|
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | I just posted a song on the ning site, that I'm calling (for lack of a better title) "Sound Waves." It's here . The impetus for this "song" comes from a recent thread discussing the quality of Audacity software for audio editing. I have tried out the software and I like it. Song background follows.
Narrative:
------------------------------------------------
I do largely a kind of free-style improv jazz-type thing. I discovered a chord that I REALLY like. It's a variation on D-Minor with an added A at the 5th fret. That, followed by an open-string G, is just gorgeous.
So, I rolled out of bed this morning and decided to try some improv around that simple combination.
If you listen to the song, there are a total of two instruments used: (1) A gorgeous FD14 recently purchased from an OFC'er, and (2) my voice (not nearly so gorgeous, but serviceable). However, Audacity permits you to play one "track" simultaneously with others, so it sounds like several instrumentalists at the same time. For example, I used five different recordings of my voice (at about 4:25 or so) just to make a chord. Using A, Low F, C and High F.
The methodology was pretty simple: Record the various "backing" sounds that I wanted -- either guitar progressions or voice "chords," then record an improvised solo in the key of the backing track. Put 'em all together.
I have found no downsides to using the software. It is extremely flexible, even to the point of allowing you to edit out mistakes and wrong notes. When you do LOTS of improvisation, this is doable, and even makes sense sometimes. You can even jam with your growing composition, by using headphones. I didn't in this case, but you can.
About the "song.": Hard to call it a "song," really, since it's all made up on the spot. You will notice an unpolished, unfocused quality to it, of course, because there was no plan whatsoever before playing and recording it. Or, if there was, it could be simply stated as : "Improvise off that cool chord you discovered". In other words, it truly was completely made up as I went along. I even made up the title only after hearing the final result. Perfectly backwards, I know.
However, I think this demonstrates the power of Audacity. I've produced others like this (also on the ning site), and I like some of 'em and dislike others. The point is, however, that if you're like me, music taste-wise, you will understand how Audacity can work for you to:
1) Explore new ideas, progressions, patterns, chords, harmonies
2) Make demo material to show others what you like to play
3) Tweak recorded material that you might have.
4) Do as I did today, or write a REAL song and bring it to life; in at least demo-able form.
Equipment used:
------------------------------------------------
1) One FD14 guitar
2) One $7 microphone
3) My voice
4) Audacity software on my computer system and some other basic software
Details:
------------------------------------------------
The "work" sequence is roughly as follows:
1) Turn on Sound Recorder
2) Record one or more "tracks" (playing or singing)
3) Bring the track(s) into Audacity
4) Arrange beginning and end of tracks into your "composition" by moving around when they start in the song
5) Save, and convert to MP3.
That's it! Very, VERY easy.
And, best of all: Audacity is free!
So, of course, I'd love to hear your impressions. All's fair. Not a problem if you hate it and wish to tell me so. I'm nearly impossible to offend.
Thanks, All!
Alan |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | Hey Alan,
I'm trying to work with Audacity myself and having marginal success. The price is right, though. I need to learn to convert to mp3, but don't have anything worthy yet. Thanks for the further insight. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by darkbarguitar:
Hey Alan,
I'm trying to work with Audacity myself and having marginal success. The price is right, though. I need to learn to convert to mp3, but don't have anything worthy yet. Thanks for the further insight. Hi, DBG! Good luck with it! It does open up a LOT of possibilities. Let me know if I can help.
Alan |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 489
| I used Audacity to record my last demo. I had been using n-Track, but the computer hosting it died completely. Figured I'd give Audacity a try. I did get the tracks converted to mp3, but having done so over a year ago, I have no idea how I did it, sorry.
As for the quality, on one of your tracks in particular the seven dollar mic is really making it's presence known. If nothing else, I'd upgrade the mic.
I'm curious as to why you're recording to the computer's sound recorder and not recording directly to Audacity. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by Losov:
I used Audacity to record my last demo. I had been using n-Track, but the computer hosting it died completely. Figured I'd give Audacity a try. I did get the tracks converted to mp3, but having done so over a year ago, I have no idea how I did it, sorry.
As for the quality, on one of your tracks in particular the seven dollar mic is really making it's presence known. If nothing else, I'd upgrade the mic.
I'm curious as to why you're recording to the computer's sound recorder and not recording directly to Audacity. Hi, Losov! You're absolutely right about the mic. Upgrading it is the next step -- if, that is, I want to try to do something more serious with Audacity.
To make the mp3, click on the "Edit" menu, then the "Export to mp3" menu item.
THIS experiment was to explore the editing capabilities of the software, which I thought were pretty impressive. I'm guessing that Audacity won't get you to a professional-quality recording -- I'm not qualified to make that assessment -- but it DOES help me in terms of putting together ideas and sequences. And, on a budget.
Thanks for the idea about recording directly into Audacity. I'll give it a try and see if it compensates a bit for the LOW-end mic!
I'll let you know what I come up with. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 489
| Alan, check your PMs. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by darkbarguitar:
I need to learn to convert to mp3, but don't have anything worthy yet. You need to have an MP3 encoder installed. There is a LAME MP3 CODEC made for Audacity available as a separate download . When you install it, the installation will place a library file (lame_enc.dll) in the root Audacity directory (in Win systems that would be (root disk):/Program Files/Audacity/
The first time you ask Audacity to export an mp3, it will ask you where the encoder is located - just point it to the lame_enc.dll file. After that, unless you move that library file, Audacity will know where to look for the instructions it needs to create an mp3. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by G8r:
Originally posted by darkbarguitar:
I need to learn to convert to mp3, but don't have anything worthy yet. You need to have an MP3 encoder installed. There is a LAME MP3 CODEC made for Audacity available as a separate download . When you install it, the installation will place a library file (lame_enc.dll) in the root Audacity directory (in Win systems that would be (root disk):/Program Files/Audacity/
The first time you ask Audacity to export an mp3, it will ask you where the encoder is located - just point it to the lame_enc.dll file. After that, unless you move that library file, Audacity will know where to look for the instructions it needs to create an mp3. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | thanks g8r :) You may regret furnishing me with that info |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | (oh, grEAt...) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | Originally posted by Weaser P:
(oh, grEAt...) -1 :mad: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | Your latest, "Sound Waves" is really cool, Alan. It takes me to a sort of "John Abercrombie" space... Pretty exotic "backing sounds" there. What did you use? I've been listening to the other tracks too: are those real voices or do you have a stealth synthesizer going? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | I use Audacity extensively. My main use for it is for recording keyboard improvs I do and then I can go back later and pick out little gems I find in them to develop into themes. I used to do that every single Sunday morning before my life got turned upside down last spring. I would get up around 4:00, make some coffee and head for the studio. The first thing I would do is fire up the synth (Alesis QS 8.2) and hit 'record' on Audacity. I would just sit and improv for a couple hours with the computer recording it.
I also use it for regular multi-track recording and dubbing too. It does a pretty good job of accurately recording and reproducing the sound of whatever instrument I am playing. I have a gazillion other programs I can then use to tweak or modify those sounds after they are recorded. Audacity's simplicity and versatility are what make it indispensable to me. Oh, for creating WMA, and MP3 files, etc. I use another program called 'Any Audio Converter' It does a much better job than the Lame3 converter. Just my 2 cents worth... |
|
| |
For your consideration: a song made with Audacity
