Using the Audacity software as the starting off point, we discuss what the software is, what it can do, how you can use it, and where you go to get started installing it. All of this information is grounded in some basic audio editing terminology and background for those that aren't so technology inclined.

Then we'll start digging into a sample project! You'll learn about how to set up a project, create a voice track, record an interview with Skype, and basic audio editing techniques. All of this done in an easy to follow, task based approach with lots of examples. Here, we plan to go a step further, we teach how to wrap all of these steps together and create a podcast that can be posted on your own website or blog.

There's always more you can do with Audacity! The last portion of the book is dedicated to just that - discussing more advanced editing and mixing techniques, using affects, adding music, adding additional plug-ins to the software. All still incorporating examples and easy to follow tasks you can try on your own audio projects.

What you will learn from this book

• Learn to use the Audacity software--what it is, how to install it, and all of its main features
• Learn setting up projects and how to record your content for your first podcast
• Master audio editing basics for voice tracks like trimming, amplifying, removing "noise," duplicating and splitting tracks, changing pitch, speed, and more
• Create MP3 Podcasts from your saved projects and then prepare the file and upload it to personal websites or iTunes
• Learn more about advanced editing techniques like fading in and out, click removal, timeshifting, using multiple audio tracks, overdubbing, mixing and more
• Add background music to projects as well as import music from CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyl records
• Use all the audio effects pre-installed with Audacity like echo, amplify, bass boost, and normalize
• Install and use Audacity plugins like Nyquist, LADSPA, and VST effects
• Common terms used audio recording and editing as the book has a complete Glossary
• All toolbar, menu, and keyboard shortcuts used in the software

Approach

Conversational and practical, this book is full of real life examples of where and how you would use the Audacity software. Not only does it give you task-based step-by-step instructions from installation to advanced audio editing techniques, it caters to the beginner to familiarize them with all the jargon, suggests recording equipment, it walks them through a simple sample project showing off everything Audacity can do.

Who this book is written for

If you are new to audio recording and editing, and particularly using the Audacity software, this book is for you. It explains everything from common audio industry terms and software basics. Technical sound engineering details and jargon are omitted to keep the book friendly and easy to understand.