Intro to audio editing
File types, field tips and Audacity
All about sound files
• Types of sound files:
• .wav: Uncompressed, bigger file size
• .mp3: Compressed, most common web format
• .wma: Windows-based compressed file, has some “tinny qualities”
• . aiff/.pcm: Other uncompressed sizes
• Rule of thumb for everything: Record it at highest quality size,
compress when ready. Record .wav, edit and then create your
.mp3.
About your recorder
• Zoom H1
• Things to know:
• Records .wav or mp3 or .mp3
• Has inputs for external microphone
• and headphones
Avoid amateur
• mistakes
Wear headphones. If you can’t hear what you’re recording, you’re
going to miss something.
• Carry back up batteries and SD cards (or clean off your recorder
after EVERY assignment).
• Be careful with your fingers. Handling the recorder makes a sound.
Use the tripod or hold absolutely still if possible.
• Watch your levels. This can make or break your assignment. Too
loud is blown, too quiet will be unusable -- ambient room noise will
overwhelm your interview after you boost it enough.
Sound of fingers on recorder, peaked audio levels
About audio levels
• Scales differ, but most peak at 0.
• On your recorder, levels go from -40 to 0.
• Good recordings peak at 0, but to be safe, set your recorder to peak
just below, so you don’t clip your source.
• “Clipped” audio is like an overexposed photograph. The information is
destroyed and you cannot fix it.
Know your
microphone
• Condenser mic: This type of
microphone “hears” everything in the
room.
• Lavalier mic: This can be clipped to
your source. This is one of the best
ways to get sound in a loud setting,
such as a crowd.
• Line/stick mic: Something you hold out
in front of you. Different models collect
cones of sound, 90/180 degrees.
Sound types:
Ambient sound
• Examples: murmur of a crowd, music at
an event, rumbling of train, wind
blowing
• Used to add texture, describe the scene
• What it’s not: A specific sound that
advances the story. This is
background noise.
Sound types:
Natural a bell, the
• Examples: Clapping,soundsound
of someone breathing, an
announcement, etc.
• Natural sound advances the story. It
can signal a transition. A good audio
story almost always begins with a nat
sound element.
• What it’s not: Anything that’s
background. Nat sound is distinct, not
textural.
Sound types:
Interviews/Actualities
• Examples: Any interview you do with a
source. This can be on the scene or in
a quiet environment. You can also
easily record phone interviews with
Skype and programs such as Audio
Hijack Pro.
Recording tips:
The interview
• Be aware of your own voice. Print
reporters will often interrupt, and step
on the back of quotes. Let your source
speak. Be quiet.
• Learn to ask open-ended questions.
Ask questions that make the source tell
the story.
Sound examples
It’s the details:
Sound of door opening
Sound of entering metro station and
train
Get close, clear sound:
Traffic quiet
Traffic closer (recorded inches from roadway instead of the
sidewalk)
Using Audacity
• Audacity is freeware. That’s amazing,
but it means its buggy. You must:
• Save frequently
• Pay attention to your file structure.
Know where you’re saving things.
• Use it for simple editing and fading.
The “effects” are generally
disappointing.
To use Audacity:
• Audacity download page. A tip: don’t
download the beta ones. Buggier.
• To export an MP3 with Audacity, you’ll
need to install the LAME MP3 encoder.
• FAQ page
• Download page
Tutorial help
• These detailed handouts can help you:
• Super-Fast Guide to Audio Editing
• Editing Audio with Audacity (Part 2)
• Setting up preferences in Audacity