Topics covered:

• Installation
• Recording & Playback
• Volume
• Editing
• Saving Your Clips
• Converting .wav to mp3

Installation
1) Download two files: Audacity Installer & Lame Mp3 Encoder
Windows http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows
Mac  http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/mac

2) Save them both in the same location so you can locate them later.

NOTE:
The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where lame_enc.dll is saved. Once you locate it, you will never have to do this step again.

Recording & Playback
1) The Red circular button starts the recording.
 Any sound you hear on your computer speakers including a microphone if it’s plugged in will be recorded. This includes any sound from any website, a live audio stream, or you own cd/dvd player playing. If you would prefer to record in stereo go to File/Preferences/AI Devices/record in stereo.
2) The Yellow square button stops the recording.
3) The Green triangle button plays back the recording.

Increasing the volume (if needed)
1) Select Effect/Amplify.

2) The maximum possible increase in volume is automatically calculated, click ok if you feel it’s needed.

Editing (if needed)
1) With your mouse, select a section you want to delete. This will now appear highlighted in dark grey. Hit the delete key on your keyboard to delete it.

NOTE: If you would like to learn more about Audacity’s many other editing features, click on the help menu.

Saving your sound clip
1) File/ Export as .Mp3

2) Always choose ID3v1 (more compatible) This is the Soundboard.com standard. Your sound may not play correctly on Soundboard.com if you don’t make it compatible!

Converting a .wav file to an .mp3 file for Soundboard.com
1) File/ Open
2) Increase volume or edit if needed (see intructions above)
3) Export as .mp3
4) choose ID3v1 (more compatible)

Now you’re ready to make your very own soundboards!