Audacity is free, open source software that can be used to record and edit audio files in various formats. It has tools for recording via a microphone or other audio input, as well as importing existing files. Recorded audio or imported files can then be edited using a variety of tools under the Edit and Effects menus. These include cutting, copying, pasting, and applying audio effects like changing volume levels, pitch, tempo, fading and removing vocals. Sections of the audio can be selected for more precise editing. The software provides an easy to use interface for these recording and editing functions.

1. Audacity Study Guide
I have not used many of the media or social websites as many other people have done, but Audacity
interested me because I love music. This was a learning process for me so I had to learn things before I
could teach all of you!
Audacity
Free downloadable software for recording and or editing sounds. This is a look at Audacity when it is
first opened. Many of the functions are just under the menu, including all the play, pause, etc. buttons
and output/input levels of your sound.
Import/Play:
You can select an existing file (must be in AIFF, AU, FLAC, MP2, MP3 format for PC and for MAC it is M4A
or MOV format) or create a new one directly on the software. There is a red record button to start with
recording, along with skip forward/backward, play, pause and stop buttons. The recording function can
record vocal, instruments, tape deck or a turntable. The output volume is your playback volume, while
your input volume is your recording volume. It is important to adjust the input volume while recording
to have dynamic in your recording to emphasize the loud/quiet parts of each sound. In order to import a
CD you need a separate program to “rip” these songs from a CD.

2. Editing:
Audacity also gives you the ability to edit any of your sounds, recording or imported. There are two
sections of the menu bar to help you do this. This includes the EDIT section, as well as the EFFECT
section. The EDIT section is your simple tasks, including copy, cut, paste, undo and redo. Many of these
functions are also available on the bar below the menu bar for easy access. The EFFECT section has
many different types of ways to edit your track. This can include treble/bass adjustment, changing pitch
or tempo, fade in/out, amplify and delay. There are many different functions within the EFFECT menu;
you can even remove the centralized vocals in your track.
You can have many of these effects change the whole track, or certain parts you can select. To select a
part of your track, simply click and drag to the amount of seconds you want to edit. You can confirm the
section of your track you want to select by simply pressing the play button after selecting. This makes it
easier to edit and makes your editing more precise. Some of these effects have no parameters, like fade
in/out; it will just take the beginning or ending of the track and fade the sound. In order to edit at any
time, the track must be stopped, if it is not, all of your editing options will be faded gray and cannot be
selected.