Audacity is a freeware program that allows users to create, record and manipulate audio all from a user-friendly interface. In addition to being a completely free program, Audacity is also compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX, Linux and several other operating system options. This program allows users to select a variety of preinstalled effects to alter the way the listener perceives recorded sound. The current full-release of Audacity is 1.2.6, while experienced users may wish to upgrade to the Beta version of 1.3.13 in order to take full advantage of new features.
Instructions
1. Open your Audacity software to begin this procedure. If you do not have Audacity or wish to upgrade versions, do so at this time. It is important to ensure that you install or update recent versions of the software in order to eradicate certain extremely persistent bugs in older versions of applications.
2. Click on the "File" folder at the top left of the Audacity window to load a series of options. Click on "Open" and browse through your system's library to find the necessary file that requires fixing. Select the necessary file and choose "Open" to load this file into the program's features.
3. Highlight any affected areas of the audio file requiring the adjustment. If vocals recorded into Audacity are too hot or loud for listening, choose a few different effects to eradicate this issue. To apply these effects to the entire audio file hit "Ctrl+A" to select the entire file.
4. Lower the entire volume of the track by adjusting the gain level, located at the far left of the file. This will not change the quality of the file in any way, but the volume will decrease, depending on which direction you set the gain fader. Alter the way the selected area sounds by clicking on the "Effect" tab at the top of the Audacity window, loading a long list of options for file altering. Choose "Compressor" from this list to load a separate window for settings. Adjust the threshold and other settings of the "Compressor" and click "OK" to change this file. Wait for the new settings to update and listen to your file for any inaccuracies in sound level and quality. If you are unsatisfied with this new version of the vocal file, press "Ctrl+Z" to completely erase everything that you have done. Check the "Amplify" effect to also increase or decrease the volume of the intended track. Keep playing with the "Compressor" and other Audacity effects until you have achieved the desired sound in your file.
