What do you get with Print?

Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped

Paperback book shipped to your preferred address

Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats

Access this title in our online reader with advanced features

DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want

Key benefits

Teaches basic techniques for using Audacity to record and edit audio tracks - like podcasts and interviews

Combines learning to use software program with the simple theories behind digital audio and common audio terms

Provides advanced editing techniques and tips for using Audacity beyond a first project

Uses a task based, step-by-step approach to guide newcomers into the world of audio editing

Description

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.

Who is this book 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.

What you will learn

Learn to use the Audacity software‚Äîwhat 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 ‚Äúnoise,‚Äù 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

What do you get with Print?

Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped

Paperback book shipped to your preferred address

Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats

Access this title in our online reader with advanced features

DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want

Frequently bought together

$43.99

$60.99

The Music Producer's Ultimate Guide to FL Studio 20

$49.99

Total $ 154.97

Don Addams Apr 28, 2010

Some months ago I was asked to be a technical reviewer for the, now recently published, book "Getting Started with Audacity 1.3'. I have to tell you, guys, not only Packt Publishing is a great company, which provides EXCELLENT tools for authors and reviewers to work with, but boy they know what books to publish!Reviewing this book was a real pleasure, so I'm now publishing this blog entry so I can try and get you to buy the book (which is available both hardcopy and as DRM-free PDF ebook!)So, why should you buy this book? * It's straight-forward, no-nonsense. You get hands-on from the first chapter. * You can read my name in page 4, that's SURELY an incentive :P Kill me. * Chapter 3 is packed with "How to record Interviews" tips. * Chapter 4 goes on to editing, effectively changing the recorded interview to a real PODCAST! * Chapter 5 goes straight into Noise Removal.As you can see, just if you read chapters 1 to 5 (or skip straight to 3 if you are good with GUIs), you'll get a real sense of what working with audio is, which will probably make the following chapters more interesting: * Exporting to MP3 * Advanced Audio Editing * Effects and background musicIn a nutshell, it's a really good book on using Free/Libre Open Source Software to create a professional Podcast. The great oriented approach of the book, plus the AWESOME, HUGE Audacity Community, makes this book a great buy.

Amazon Verified review

Amazon Customer Aug 22, 2019

Very helpful - I needed a little help as I tend to use this software quite a bit in the beginning of a project.

Amazon Verified review

Takaaki May 17, 2010

What's the most intimidating about audio editing software is its interface. You can find a lot of audio editing software, but none of them looks intuitive. One reason you think so is that you don't know about digital audio itself. I could understand some of the interfaces such as the playback button and the record button, but everything else is incomprehensible. Audacity is not the exception in that regard. What is worse, Audacity is cross-platform open source software. What's wrong with "open source" and "cross-platform"? The user interface of most of such software are terrible. A platform-specific program may have a guideline to follow. For example, Apple has a human interface guideline. But it is impossibly difficult to do the same for open source cross-platform software for a few reasons. Some are purely technical and others are more of cultural and political. It is difficult to find an interface designer that contributes to the open source community. As a result, programmers create everything.The book introduces Audacity of this complexity and confusion in a very easy-to-follow manner. Throughout the book each platform (Mac, Windows and Linux) is well taken care of. For example, a) installation of Audacity, Skype (used to record the audio), Audacity plug-ins and b) keyboard shortcuts are explained well enough for each OS. I didn't need to spend a time on Google at all. After explaining installation and basic usage, the author introduces a sample project. That is making a podcast with the audio you record with a Skype interview. From recording to publishing. The final outcome is really a podcast. The author introduces how to add background music, export the entire audio and publish to the iTunes. So remember that this book doesn't end with very basic cutting and pasting. You will learn different techniques to make your audio more professional including how to remove the noise, adjusting the audio level strategically and softening annoying sounds like "sh" and "ch".There is no required knowledge to read the book. The author avoids jargons where possible, and, when a term is introduced, she explains it in details. Additionally, the glossary of terms is placed at the end of the book. The language used in the book is simple. No dictionary is necessary. Many screenshots visually help understanding. All the screenshots are taken using Mac, but the author reminds the reader of potential differences across the platforms. I'm sure users without access to Mac can go through the book without a hassle.Even if you are already an Audacity user, you'll find explanation of effects quite useful. However, unfortunately this book is not meant to be a comprehensive guide for every single feature in Audacity. When I browse through all the menu items, some items aren't mentioned in the book. For example, generators and sound activation are not refered to.In summary, the book explains the basics of Audacity very well for beginners and intermediate users. After finishing the book, you will have a good understanding of its interface and usage, which is complicated by nature. The interface ugliness won't change, but the interface doesn't intimidate any more after you finish this book.

Amazon Verified review

Amazon Customer Aug 27, 2010

This is an outstanding book, particularly for beginners in audio mixing. How you use it depends on your objectives. To start, the author assumes Audacity will be used for podcasts-- mostly, in other words, VOICE applications. Whether recording a course, sermon, lecture, speech... etc., Bethany assumes your major application will be voice and podcasts. Indeed, this is how Audacity got started as a stand alone, FREE, recording and mixing program, so it is not surprising that Bethany doesn't cover a lot of the areas to which Audacity has now evolved in music and multimedia mixing and integration, file format exchanges, etc. It is now a WONDERFUL tool for far more than voice recording.Let's look at the components of an entire production system for a second. You have inputs, imports, exports and outputs. Let's say you are mixing a production for your own website, youtube, or a podcast. Your production has ALL the elements of a multimedia production:1. A track you create with a M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Controller, 2nd Gen , or recording from your own Yamaha YPT-220 61 Key Personal Keyboard with AC Adapter, Deluxe Keyboard Stand and Professional Headphones or band.2. A track that you sing or speak, using a microphone or microphones.3. A track of loops from a software program like Sony Acid Music Studio 8.0 .4. A video track from your Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (White) recorder.5. Sound effects or parts of song tracks you upload from a free website like Jamendo (which Beth metions on page 139).Where does Audacity, and Bethany's book fit?The components you will need to "do it right" (professionally) are:1. A PC or laptop2. Music composing, integrating or looping software running on your PC, such as ACID and Finale SongWriter 2010 3. A physical mixer like the Tascam X-17 offered on Amazon4. Your free Audacity software from audacity dot com (about which this book is written)5. Video processor and integrator Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 Suite like Sony VegasTo combine the two lists above, you record your voice, music, band, etc. through the physical Tascam DP 008 Multi-Track Digital Recorder 4-Piece Bundle , or directly into Audacity. You then upload your video files from your flip or video recorder, with or without sound. You create a folder on your PC (eg: desktop or documents) (NOT in Audacity at first) called "Project X." Project X contains all the files that you created or imported onto your PC from your physical mixer, directly recording onto your PC, loops and compositions you chose from your composition software, your flip file, etc.Next, you forget the video file for a second, open Audacity, and IMPORT all the other files, as tracks, that you saved in your master folder-- this will create the "audio" part of your production. Notice that your physical mixer and even other software programs like your composing program (Finale, etc.) can also perform a lot of the functions that Audacity performs, but Audacity is a GREAT integrator of file formats, especially at the finishing stages when you want to export them all in a single file type like an MP3 or input for your video editor.This is where Bethany's book comes in-- it shows you many of the effects you can use on multiple tracks. Remember, it mostly focuses 90% on voice, but there are a few pages on music and external files, and the effects (fade ins, overtracking, etc.) apply equally to music as voice. But don't be disappointed when you find only a small section here on music!Finally, EXPORT your finished audio file as INPUT for your video editing software to integrate your flip video so you have both sound and picture. Your video software is the place to strip off the flip audio if you want to use your Audacity audio instead. Note: you won't be able to edit individual tracks in your video software if you combined them into one file type in Audacity!Your production is now ready for Youtube, your own web server, a cd, to email, etc!We just wanted to give you context so you don't think that this wonderful free mixer/recorder is all you need, or that this book covers all aspects of putting together a production. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Recording Illustrated (The Complete Idiot's Guide) or PC Recording Studios For Dummies (BEST ONE) series is wonderful for integrating those aspects of home recording.

Amazon Verified review

Adriano Varoli Piazza Mar 17, 2010

A few months ago I was approached by the good folks at Packt Publishing to do a technical review of their brand new book "Getting Started with Audacity 1.3".Throughout the time I spent reviewing the chapters, I found the book to be interesting and very readable, proposing projects that were both easy to do and immediately compelling, such as creating and editing useful soundbits from a ringtone to creating a podcast complete with a phone interview. I even used what I had learned to create my own ringtones: the first chords of "Fortunate Son" by Creedence for one, and a few bars of the main theme from the film "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" for another.I recommend this book for those that want to create or edit their own soundbits and don't know how. It is the perfect introduction to audio editing. The fact that the app used is available on the three major operating systems for free, and that it has an intuitive interface is a major boon.

Amazon Verified review

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book?

Shipping Details

USA:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.

Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

Afghanistan
American Samoa
Belarus
Brunei Darussalam
Central African Republic
The Democratic Republic of Congo
Eritrea
Guinea-bissau
Iran
Lebanon
Libiya Arab Jamahriya
Somalia
Sudan
Russian Federation
Syrian Arab Republic
Ukraine
Venezuela

What is custom duty/charge?

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order?

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges?

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.

How can I cancel my order?

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy?

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged?

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use?

You can pay with the following card types:

Visa Debit
Visa Credit
MasterCard
PayPal

What is the delivery time and cost of print books?

Shipping Details

USA:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

Afghanistan
American Samoa
Belarus
Brunei Darussalam
Central African Republic
The Democratic Republic of Congo
Eritrea
Guinea-bissau
Iran
Lebanon
Libiya Arab Jamahriya
Somalia
Sudan
Russian Federation
Syrian Arab Republic
Ukraine
Venezuela

Getting started with Audacity 1.3: Create your own podcasts, edit music, and more with this open source audio editor

What do you get with Print?