a therapist for use in sessions, for future reference. Record sessions for future reference. Editing songs either for length or content. Applications in other fields Recording practice sessions. Recording your band’s performance. Make a demo tape to send to venue’s you would like to play at. Or just have to fun. Be a one man band, record a solo album, whatever you like! Applications

What’s so great about it? Totally free and legal. Constantly being tweaked and updated. Simple and easy to learn. Good quality.