Audio
Software: Audacity,Windows Sound Recorder
Many software programs are available for recording, editing, and exporting sound files. Audacity is a free, versatile, easy-to-use software program for working with audio and is available for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems. Windows Sound Recorder is a simple sound recording program that comes with Windows. It is adequate for recording voice, but if you plan to edit music or other sound, Audacity is more full-featured.
Audacity
Download Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Audacity Setup: To set up Audacity on your computer to export audio as mp3 files, you will need to follow these directions: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&i=lame-mp3
(The NDSU computers already support this function.)
Audacity Tutorials: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/tutorials.html
NDSU Audacity Tutorial: http://its.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/www.its.ndsu.edu/videoconf/Recording_with_Audacity.pdf
Audacity FAQs: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq and LibriVox
Audacity Video Tutorials: http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm
Windows Sound Recorder
Windows Sound Recorder Tutorial: http://cctc.commnet.edu/dl/dl-help/help-SoundRecorder.htm
File Formats
Audacity and File Formats
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/manual-1.2/fileformats.html
The table below can help you estimate the kind of mp3 quality/compression and bit rates to use for your own applications. We also give you approximate file sizes to help you compare. For most in-class audio lectures 32 kbps will work. For supplemental recordings that are shorter in length, 64kbps-96kbps will offer better audio quality.
Format | Bit rate | File size/minute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
WAV | uncompressed | 10 MB | If the wav file was sampled at 16 bits/44.1 kHz, you've got CD quality sound |
MP3 | 160 kbps | 1.5 MB | Very low compression, superior sound quality |
MP3 | 128 kbps | 1 MB | The standard "CD quality" bit rate |
MP3 | 96 kbps | 700 K | Considered "near CD quality" |
MP3 | 64 kbps | 400 K | Slightly lower than FM radio station |
MP3 | 32 kbps | 250 K | Lower quality audio, low file size. Good for recording long lectures and keeping file size small. |
Audio Recording Studio
An audio recording studio is available for students to use. To reserve the audio recording studio, contact ndsu.tlmc.support@ndsu.edu.
Ripping Audio Files in Windows Media Player
This handout can help you to rip audio files from a CD in Windows Media player.Read through the guidelines for valuable tips that will save you time and trouble later.
Get Help
TLMC – IACC 150C - Students are on duty to assist you. Visit the TLMC Web site for information about open lab hours and services: www.ndsu.edu/its/tlmc
Equipment – Headphones with microphones are available at the TLMC, and some are available for checkout (with NDSU ID) at the Help Desk in IACC 150.
Technology Learning and Media Center
IACC 150 C
Ph: 701-231-5130
