| Using audio editing software is not strictly necessary, but it will both make your work easier and improve the quality of your narrated slide show. For example, if there is a sudden noise while you are recording, or you cough, etc., you do not have to re-record everything. You can just cut out the problematic section and replace it. Re-recording a short section is much easier than re-recording the whole thing. You can also perform many other tricks such as combining multiple tracks or amplifying a word that came out too quiet. There is a piece of free software that can do all these things and more. It is called Audacity and is available for Windows. Mac OS X, and Linux.
Instructions on how to download and install Audacity are here. You do not have to record with Audacity to be able to edit your narration. You can record with another application (or a digital recorder) and then open the file with Audacity. Audacity can open WAV, AIFF, AU, MP3, and OGG VORBIS files. However, in many cases it makes sense to record your narration directly with Audacity. If you like, you can then open any WAV, AIFF, AU, MP3, and OGG VORBIS music files you have and combine them with your narration. (Please make sure that it is Creative Commons music or other music that it would be legal for you to use, of course). You can find excellent tutorials that show you how to use Audacity here. They are designed for podcasters but they are fine for slideshow creators as well. |
Last modified: Saturday, 2 February 2008, 02:48 PM