What do I need to make an audio recording? -a computer & microphone (either a built-in microphone, or a microphone jack and external microphone) -some audio recording software. (You can use any audio software you like. You needn't use our suggestions below.)
Where can I get audio software? We've used sound recording software called Audacity and think it works well. You can download it–
Install new software? Me? You must have me confused with that geeky nephew of mine! I can't install things! Would you mind not interrupting me please? You could install software if you really wanted to! Embrace your inner geek! Well, ok, maybe you're at work and your IS department has made it so you really can't install things. (Psssst! You're supposed to be doing this at home, not at work! No, I don't want to hear about your overly controlling spouse. It's your computer too!)
So if I do this and it messes up my computer, I get to blame you, right? Wrong! Have you learned nothing about personal responsibility from the folks Below? We at Winterfest Online assume that you have a brain of your own and that you possess the good judgment to use it. As with all software, there is always the possiblility of problems. Several of us have used the sites or software that we've suggested and we've had no problems. Your mileage may vary. Do what you think is best.
So what about this Audacity now? Maybe my nephew will come over and help me.
Click on the Download link for the type of computer you have.
Save the file to your Desktop, or to your preferred location. (After you finish the installation, you can delete this installer file.)
Once the download completes, double-click the file you downloaded to start the installation wizard. The default options for everything appear to be safe. The first time you launch Audacity, it will ask for a language. Pick one.
Now go to Audacity and record your file.
Yes!!! I rock! I installed it all by myself! Now what? See? Didn't I tell you you could do it?
Open Audacity if you haven't already done so.
Click on the round red Record button to start recording. Speak near your microphone.
When you are finished, click on the square yellow Stop button to stop recording.
From the File menu, select Export as mp3.
Choose where in your computer you want to save the file so you can send it to us afterwards, give the file a name and click on Save.
A window will open titled Edit the ID3 tags for the mp3 file.
My son would say that Of Course you should fill in all the tag fields as completely and accurately as possible, but I'll let you decide for yourself to fill them in or not. After you've filled them in - or not - click Ok.
When you close Audacity, it will ask if you want to save changes before closing. So long as you exported to .mp3, you may safely click No. You may want to play the .mp3 file first to make sure it's good. Otherwise, if in doubt, you can save the file if you want to.
