Many leisure-time music groups have thought about creating a virtual performance for their members to take part in, but are unsure where to start or are unfamiliar with the software. In this webinar, we take a look at the process of mixing audio files and demonstrate some of the software available.
Find out about:
- Best practices for receiving and organising audio files
- A walk-through of the key features in Audacity – a free, open source multi-track audio editing software for Mac and PC computers
- A guide to editing, mixing and exporting a virtual recording, including importing audio, syncing each part, mixing levels, experimenting with effects and exporting the final piece to a desired file type
- A look into publishing an audio performance online, including platform choices
If you're looking for help with a particular task, simply jump to the following timecodes:
00:00:00 - Where to download Audacity: www.audacityteam.org
00:01:19 - Launch Audacity for the first time
00:02:13 - Import your first audio file
00:05:10 - Audacity’s key features
00:20:23 – Import and synchronise all parts
00:26:22 – Trim unwanted audio from the start and end of the performance
00:29:40 – Mix audio levels
00:38:15 – Automate level adjustments within the performance (i.e. increase a performer’s level for a solo)
00:40:48 – Automate fade-outs or fade-ins at the end or start of the performance
00:43:49 – Add effects to individual parts
00:48:19 – Export the final performance
00:52:48 – Options for publishing audio (Soundcloud, Mixcloud, Headliner – tool for turning your audio file into an ‘Audiogram’ ideal for publishing on social media)
00:58:18 – Q&A
Further reading and resources:
- Audio mixing for virtual performances (how-to guide)
- How to use Audacity to mix a virtual performance
- Recording audio at home
- Planning a virtual performance
- Digital storage solutions
We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
